Perfect Parties

Book excerpt: Have you always wanted to throw a glamorous party, the kind you’ve heard about but only ever dreamt of attending? Now you can, with priceless tips and ideas from Linnea Johansson, one of New York City’s premier party planners. She's thrown over a thousand events big and small, from private affairs to celebrity blow-outs for stars like Jennifer Lopez, Donald Trump, Reese Witherspoon, Sean Combs, and Martha Stewart — and she’s ready to share the secrets to a successful party. Each colorful page of this festive guide is stylishly shot and packed with invaluable advice for your next get-together. Johansson covers everything, from invitations to decorations, hors d'oeuvres to desserts, guest lists to gift bags. This updated second edition includes a brand-spanking-new chapter all about the bar, including some of the trendiest new drinks and one-of-a-kind concoctions you won’t find in any other book — from hot toddies to refreshing, boozy snow cones, there’s a drink here for any time of the year. Whether you’re looking to throw the perfect birthday bash, New Year’s Eve extravaganza, anniversary surprise party, or just a quiet dinner party with close friends, Perfect Parties offers everything you need to know — and then some. With hundreds of recipes, décor ideas, invitation innovations, and planning tips, your parties will soon be the talk of the town.