Ever wish you could host a glamorous bash like the ones covered in People magazine? You can—with tips and ideas from Linnea Johansson, party planner extraordinaire. She's thrown celebrations hosting some of the biggest names in the Big Apple, including Jennifer Lopez, Donald Trump, Reese Witherspoon, Sean Combs, and Martha Stewart. And on these fully-illustrated and festive pages is her best advice for planning a fabulous event. She covers everything from invitations to decorating, from hors d'oeuvres to cocktails. So look no further for ways to create a New Year's Eve extravaganza, birthday blowout, or even just a very special night out with friends. Whatever questions you have, Linnea has the answers. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Despite New York party planner Johansson's familiarity with planning lavish events, the ideas incorporated in this book are eminently doable by ordinary people with limited budgets and experience. The first half of the book is dedicated to the art of planning all aspects of a party: theme, timing, table settings and seating, etiquette, venue, budgeting, guest lists, and invitations. The second half covers four complete party types-cocktail, brunch, buffet, and dinner-and offers copious recipes for each. Full-page color photos of mouthwatering food and drinks and colorful table settings are generously interspersed throughout. Unique recipes, such as Rhubarb and Pear Pie with Gorgonzola and Chive Waffles with Horseradish Cream, are sophisticated yet easy to prepare. This work covers nearly everything a person would need to confidently plan a successful party. Different twists and turns on favorite cocktails are abundant, but the host or hostess will have to consult another source for imaginative nonalcoholic drinks. Recommended.-Ann Weber, Bellarmine Coll. Preparatory Lib., San Jose, CA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information