Occasions

Every occasion calls out for something extra, whether it's flowers you set on the table, foods to honor a special gathering, or the selection of music. For both hostess and guest, consideration of those around you is among the most important qualities for any enjoyable occasion. A smile and sense of humor are also essential, and before the canaps and night lighting a good hostess is ultimately defined by a welcoming and gracious demeanor. In Occasions, designer Kate Spade invites you into her world of easy, festive entertaining, where the emphasis is not on &quote;the perfect meal&quote; but on having &quote;the perfect time.&quote; It's a world where laughter and conversation at dinner parties are encouraged and where spilled red wine on the couch is no reason to stop the music. As Kate says, &quote;Making your guests feel at home is truly an art and it's one worth cultivating.&quote; Any occasion begins with preparation, and at the outset Kate describes such basic components as lighting (votive candles are a must); table linens, flatware, and glassware; flowers (trimmed short and tightly massed); even bedding for overnight or weekend guests. Party shopping lists, hors d'oeuvres and cocktail favorites, and dinner party menus are all included. An &quote;Alphabet of Special Events,&quote; from baby showers to tailgate picnics, is both anecdotal and useful for would-be hostesses everywhere. Whether you entertain a lot or a little, and whether your style is casual or formal, Occasions, with more than 230 charming watercolor illustrations, is a handy and fresh approach to the subject, a book to be treasured today and over the years. Above all, at any gathering &quote;hospitality makes for infectious fun.&quote;