Joe Nye Flair

With one glance at our bookshelves, you would guess that I am of the opinion that one can ever have too many books on entertaining. While the basics tend to remain the same, individual interpretation of an intimate gathering is what creates memorable moments in our life.

I recently had the pleasure of spending a few hours with L.A. based interior designer and party planner Joe Nye to talk about his new book Flair (Rizzoli). After years of offering advice to both clients and friends on how to create smashing get-togethers, Joe decided to commit his ideas and advice to paper.

Flair is divided into three sections—flowers, paper and table settings. Beautiful photographs—a breezy beach cocktail gathering, a casual red, white, and blue patriotic sit-down, and an elegant black-and-white supper—bring the book to life. A shopping resource completes this charming guide for those who relish the joy of entertaining. Only 8 x 8 in size, it is the perfect book to have on hand this summer; whether you find yourself entertaining or being entertained by others.