The Perfect Host by William Yeoward

William Yeoward has perfected the art of entertaining and in his latest book, The Perfect Host, he tells you how to give memorable parties.

William Yeoward does lots of things really well and he clearly has a passion for entertaining. His tables are always beautifully dressed with carefully chosen china and glassware. But giving a good party is all in the detail and The Perfect Host is an excellent party planner taking you through the whole process from compiling a guest list and sourcing suitable invitations to pulling the party together.

Firstly, in William's book, there are two things to remember. Have fun and when the party is over, make sure you sit down for a moment and mull it over. There is nothing more depressing that heading straight into the kitchen to start washing up.

SAGE ADVICE

With no doubt many many parties under his belt, William Yeoward is the master of entertaining and his sound advice is brought together in this useful book, which is part party planner, partly advice on designing and theming a party along with lots of practical asides.

If you've got too many guests coming, you can always extend an existing table with a false table top. Get a board cut, making sure that it doesn't overhang the table by more than 20 cm at either end and then cover it with felt, so that it doesn't scratch the table underneath.

Use place cards, it's easier for your guests and the host and means
that everyone will settle down to eat fairly swiftly. Follow William's suggestion and
use luggage labels tied around a napkin with string or raffia.

MIX AND MATCH

William Yeoward certainly encourages mixing different styles of tableware but in order to give a sense of uniformity, make sure that everyone is served the course on matching plates. Think outside the box when laying the table. A long mirror down the
centre looks fabulous at night with the light from candles reflecting
from it. Rather than use a tablecloth, find a throw or rug that could do the job just as well but in an attention grabbing way.

If you're planning flowers, keep the centrepiece arrangement below 8 cm so that your guests can talk across the table. Keep the flowers simple, using just two colours and foliage and try to avoid scented flowers as this could spoil the flavours of your food.

& MORE

There are inspirational themes for parties, casual suppers and tea parties, alongside twenty of William's favourite recipes. You can also record details of your parties as well as keep recipes and notes safe.

The Perfect Host is the perfect gift for anyone with a passion for entertaining and with a box of William Yeoward's place name cards and thank you cards, you can be the perfect guest.

Publication details:
Cico Books
£14.69
ISBN 1907030018
Buy from Amazon

For more information on William Yeoward and his collection of fabric, furniture, lighting and crystal, visit www.williamyeoward.com.

16 September 2009