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9780778802549

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Reviews

This book is a must for anyone looking to give their dining table a professional look.--Peggy Fallon Project Foodie (12/03/2010)

Anyone who knows anything about catering knows that presentation is just as important as the food. Enter Denise Vivaldo, a versatile culinary pro who has catered over 10,000 parties. Her last book, The Entertaining Encyclopedia, gave us menus and recipes for just about every conceivable occasion. Instead of a new collection of recipes, Perfect Table Settings features hundreds of easy, creative ideas for complementary table arrangements, and comprehensive, step-by-step color photos of how to achieve just about any napkin fold you have ever seen -- from basic to vaguely origami. This book is a must for anyone looking to give their dining table a professional look -- without the angst, and without spending a fortune.-- (12/03/2010) Denise Vivaldo is a walking talking cooking/kitchen styling maven. I've been reading about her life as a caterer and food stylist for a while now. I got to hear her speak at a conference I attended last year. She is a one woman dynamo! With her book Perfect Table Settings, Denise has put years of catering experience in our hands. The table is definitely the gathering place fo ryour guests, so why not put your best foot forward? A quick flip through the pages gives an impression that it is a napkin folding book. Don't buy that perusal at all. There is so much more than napkin folding in this book. You begin with an explanation of fabrics, their names, uses and best reasons for choosing which ones for venues. Yes, there are an abundance of folding techniques, use of napkin rings, monograms etc. You'll find What tails, Birds of Paradise, Tuxedo, Shawl, and a simple fan to name a few. In fact, I really believe you could go through every fold in the book and not have the same one for every Sunday in a year's time. However, as stated above, Ms. Vivaldo doesn't just share napkin folding with us. She sets out to give us a bit of finery in our lives. Even the humblest of tables can be improved with a bit of styling. Table settings, care and use of linens, the proper choice of dishware, when to use chargers and even how and when to rent the extras you may need. Want to set the tone of a party? Begin with the table setting, the linens and even something called a silence cloth. A silence cloth with dampen the noise at service of the clanking of silverware and dishes on the hard surface of a table. The noise will not interfere with conversation. Inside the book you will find a floral seasonality chart and tips on floral arranging. You'll enjoy the pages on types of parties, from children's to formal affairs. There is etiquette for the 21st century, and tips on host or hostess gifts. Also included are 25 table settings ready to copy, using found items in your home purchased items to set just the right effect for your theme. She include a few of her favorite recipes for many of the themed parties also. This book is a must have for party givers as well as those who want to ramp up their own family dinners. Who doesn't want their family to feel special, like you've invited royalty to your home, on occasion. We all love to be made to feel like we're the best guest ever and using the tips and techniques Denise shares in this tomb all of your guests will feel the love you feel for them. Perfect Table Settings is a must have reference book for your library.--Earthbound Chronicles (01/25/2011) Home economics not offered at your school? Here's your chance to catch up on napkin folding techniques, creating party favors, and setting a beautiful buffet table. Add flare to your holiday meals and parties. Denise Vivaldo's Perfect Table Settings has over 250 color photographs demonstrating the beautiful art of table decorating, flower arranging, and napkin folding. Divided into four parts, you'll learn how to festively spruce up your home for any occasion. Easy-to-follow instructions will fit any beginning decorator's needs, while advanced projects will keep advance designers busy. Family and friends will admire your decorating skills when you choose one of 25 theme party table settings for your next event (including Grecian Get-Together, German Feast, Italian Pasta Party, Hawaiian Luau, and Oscar Night). Need an idea for the perfect hostess gift or tips on 21st century etiquette? Follow Vivaldo's simple tips and entertaining will never be more fun!-- (12/01/2010)

Denise Vivaldo is a walking talking cooking/kitchen styling maven. I've been reading about her life as a caterer and food stylist for a while now. I got to hear her speak at a conference I attended last year. She is a one woman dynamo! With her book Perfect Table Settings, Denise has put years of catering experience in our hands. The table is definitely the gathering place fo ryour guests, so why not put your best foot forward? A quick flip through the pages gives an impression that it is a napkin folding book. Don't buy that perusal at all. There is so much more than napkin folding in this book. You begin with an explanation of fabrics, their names, uses and best reasons for choosing which ones for venues. Yes, there are an abundance of folding techniques, use of napkin rings, monograms etc. You'll find What tails, Birds of Paradise, Tuxedo, Shawl, and a simple fan to name a few. In fact, I really believe you could go through every fold in the book and not have the same one for every Sunday in a year's time. However, as stated above, Ms. Vivaldo doesn't just share napkin folding with us. She sets out to give us a bit of finery in our lives. Even the humblest of tables can be improved with a bit of styling. Table settings, care and use of linens, the proper choice of dishware, when to use chargers and even how and when to rent the extras you may need. Want to set the tone of a party? Begin with the table setting, the linens and even something called a silence cloth. A silence cloth with dampen the noise at service of the clanking of silverware and dishes on the hard surface of a table. The noise will not interfere with conversation. Inside the book you will find a floral seasonality chart and tips on floral arranging. You'll enjoy the pages on types of parties, from children's to formal affairs. There is etiquette for the 21st century, and tips on host or hostess gifts. Also included are 25 table settings ready to copy, using found items in your home purchased items

Author Information

Denise Vivaldo is a seasoned food professional who has catered more than 10,000 parties. She founded Food Fanatics, a catering, recipe-development and food-styling firm that has catered the Academy Awards, the Governor's Ball as well as many Hollywood wrap parties.

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