The Bottom Line
This book is loaded with pictures that will give you the urge to throw a fabulous party yourself. However, the actual parties shown are not as easy to pull off as the book jacket would lead you to believe.
Pros
- This book is filled with beautiful, inspirational photos.
- There are many creative, high concept ideas.
- Each party tells a charming story about individuals going through milestone birthdays.
- Guides you through the process of thinking about parties from guest of honor's point of view.
- You can clearly hear how Tutera enjoys pleasing people, and how he loves their life stories.
Cons
- Book promises that these parties are easy and affordable, but in most cases I disagree.
Description
- There are party plans for ten milestone birthdays.
- There's a small selection of food and beverage recipes.
- There are instructions for crafts, decorations and party favors.
- Chapters divide into the five senses of a party including the look, taste, sound, scent and texture.
Guide Review - Big Birthdays , The Party Planner Celebrates Life's Big Milestones
This big and gorgeous book will make you appreciate the beauty of life's milestone birthdays. It will also leave you wishing that celebrity party planner David Tutera was organizing your next celebration for you. The ideas are cute, friendly and personalized to the guests of honor for each party. However, the execution of many of these themes are so over-the-top, I don't see how most normal people could pull them off. For example, one party is a 25th birthday bash hosted for the birthday boy's hundred-plus closest friends. The party is held in a New York City night club and Tutera decorates with dozens of colorful umbrellas all over the room, including hanging many from the ceiling. This is neither practical nor affordable for most hosts I know. However, seeing the dramatic ambience created in this night club may inspire you to find a way to adapt the idea.
There are some instructions for craft projects such as a wall clock time capsule or decorative tribal mask. There are also a few recipes like oven-grilled cheese sandwiches or martinis with more than a twist. But don't expect this book will provide you with step-by-step details on how to create each of the ten parties. The fabulous photos tell the story, and you'll have to read between the lines to figure out the rest. If you're looking for a book that spells it all out, leave this one on the shelf. But if you're looking for inspirational eye candy you'll find it all here.
