Entertaining Story, An

Style icon India Hicks - daughter of the late David Hicks and goddaughter to Prince Charles - is known for her irreverent take on style, which is a mix of her traditional British past and relaxed island present. In her previous books for Rizzoli, she invited readers into her homes on Harbour Island and in England, sharing decor inspiration and family anecdotes. Now in her latest book, she presents her own slightly madcap spin on entertaining, sharing parties and tabletops organised around meals, beginning with Let’s Start with a Drink to ending with The Great British Breakfast. In between there are birthday celebrations featuring her children through the years, a White Christmas in the Bahamas, a picnic lunch on the Thames, among many others. Like India, these parties are full of personality, from the Panic Dinner (or what to do when you suddenly have a crowd descending); to The Great English Breakfast (as demonstrated by her mother, Lady Pamela Hicks) to The Naked Cake (cake decorating for the time-challenged). Each celebration includes cleverly beautiful yet easily implemented advice and inspiration for place settings, homemade flower arrangements, table design and more. Each chapter also includes two delicious recipes from India’s chef, fondly known as Top Banana, from traditional English dishes such as Victoria Sponge and Chicken Pies to tropical treats such as The Marquess’ Banana Daquiri.