Celebrations: A Joyous Guide to Holidays from Past to Present

Holiday celebrations never go out of style. But creating memorable occasions takes a certain kind of panache -and a little inspiration. Now, you can host the best celebrations which you will enjoy as much as your friends and family do. Taking their cues from holidays past, celebration stylists Jim McCann and Jeanne Benedict guide you through a year of effortless entertaining -from one New Yearrs"s Eve to the next.In Celebrations, yours"ll discover holiday folklore and fascinating facts, such as the passionate origins of Valentiners"s Day or the firework-inspiring birth of the United States. McCann and Benedict then fashion their festivities according to honored traditions inspired by different moments in time. A 1920s Christmas takes you back to a time of lavish indulgence -but you can recreate this occasion with ease and within a budget. In 1969 man landed on the moon and children found gaily painted Easter Eggs hidden on Earth. And what better way to evoke a patriotic tribute than with a retro picnic from July 4, 1976hellip;Celebrations invites you into the heart of the holidays. Along with recipes and menus, yours"ll find innovative ideas for floral decorations, dramatic lighting effects, food presentation, and place settings. Detailed craft instructions make creating the scenes as simple and inexpensive as they are memorable.Let the festivities begin. Enjoy the best moments of life with Celebrations. A whole year of fabulous parties awaits.Celebrations will help you bring home the holidays with practical advise and fresh inspiration including: THEMES -innovative party ideas Full-color PHOTOGRAPHS -set the stage for each celebration Holiday HISTORIES -each dayrs"s auspicious origins Festive MENUS -to whet your guestsrs"s appetites Sublime RECIPES -feasts worthy of special occasions DEacute;COR -detailed crafting instructions help you create the perfect setting Party-planning BASICS -from floral elements to napkin folds