Two sociable sisters from the South moved to NYC and wanted to throw stylish parties. They didn't find the help they needed in books, so after ten years and many parties, from which they learned much from their successes and mistakes, they became polished, confident hostesses, ready to write the book they wished they had had in the beginning.

    This book offers a chapter of "essentials for every host and any party" and captures 12 of the authors' successful "gently-themed" cocktail parties, each of which has a suggested menu, a signature drink, and "helpful hostess wisdom" tips to make the party perfect. The parties range from "Any Excuse To Celebrate!" to "Calling All Beach Bums: An Island Idyll." Every party has step-by-step guidance for readers who want it, but the authors promote flexible and creative thinking so people can make the parties their own.

- Introduction: Who We are and Why We Wrote This Book
- How to Get Organized: Every Party's 3 Essential Elements
- A Map-Happy Evening for Anyone Who's Been Anywhere
- Any Excuse to Celebrate!
- Aphrodite's Delight: Eat and Drink to Your Heart's Content
- Cartoons and Cocktails
- He Said, She Said: A Soiree Where the Sexes Square Off
- A Wine-Tasting Party Even Beer-Drinkers Will Love
- A Make-Your-Own Martini Party
- Everyone's a Little Bit Psychic
- The Risky Business Bash
- Open-Mike Night
- Calling All Beach Bums: An Island Idyll
- A Moveable Feast: A 3-Country, 3-Cocktail Party