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Entertaining With Elegance
PRE-ISBN
From the inside-front dustcover:
"Writing with the same good sense and frankness that made her ‘Elegance’ a best-seller, the directrice of the haute couture house of Nina Ricci now offers a complete alphabetical guide to every phase of entertaining – from simple buffets and balls, from choice of linens, china, and silverware to handling VIPs, latecomers, and weekend guests.
The way to do things elegantly is not as Madame Dariaux points out, just a matter of caviar and champagne; neither is true hospitality measured by the number of servants or courses. Here she shows how every woman with imagination, organisation and the right spirit can be a confident and complimented hostess. Whether it’s how to serve a really good cup of coffee or entertain in a one-room flat or plan a menu for a very special dinner party, you’ll find Madame Dariaux’s advice constantly practical and full of specific hints and suggestions that will make your occasions more enjoyable, tasteful and original.
Hostesses will also welcome such enlightening titbits as the glossary of French menu terms and the distinctions of a genuine gourmet, and will find frequent use for such handy reference aids as a check-list for guest bathrooms; a table of quantities; a run-down of cheeses; a basic guide to wines; quick tricks for unexpected occasions and a host of ideas for canapés, entrées, desserts and decorations.
‘Entertaining with Elegance,’ in short, is a bountiful helping of information and inspiration served up in a friendly, well-flavoured style."
From the inside-front dustcover:
"Writing with the same good sense and frankness that made her ‘Elegance’ a best-seller, the directrice of the haute couture house of Nina Ricci now offers a complete alphabetical guide to every phase of entertaining – from simple buffets and balls, from choice of linens, china, and silverware to handling VIPs, latecomers, and weekend guests.
The way to do things elegantly is not as Madame Dariaux points out, just a matter of caviar and champagne; neither is true hospitality measured by the number of servants or courses. Here she shows how every woman with imagination, organisation and the right spirit can be a confident and complimented hostess. Whether it’s how to serve a really good cup of coffee or entertain in a one-room flat or plan a menu for a very special dinner party, you’ll find Madame Dariaux’s advice constantly practical and full of specific hints and suggestions that will make your occasions more enjoyable, tasteful and original.
Hostesses will also welcome such enlightening titbits as the glossary of French menu terms and the distinctions of a genuine gourmet, and will find frequent use for such handy reference aids as a check-list for guest bathrooms; a table of quantities; a run-down of cheeses; a basic guide to wines; quick tricks for unexpected occasions and a host of ideas for canapés, entrées, desserts and decorations.
‘Entertaining with Elegance,’ in short, is a bountiful helping of information and inspiration served up in a friendly, well-flavoured style."
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1965
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 24, 2019
The height of elegance is making others around you feel comfortable. This rule carries over to one's entertaining as well as to one's person.
February 4, 2015
This book is a charming, useful, and delightful read, and is not as dated as I initially presumed, because Mme Dariaux's prime theme is of the funadmentality of good social manners. She sweetens the mind of her reader through her gentle, and very French, style of writing.
Social occasions from casual barbecues to formal balls are covered.
But what really proves to date is the question of what to eat. Food is subject to fashion as much as to improved methods of preservation, supply, and cooking. The other stark reminder of the date of this book is the mention of servants; though Mme Dariaux writes also for those of us not so fortunate to have staff. That in itself acts as a reminder that nowadays it can be very well worth hiring staff just for one evening, to cook and or serve dinner.
Like Rose Hennniker Heaton, Mme. Dariaux is first class on supplying those little extra ideas to increase the comfort and pleasure of an overnight house-guest.
Social occasions from casual barbecues to formal balls are covered.
But what really proves to date is the question of what to eat. Food is subject to fashion as much as to improved methods of preservation, supply, and cooking. The other stark reminder of the date of this book is the mention of servants; though Mme Dariaux writes also for those of us not so fortunate to have staff. That in itself acts as a reminder that nowadays it can be very well worth hiring staff just for one evening, to cook and or serve dinner.
Like Rose Hennniker Heaton, Mme. Dariaux is first class on supplying those little extra ideas to increase the comfort and pleasure of an overnight house-guest.
June 29, 2012
I found this book years ago and in a library book sale and love reading the words of wisdom from the mid '60's!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews