November 2009 Good Housekeeping selection.

When it comes to partying, Christmas planning, christenings, even the occasional fete champêtre (posh picnic), we should ‘resist the temptation to think too much about the stress and try to think more about the joy’, says celebrated celebrator Lucia van der Post (Times columnist and author of Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me). What every good-time girl will love about this book is der Post’s balance of extravagant enthusiasm for all things glamorous and life-enhancingly glittery, with sensible unflash-cash-splashing. She makes no apologies for her authentic stylishness, just invites you to share it, too.

Synopsis

Pushing the boat out for a special occasion takes time, planning and a touch of magic. Author of Things I Wish Mother Had Told Me, Lucia van der Post, will show you how to make the most of events such as birthdays, weddings and Christmas. Life is too short not to make those key moments as special as possible. Whether you are organising a picnic in the park, a day at Ascot or a Bonfire night extravaganza, Celebrate is a wonderful source of inspiration and practical advice.

Contents Introduction : A Year of Celebrations January: The New Year's Party February: Valentine's Day March: Easter April: Christenings, Barmitzvahs, Naming Ceremonies May: The House Party June: The Wedding July: The Anniversary Party August: The Grand Picnic September: The Birthday Party October: The Funeral or Memorial Service November: Thanksgiving and Guy Fawkes December: Christmas.

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About the Author

Lucia van der Post has a weekly style advice column, `Ask Lucia`, in The Times . She was the founding editor of the Financial Times`s How to Spend It  magazine and has also written for the New Statesman, Departures and many others. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation