How to Do It: Or the Lively Art of Entertaining

Whether it’s time for high camp or high tea, celebrated dishes or celebrity dish, Miss Maxwell delivers tips on entertaining that are entertainment enough in this classic, camp period piece, as relevant today to hosts and hostesses as it was when it was originally published in 1956. The ultimate book on entertaining, How to Do It dishes on what to do about bachelors as guests, not inviting the family, uncomfortable greetings, inebriates, and countless other factors that could potentially prevent your party from being This Year’s Important Affair.
Want to give a party? Darling, the cocktail party is so over. Miss Maxwell shares her secrets to livening up your soiree, from scavenger hunts to tea parties in the afternoon. The party bible for hostesses who can’t stand another humdrum fete: How to Do It includes recipes (among others, dishes such as Andalusian Gazpacho a la Joan Fontaine and Cole Porter’s Cherry Compote ), advice (Steer clear of bores. Really.), and trouble-shooting potential disasters (your guest is dominating the conversation―you’ll need to stop him now!). Don’t even contemplate entertaining without Miss Maxwell’s help.