Pad Parties: The Guide to Ultra-Entertaining

by Matt Maranian, Robert Field (Illustrator), Jack Gould (Photographs)

The highly anticipated follow-up to Pad, the definitive guide to extreme domestic dcor, Pad Parties is the irreverent manual that will make any party an over-the-top entertainment sensation. Filled with deceptively simple and funky recipes for drinks, exotic garnishes, and appetizers, Pad Parties also includes ideas for enhancing the partyscape with music, ambient oddities, and creative homemade projects. Readers will learn how to transform a forlorn thrift store painting into an arty liquor larder and infuse their soirees with a gentle touch of surreal perversity by screening classroom safety films and Liberace variety shows. Concocted late in the night by a team on the leading edge of party style, the secrets to a happening scene are all here. With full-color photographs and illustrations, this is the perfect party guide for people with the distinctive and demanding sense of style that says, "That hideous vase would make a great swag lamp."

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Humor

160 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[B Schrodinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is a powerhouse of ideas for those like me who have tiki mugs, a shag rug (oh and Shag artwork), and a general love for the Retro. This is more 70's dirty mustache retro than mid century clean-cut retro, but it still brings the Retro.

The guide consists of many sections including art projects, party food, party drinks, gifts and even entertainment. It is a very thorough and well thought out guide to partying and entertaining the retro way. It is definitely not a one off novelty book with a few pictures and a magazine article or two interspersed.

I have used this guide myself over the years that I have had it and it has delivered on many promises.

In the drink section there is a 4 page guide to and recipes for punch. Not the stuff that your great aunt makes at parties, this is hard liquor mixed and dipped into. One birthday I made one called 'The Glue Sniffer', described to be high flying in a model aeroplane. It consisted of brandy, champagne and rum and certainly provided the entertainment. It was a slow worker, but my flight turned sour after I decided that eating 80% of my birthday cake was a great option. You can imagine the rest.

The recipes that I have tried are all sound, and with an emphasis on early prep so you can enjoy your party and not be stuck in the kitchen. The peanut butter balls are to die for.

But the section that has worked most in my life is the section on what music to play for your Pad Party. The author has introduced me to the soundtracks of late 60's Italian and Swedish films, as well as French Pop and other fab sounds.

So if you do happen to come across this book in a second hand bookstore or your library, pick it up. It is quite fabulous and your next party will be one that people talk about with many fond memories and some not so fond.

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so funny. It has everything from curing after-party hangovers to creating mood with music. Most of the recipies are totally doable, a plus for me who hates the gruntwork of cooking. I've used this book for parties, and I've always gotten rave reviews! Snaps for the hostess!

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe I bought this crazy book while my friend Anita and I were living together in El Segundo, CA. This book is hysterical-I added it under "green" b/c it's got some great ideas about how to use your everyday things, or thrift finds, kitsch or basically trash-in hilarious and entertaining ways. It's totally 70's and tacky and wonderful, and hysterical...

[george ross]

good inspiration

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lounge lizard lifestyle manual. The only problem with following the impeccable instructions herein is that I don't know enough savvy kitsch connoisseurs to invite to a party so swanky.