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| Photo credit Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn |
I discovered Annette Joseph last year and have been following her blog every since. She has been responsible for styling many of the parties and entertaining photographs we admired in many national publications. When I heard she was writing a book, I waited with baited breath, because I knew from reading her blog it would be fabulous. I was not disappointed! I am happy to report that Picture Perfect Parties by Annette Joseph is undoubtedly my favorite entertaining book of all times.
I love entertaining even though I don't seem to find a lot of time to do. The good news is even the busiest person can pull off entertaining by following the instructions in this book. I love how it is written for the hostess who enjoys entertaining her friends, as well as simple family gatherings.
Annette is a seasoned professional stylist, who began her career twenty years ago working as an assistant stylist for a commercial photographer. She worked directly with the food stylist from day one. After a humble beginning sorting through 2000 buns, for the perfect match, for an Arby's advertising shoot, Annette's reputation catapulted her into a regular appearance on The Today Show and Martha Stewart Sirius Radio. Her trained eye is sought after by national publications like Better Homes and Garden, Epicurious, Southern Living, The Huffington Post and many, many more.
An expert on entertaining, cooking and styling, Annette's talents aren't limited to the kitchen. She decorated Gwyneth Paltrow's Nashville apartment, while the actress was filming on location for "Country Strong", read about that here. It was an amazing design job and one carried out with a limited production budget in record time. Read about it from Gwyneth's goop review here.
All in all, Annette Joseph has earned her stripes as a one of the top professional stylist in the country, as well as, a celebrated television spokesperson for entertaining. She willingly shares her top tips as a successful party maven in her book. If you like entertaining it's a must read! Annette gives you a detailed blueprint for creating parties with ease. In my opinion, Picture Perfect Parties is the new Bible of entertaining.
[read more after the break...]
Picture Perfect Parties makes me want to throw a party. The photographs are so beautifully styled by Annette and photographed by Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn. I found myself devouring every little detail of the pictures, as well as the written word. The book is so beautifully done, I felt as though I had attended one of Annette's famous parties.
Not only does Annette describe in detail everything needed to re-create the parties in the book, but also provides a detailed list of how to build an arsenal of entertaining supplies, complete with a tool box fit for a pro. Even the least experienced entertainer can pull off a great meal with ease by following Annette's instructions in the book.
Although, Picture Perfect Parties is written about parties, the recipes included in the book will work equally as well when preparing daily dinners for your family or special guests. They are not are time consuming or tedious. Annette believes in keeping things simple and elegant. She also shares her secret for the perfect party! It's quite simple she says, "love your guest, make them feel special and make great food that everyone will love to eat".
Roast Turkey
Annette provides her tricks of the trade, along with detailed steps of how to make napkin fans, paint a colorful tablecloth, make a custom table runner and many other ways to create a table your guest will admire.
Two of my favorite parties featured in the book were the Holiday Cocktail Open House and The White Party! Annette's recipes and ideas are new innovative and easy to
pull off. I especially liked her suggestion for takeaway gifts. Doesn't everyone like to have something they can take home? As a smart party planner, its those small details that have your guest lingering over warm thoughts of your party the next day.
It's obvious that Annette Joseph has an entertaining gene in her genetic makeup. Not only did she learn to love people with food from the apron tails of her glamorous Hungarian grandmother, but she carried on the tradition honoring guest and family while making memories with food. We are fortunate she is willing to share her experience and knowledge with us in Picture Perfect Parties.
If you aren't coming to High Point Market, I recommend you pick up a copy today!! I will warn you, it was sold out at two of the locals bookstores when I went to purchase it so I think it is hugely popular already even without being advertised. It can be purchased online here
Photography by Deborah Whitlaw (copyright)
Please do not use without giving credit
Styling by Annette Joseph
Food Styling by Marion Cooper Cairns
Assistant food stylist: Emily Vann
Published by Rizzoli International Publishers
Guess what! Because I love this book so much....
I am also giving away a copy to a lucky reader!!!!
Here's what you must to do enter:
Visit Annette's website here, watch the video and leave a comment as to why you want to win the Picture Perfect Parties! (make sure to say in the comment if you added extra ways to win) Leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. Contest limited to the US
For Extra Chances to Win:
Visit Annette's website here, watch the video and leave a comment as to why you want to win the Picture Perfect Parties! (make sure to say in the comment if you added extra ways to win) Leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. Contest limited to the US
[This Giveaway will run through next Wednesday, Oct. 23rd. I will announce a winner at 6pm that night. Until then check back daily for more Giveaways! It's going to be a week of Giveaways and Fun so stay tuned!!!]
For Extra Chances to Win:
Connect with Annette:
Website: Annette Joseph Style
Pinterest: Annette Joseph
Twitter: @AjosephStyle
Instagram: Annette Joseph Style
For even more ways to Enter to Win:
(I am in the High Point Style Spotter Contest and Need you to re-pin and like my picks starting today and running through the end of next week) Check Pinterest to see when I "pin"
Don't forget to "LIke" the page first then vote!
Each time you vote you are entered to win a $500
Giftcard from LampsPlus!!!!!
Dear Lisa, Annette is so talented and a very special woman.
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely love to have this entertaining book!
Xoxo
Karena
2013 Designer Series
Thank You Karena! You are right she is so kind!
DeleteThank you Lisa for the gorgeous review of my cookbook, you are so kind and it means the world to me. I look forward to seeing you at Highpoint! Cheers Axx
ReplyDeleteThank You Annette, can't wait to met you in person! See you soon in HIgh Point for the Book Signing Monday from 4-6 in the Market Sq Courtyard!!!
DeleteWow, great looking book and great give away! I already am connected in all ways to you but now I am connected to Annette as well. This book has just gone on to the top of my wish list. Thanks for sharing this gem with us.
ReplyDeleteLinda you will love this book! Miss you!
DeleteI can't wait to get my hands on this book! Aj is uber talented!
ReplyDeleteYes she is! Good Luck!
DeleteI loved this! Annette is able to provide practical and unique tips without feeling you need to spend a ton on new props to have the "picture perfect party". The information is sophisticated, yet practical, similar tools older Martha Stewart books, but with a wonderful warmth and freshness that pulls you in.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right!
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