Fête Accompli! : The Ultimate Guide to Creative Entertaining

Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!!!!
Review: Finally, a book that can guide even the most socially challenged through an utterly fabulous evening. Ms. Shriftman et al have clearly brought years of festive expertise to bear on this "must have" instruction manual for throwing incredible and delicious parties for any and every occasion. In fact, the occasions suggested are reason enough alone to snatch this up. Very creative and original. I'm reccomending to all my partying friends!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Only for those with very large budgets and very large venues
Review: I waited anxiously to get my copy of this book after reading the great reviews, only to be very dissapointed. I felt like I was reading the entertainment section of People magazine. There are some fun ideas, but very unrealistic. Let's face it, I'm not going to "hire a construction worker to build levels into an open space and turn each one into a lounge...", or rent out a private airport runway. Sounds like fun, but very unrealistic.

And the food! Doughnuts stacked for a birthday cake? McDonald's hamburgers cut into quarters served with take-out fries in martini glasses? Cheez Wiz on Triscuits? Mini Twinkies? Rice Krispie Treats with add-ins? Perhaps the celebs think that it's trendy, but do they actually even eat at these parties? I know that my guests do, and they'd think that I'd completely lost my mind if I served anything like this. And they'd all be sure to eat before they left their houses next time. (The cocktails are equally as bad -- Bubbling for Apples -- bobbing for apples in a vat of champagne, Candy Flavored Martini Bar with Gummy Bears and Jolly Ranchers for garnish.)

I do have to say that there are a few helpful tips on flower and candle arranging, and invitations that I will be happy to have, but honestly, that's it. I agree with a previous reviewer, a great book for sorority girls on a large budget.

Rating:
Summary: Useless!
Review: I will also be returning this book. I am an event planner and I'm always looking for new ideas. There is nothing in this book for me. If you plan events for sororities, you may be able to use it. And the photos of celebrities, what's that about?

Rating:
Summary: Huge Disappointment
Review: If you can afford to implement the ideas in this book you don't need to buy the book you need to hire a party planner. I was not impressed with the party photos of "important" people. I returned the book immediately.

Rating:
Summary: Can't Wait to Try it All!
Review: If you want to know how to throw a small gathering for a group of friends or a huge event this is the book you need! From the chic tips to the amazing recipes this book has it all and you don't need to look anywhere else. I could not stop reading each chapter and every time I got to a new case study it made me want to throw that type of party (especially the adorable hangover brunch & the mani pedi beauty party). Next week I am going to make my first attempt & try the Indian themed dinner party. What makes me really like the book is that everything seems realistic and you can do them on any budget. Lara & Elizabeth seem not only informed on the subject, but true experts on how to entertain.

Rating:
Summary: Genius!
Review: Loved this book so much, haven't even finished reading it and I want to use all of Elizabeth's and Lara's party tips! No wonder I throw such bad parties -- I had no clue before I dove into Fete Accompli! Looking forward to being the first girl on the block to throw a mani-pedi party!

Rating:
Summary: watch out martha
Review: so amazing....... i am going to throw a party asap. these girls have it going on..........

Rating:
Summary: Poor Poor Poor
Review: Somebody obviosly wanted to pad the reviews to make this appealing. All of the "good" reviews appeared over a 3 day period. After people actually started buying the book the reviews go way down. Buyer beware.......

Rating:
Summary: Not worth buying!
Review: This book does not deliver any new ideas or hints on how to entertain. What I find very disappointing is the book's styling; most photos are black and white, small and not very good. You can't even see the decoration suggestions very well and to me they look very loveless. All in all the book looks very old-fashioned in a kind of nineteen-sixties look - but not in a nice retro way... Another negative point is that there are just a few recipes - and they are not very original. The only good thing in the book is the resource guide in the back.

Rating:
Summary: DEFINITELY A MUST RESOURCE FOR THE PERFECT PARTY
Review: This book is so much fun! It's creative, entertaining and instructional. Not your typical party planning guide. Not only are Lara Shriftman and company full of unique ideas, but they are also connected to the "in" party scene and know how to cater to them. The resources and guides are easy to follow and the extra tidbits are juicy.