I came across this article on Vogue.com today and wondered why I don't think to bring a book as a hostess gift more often. Vogue's list is great - I especially love "Heavy Rotation." My recommendations:
Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure: This book is a great conversation spark - every time I've mentioned it in a group, people feel compelled to come up with their own 6 word memoir which leads to funny and, at times touching, moments. Great for a small dinner party with close friends or a weekend at a friend's house.
The Art of the Bar: A dear friend of mine bought this for me as a house warming gift and it is visually stunning and well written. I've yet to make a drink from this book that I didn't love.
The Foster's Market Cookbook: Favorite Recipes for Morning, Noon, and Night: This was my favorite place to eat in college and I like to give this book to friends who like to cook because 1) it's a great cookbook and 2) I think that it's a way of letting a friend get to know me a little better. Pretty much every great restaurant has a cookbook these days, so you can personalize with your favorite.
Mountain Man Dance Moves: The McSweeney's Book of Lists: This book is hilarious - I am giggling right now just thinking about it. And if you give it to someone and they also find it funny, that's a good indication that your friendship is on solid footing. If they don't think it's funny, hopefully they have other redeeming qualities or you may have to reconsider why you are spending time with this person. To see if you and I can continue to be friends, click here.
Domestic Art: Curated Interiors: Pure eye candy. And really, you can't go wrong with anything from Assouline.
And last, but not least, Simply Pattern. This book is on my coffee table and it seems as though EVERYONE who comes over picks it up, leafs through it and comments on how cool it is. And Julia Rothman and ferm LIVING are in the book, which Christiana and I think is a great added bonus :)
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