Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)As a fan of Carolyne Roehm's A Passion for Flowers, I was anxious for the release of At Home with Carolyne Roehm. Given her instinctive sense of color, texture, and proportion in designing luxuriously elegant flower arrangements, I was hoping to see her talents applied to interior design in her latest book, At Home. I had expected to see favorite rooms in her houses with tips on decorating, but please be advised, "At Home" refers only to entertaining including menus, recipes, place settings and more flower arrangements. Although I was frustrated at having misinterpreted the title, the sheer loveliness of her ideas on seasonal dinners, afternoon teas and picnics did make up for some of my disappointment.
If you're interested in still life photography or design layout, you will enjoy the visual appeal of this book. Chapters are organized by season and subdivided into holidays and other events. Roehm creates poetic tableaux - for example, a springtime picnic photo shows a canoe laden with cushions, picnic basket, fruit and flowers. It's moored at the banks of a grassy island (yes, owned by Roehm) and leafy branches trail at the surface of the water.
I have tried a few of the recipes, which are for the most part, simple and tasty. But what makes Roehm's meals extraordinary are not the recipes, but her impressively extravagant collection of china, silverware and glassware. Although there is an appendix ("Details") on table setting design and care of china and linens, etc., this is not for someone who is looking for an extensive "how to" a la Martha Stewart. It probably wasn't meant to be.
I believe Roehm simply offers us artistic inspiration. This is her visual interpretation of a year's worth of entertaining. And while most of us don't have the extensive resources she has, we are still able to draw several ideas about presentation that will delight our own guests.
Click Here to see more reviews about: At Home With Carolyne Roehm
Former fashion designer Carolyne Roehm is renowned for combining a keen appreciation of beauty with practical know-how. Now, with this gorgeously illustrated guide, readers can go behind the scenes of her memorable parties, learn her entertaining secrets, and visit the glamorous homes where she has dazzled her prominent guests. Imparting fresh ideas and inspiration for knockout events on any budget, At Home with Carolyne Roehm follows the calendar’s seasons to provide year-round suggestions for place settings, floral arrangements, and menus. Emphasizing creativity and natural elements, Carolyne Roehm’s tips are not exclusively geared toward elegant functions: Picnics, cozy fireside meals for two, afternoon teas, and formal dinner parties are treated with equal verve. Drawing on ingredients and imagery appropriate for spring, summer, winter, and fall and all the major holidays, this handsome collection yields a trove of simple but sophisticated recipes along with perfect tabletop and decorative accents to accompany them. Biscuit sandwiches of Mustard-Glazed and Smoked Cheddar; Shrimp and White Bean Salad; Zucchini and Watercress Soup; and Fudgy Rum Chocolate Cake are just a few of the delicious and easy-to-prepare dishes. For successful festive occasions that friends and family will remember for years, from a grand New Year’s Eve gala to a spring brunch with a floral theme, At Home with Carolyne Roehm is itself glorious cause for celebration.
Click here for more information about At Home With Carolyne Roehm
