Description: What defines a truly great host? Is it the graciousness of her surroundings, the quality of her china and linens, the savory surprises one tastes at her table, the diversity of the people she gathers around her, or simply her ability to put guests at ease? As Nan Kempner shows in RSVP, it is all these and much more. Socialite extraordinaire and inveterate guest of the world's most accomplished entertainers, Nan here offers a tantalizing glimpse into the homes -- and entertaining philosophies -- of more than 2 dozen of her favorite hosts and hostesses.

Turning the pages of RSVP is like receiving an engraved invitation to the world's most exclusive affairs: Oscar and Annette de la Renta host an Carribean-inspired dinner for 8 at their sybaritic Santo Domingo estate; Lynn Wyatt stages a Texas-sized cookout with Mexican flair; Ross Bleckner entertains with downtown panache in his New York City loft; designer Valentino welcomes Nan onto his customized yacht for a seafood luncheon; and Count Hubert and Countess Isabelle d'Ornano mount a full-scale boar hunt on their Loire Valley estate. Stunning color photographs recreate each event and Nan has persuaded these gifted hosts to part with their closely guarded recipes as well as divulging their unique approaches to creating a lively gathering and ensure they enjoy their parties as much as their guests. Finally, she offers her own personal collection of sure-fire party recipes solicited from friends and acquaintances around the world.

With unprecedented entree into the most glamorous homes to be found anywhere on two continents, RSVP represents the pinnacle of gracious entertaining, and affords every reader the opportunity to bring a touch ofelegance into their own gatherings.

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