Fearless Entertaining - Hardcover

Williams, John David; Strange, Catherine Hansen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0978836618 ISBN 13: 9780978836610

Publisher: Fearless Entertaining Pr Llc, 2006

Synopsis

To entertain is to share. Whether you are sharing your home, talents, food or yourself, entertaining is the most wonderful and warmest way to give. Seldom is anything more pleasant than getting together with people you enjoy. Feeling confident hosting one of these gatherings can be more rewarding than you could ever imagine. Over the years as we have worked with clients and entertained in our own homes, we have been amazed at how others wish to entertain more often, or to entertain at all. However, the obstacles which they feel are keeping them from doing so are numerous. Their concerns range from not having the correct serving pieces, right location, and knowledge of basic etiquette, to the overall fear of failure. Where as a society have we gotten so off-track? When did it become more important to get it right than to get together at all? What is right, anyway? And who said so? We have found that the fondest memories people enjoy recalling are those of entertaining and being entertained. But when asked to recall the least favorite memories of the past 60 days few could recall any. What does that say about the power of hospitality? Could it be that the warmth of someone's home, the kindness of being extended an invitation, the breaking of bread with new friends, as well as old, can rise far above the memories of boredom, concerns or pain? If so, what would happen if we all committed to entertain more? Think what it might do for our streets and neighborhoods if all decided to get together more often. How might this affect our communities? What a wonderful goal and easy to achieve - but first we must get past the fear of entertaining and concern for those things that just do not matter. It all begins with this book. There is nothing good about fear and it can easily be conquered by the growing joy, confidence and enthusiasm these pages will give you. Step-by-step, you will learn how to first take time for yourself, and then, with a relaxed attitude, apply your own personality and style to your own events. Get Ready to Fearlessly Entertain!

About this title

About the Author

John David Williams, a native Mississippian with over fifteen years' experience in interior design and event-coordinating, brings an undeniable style to all he does. Whether his elegant classic design in interiors or his over-the-top approach in event lighting and florals it has been noted that John David's style, though apparent, never compromises the identity of his client. First recognized throughout the Southeast for his beautiful weddings, John David is sought after for his exceptional eye for fine detail and consults in every aspect of entertaining and design. He is the owner of Designs by John David Williams and resides in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Catherine Hansen Strange, who professionally came from a women's fashion background, found herself creating invitations, stationery and packaging design at the request of clients and friends, this making her the third generation of her family involved in creative paper and printing. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Catherine has lived in the Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Northwest, Texas, and Mississippi. She has also spent a great deal of time in Manhattan. It is the exposure to the exceptional hosts in these different regions that Catherine attributes her love for entertaining and capability for mixing styles. Her work has been described as the unexpected yet always appropriate . She currently lives in Mississippi with her husband Randall, and their four children.

From the Inside Flap

Entertaining is an art form that can be intimidating whether you are a seasoned host, a novice, or somewhere in between. Regardless of your entertaining savvy, Fearless Entertaining can help you refine your skills and become a bolder host. Authors John David Williams and Catherine Hansen Strange share simple guidelines for planning and implementing your next gathering, while emphasizing the importance of having fun. They base their advice on personal experiences and challenges in coordinating and assisting events for more than 36 years combined. Along with their easy-to-follow tips, this book covers the elements of successful gatherings, from informal to formal and from small, intimate parties to extravagant galas. You will find yourself referring to the book's more than 400 photos for creating your own party themes and experimenting with decorating ideas. The book also answers questions about flowers, menus, invitations, table settings and more. We all aspire to be good hosts, even if it's for a family holiday dinner. Let Fearless Entertaining inspire you and prepare you to entertain with more confidence, less effort and no fear.Jacket Design: Tishomingo Tree Press Fearless Entertaining Press, LLC Jacket Photography: Brent Wallace Authors Photograph: Robinson Photography Jacket Text: Amy Sproles Smith Printed in The United States of America www.fearlessentertaining.com

Edition details

• Publisher: Fearless Entertaining Pr Llc
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0978836618
• ISBN 13: 9780978836610
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240