A Flair for Entertaining
“I grew up in rural Nebraska – literally in the middle of nowhere – yet my parents managed to carve out a pretty sophisticated lifestyle for themselves. Each month, they hosted a black-tie dinner party, for which my mother cooked a beautiful meal – on her own, without any help.
Yellow Foral Fun
She bought fresh, seasonal flowers, which she arranged, simply, but neatly.
Colorful Combination - Mottahedeh and Charlotte Moss
The table was set with one of her many collections of china, silver, and freshly ironed linen tableclothes and napkins. Nothing was showy – just elegant and comfortable.”
Tea for Eight at Four
For all of us who aren’t like Mrs. Nye, Flair: Exquisite Invitations, Lush Flowers and Gorgeous Table Settings by her fabulously talented son, Joe, is a party thrower’s must-have. Needless to say, with the holiday season just a few months away, our copy is becoming dog-eared.
Joe Nye - The Party Guy
Not only does Joe cover the important aspects of table settings, invitations, party favors and flowers, but he shares a few short-cuts (grocery store blooms – oh my!) and quick fixes (pre-printed invitations – gasp!) to create a memorable event.
Pressed Linens and Pretty Placecards
Joe believes that as a host, it’s easy to forget that “thoughtful” and “lovely” aren’t the same as “perfect” – so get out your water pitchers for your bouquets and serve your soup out of coffee cups… but be careful never to equate casual with sloppy.
So Chinoiserie Chic!
This book is a gem, a page-turner filled with beautiful pictures and practical suggestions and a wonderful source of inspiration for us all. In our minds, Joe Nye is the Party Guy!
P.S. He’s also the Interior Guy (just in case you didn’t know!)
Joe Nye - The Interior Guy
Photos from Flair, Velvet & Linen and House Beautiful
11 Comments
I remember reading a review of this book that highlighted some of Joe’s amazing tips and ideas, and thinking….”I should get this book!” I think it was a clever invite with good stock and sharpies…anyway, thanks for jogging my memory, I need all the help I can get around the holidays, and this book looks like a great place to start!
I love that story about your mom. No doubt a tribute to simple, beautiful, creativity, welcoming and class 🙂
I’ve GOT to get that book!
XO,
Kelly
Love this book and love this post!
LOVE this book – have been flipping through for weeks now. He makes it look so easy when of course we all know otherwise. Especially love the Colorful Combination – Mottahedeh and Charlotte Moss – goes perfectly with your lovely plum post.
Quintessence – I know, someone said the same thing in the office today about the Plum post. Totally unintentional but I guess I have the color on my mind!
Carolyn,
I love the review on this book, but I’m even more impressed by your mother. I can’t wait to meet her. I have a thing about inviting people into my home…I must cook everything homemade. It is just my style….sounds like it was (maybe it still is) your mother’s too! I take a lot of pride in preparing a menu and whipping up the meal. I love cooking and it comes easy to me, even though it is a lot of work. I may have to grab this book for new ideas.
Hi Lisa and Kelly,
The first paragraph is actually a quote taken from Joe’s book – he’s the one who grew up in Nebraska with fabulous parents who hosted monthly parties. My mother threw her fair share, as well, but hasn’t written a book! Sorry about the confusion!
xxoo
wonderful photos! I especially love the interior of the last image 🙂
Win a $75 gift certificate giveaway at Creative Fashion!
Joe had me with the cover….and the minute it arrived, I read it like a novel. It sits proudly in my kitchen with my pink Eddie Ross glasses…as a daily reminder that hospitality is an art. And one that I love! xoxo Elizabeth
I just left you an “award” and linked you in my post today 🙂
http://lifeat5feet.blogspot.com/
Happy Monday! I can’t wait to see “what mood I’m in”!!
XO,
Kelly
Another book I simply must have! Gorgeous pictures and great information–sounds like a keeper!