The Table

by Diane Von Furstenberg, Stewart O'Shields (Photographer)

Along with the hosts' favorite recipes, 33 unique and inspiring dining situations are presented here. From Calvin Klein's country house to Dolly Parton's pied-a-terre, attention is paid to the presentation of meals, and to the linens, silver, china, crystal, and decorative accessories. The rooms are beautiful, and the choice of recipes is offbeat and amusing. 175 full-color photos.

154 pages, Hardcover

First published October 22, 1996

About the author

Diane von Fürstenberg (born Diane Simone Michelle Halfin) is a fashion designer best known for her hallmark wrap dress.

Reviews

[Hilary]

For my purposes, 10/10. My fav dishes were the crayfish bush and the baked potato with caviar, neither of which I would ever want to eat. There are a few recipes I would actually try, but the English Summer Pudding looks and sounds like actual garbage, though it was on a REALLY good table.
Overall, excellent tables. Very impressive what rich people with no real problems can come up with. Like I imagine a lot of their energy and thought must go into planning these tables as a way of expressing themselves to their other rich friends. Or whatever. This book is what the world had before social media gave us people like Becca Bloom.
In conclusion, I should be the one with all these fancy tables and foods; it should be ME.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining. Interesting to see how some very wealthy people choose to decorate and cook for their dinner guests. The recipes are not overly complicated, and the individual tastes in furnishings vary wildly, which is some form of entertainment in and of itself. The book is not meant as a commentary on privilege, but it might be one, in a way, although I'm certain the author wouldn't recognize that.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up at a library sale. A lovely book. It even has some recipes.