It's Just a Dinner Party: A Modern Approach to Entertaining with Style and Ease

Rating:
Summary: It's just insulting!
Review: I am rating this book a 0. The book is a complete waste of ink (and film - the photos appears to have been taken by an elementary school graduate of photography). It's written by a couple of unsophisticated authors who really don't know how to throw a party, but pretend they do. Every sentence is an insult and the tone of the book is haughty, obnoxious, and goofy. How many times do I need to reminded to throw out the thrash after the party? Or better yet, on some pages, before the party??? Next time I decide to waste money on a book, it will on a Martha Stewart publication sans insults and corny jokes.

I would give this book to an enemy just to torture them.

Rating:
Summary: Simple, Encouraging and Likeable
Review: I like this book very much.
I find its message of relaxing and enjoying entertaining while treating your guests well to be encouraging, positive, and hard to find fault with.
The basics covered are helpful and while sure, some is just common sense, I know far too many people who let common sense fly directly out the window when it comes to entertaining! (Honestly, I can't count how many invitations I've received that are missing vital information or have vague dress instructions... Or how many times I've had to introduce myself to other guests, or witnessed hosts panic over spilled red wine...) -- Basic, common sense advice may seem pedantic or even unnecessary to some, but I think common sense never goes out of style and is perfectly appropriate in this type of primer.
I found the writing style pleasant and encouraging and like the simple photos mostly of people (although the paper quality is fairly low so the photos look a little grainy ....
On the whole, I appreciate this book, the basics it covers and its encouraging, refreshing message. It's especially ideal for anyone nervous about or new to entertaining. This book shares the basics of entertaining while encouraging readers to have fun, be kind and embrace their own personal style.

Rating:
Summary: It's just insulting!
Review: The authors mistakenly believe the reader would be interested in ad nauseum details of their personal partying! Nothing new or inspired in this tiny book.

Rating:
Summary: Good Basic Primer on Entertaining
Review: This is a book with simple, basic advice for the beginning entertainer, is a good reference point and makes hosting seem fun. It's a nice step up from the "Dummies" guides which are more encyclopedic and dull, but probably not useful for people who already entertain frequently who are looking for more of a style-guide, which this isn't. This book is great for beginning hosts who are looking for a primer on hosting without being overwhelmed with minute information or frightened off by intimidating style.