Classic Entertaining - Tapa dura

Like no other designer, Lady Henrietta offers classic elegance for entertaining. In her newest book, she shares personal tips for setting the mood, giving each guest a pleasant view, choosing the patterns and glassware, and finally, arranging the table with settings, flowers, place cards, and all the small touches that make guests feel welcome. Two dozen dinners, brunches, outdoor picnics, and holiday parties are beautifully planned in full-color photographs showing every detail of each room. Lady Henrietta brings her impeccable taste to lunch in a loft, Valentine's dinner, a farmhouse brunch, and entertaining in some of England's most glorious estates. Text and photographs set the scene for each event, including the decor of the dining room as well as the tablescape. Text features explain the often mysterious details of tabletop tradition--finger bowls, salt cellars, meat carving, and habits of using utensils--that are sometimes seen today. Dozens of tips on the use of candles, napkins, centerpieces, and sideboards make "Classic Entertaining" a valuable book for anyone who entertains in the home. In any kind of room, with any dinnerware, Lady Henrietta's expert advice helps create an elegant, classic occasion.

Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill is the eldest daughter of the 11th Duke of Marlborough, whose family home is Blenheim Palace. She runs the highly successful interior design company Woodstock Designs, undertaking commissions worldwide. Her fabric and wallpaper collections, marketed as Spencer-Churchill Designs Ltd., are available through Grey Watkins in the United States. She has also designed two collections of fabrics and wallpapers for Marvic Textiles Ltd.