Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #791029 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Review
" Even if, like me, you don't know how to cook, you're going to have a wonderful time reading Nan Kempner's highly enjoyable R.S.V.P. Mrs. Kempner takes us into the houses of some very swell people, most of whom you've read about in the papers. She gives you a little dish about the hostesses and occasional hosts, tells you what they eat, and how their cooks cooked it and their staff served it. The photographs are a treat, truly a bit of social history."
-- Dominick Dunne
" A glamorous, amusing, and informative look at how some of the most notable hosts and hostesses in the world deliciously water and feed their discerning guests. Nan Kempner is the perfect one to write such a book because she is a hostess who is just as famous as they are for her groaning boards and her unique knowledge of the art of entertaining."
-- Aileen Mehle

Synopsis
Anyone who's ever wanted to entertain like the cream of society will treasure this lavish cook-book that showcases the dinner party magic of the world's great hosts and hostesses, from the most celebrated hostess of them all. Nan Kempner, the reigning queen of New York society, is renowned for her passion for stylish entertainment. In her first book, R.S.VP, she profiles two dozen of her favourite hosts and hostesses and presents an exclusive glimpse into their lives, houses, and glorious ways of entertaining. With photographer Quentin Bacon in tow, Nan attended parties both intimate and grand from Venice to San Francisco. Through her discerning eyes we enjoy cocktail tidbits in diplomatic circles with Deeda Blair in D.C., a ladies' luncheon with Princess Marie Chantal of Greece, and Lynn Wyatt's Texas-sized cookout, to name just a few. R.S.VP. takes us inside some of the most beautiful houses in the world, many photographed here for the first time.

And best of all, Nan has persuaded these gifted hosts to part with their closely guarded recipes and to divulge their tried-and-true approaches to creating elegant but lively gatherings that are a wonderful experience for guests and hosts alike.

Customer Reviews

THE TASTE OF DREAM
This book is the epitomy of the " plaisir culinaire ", plus the total experience of entertaining.Nan Kempner definitively knows her subject. The recipies will satisfy the most refined taste buds,and the photography is informative as it is beautiful.With the extra bonus of Amazon's excellent service, you may treat a special friend, mother, daughter, and yourself to a beautiful, useful and memorable publication." Bon Appetit " !