A Screaming Blast: Exceptional Entertaining

by Rebecca Gardner, Adam Kuehl (Photographer), Sofia Coppola (Foreword)

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Maria Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I worship this woman, but I have to say, the book was ‘meh’. The pictures were small and honestly I get way more ‘wow’ by subscribing to her newsletter. Several times in the book she repeats herself, reiterating the same details about an event on different pages. I blamed it on lazy editing, but it’s pretty lame in a book of this length. It’s an expensive one day read highlighting big money extravaganzas. I’d like to have had more tips on hosting within the average person’s price bracket.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you on a journey through twenty of the author's most fabulous parties, ranging from big weddings to intimate dinner gatherings. It illustrates how a party can be a perfect blend of theater and intimacy. The photographs throughout the book create the sensation of stepping into a kaleidoscope, filled with color, texture, and playfulness. The author’s reflections reveal the thoughtfulness that underpins the glamour. One chapter transports us to the Napa Valley Wine Train, where a rolling dinner party unfolds, complete with brass bands and candlelight. Another chapter features a holiday gathering that embraces a playful theme with pink poodles, retro candy towers, and a nod to kitsch, making for an unforgettable evening.

The book is beautifully illustrated with photography, and Sofia Coppola's foreword sets the stage for what follows. The author discusses every detail, from invitations and lighting choices to music, emphasizing that all these elements matter just as much as décor in transforming a dinner into a cherished memory. While the book is packed with creative ideas, it also conveys a more profound message: entertaining should be lively and meaningful.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...

[madi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother