Simply Divine: A Guide to Easy, Elegant, and Affordable Entertaining

I received Lisa Vanderpump's book "Simply Divine: A Guide to Easy, Elegant, and Affordable Entertaining" and I have to say it is a wonderful read. It's not only recipes, but so much more, how to properly set the table, how to behave like a lady and a great hostess and host. This book makes me believe that just a little bit of an effort can make your life more elegant, more enjoyable, and that much more exciting, not only for you but for your guests as well. One's home is his/her sanctuary, and it should reflect one's personality, but also be inviting and comfortable, particularly when it comes to family and friends. And this is a wonderful guide in doing just that, making people at ease by hosting without stress. I am glad to receive this book before our New Year's eve party. I will feel so much more comfortable arranging everything after using it as my guide. Love it!

This is a beautiful book full of wonderful recipes (receipes if you are from the UK), classy advice on how to host events, and lovely photographs. There are plenty of detailed receipes for appetizers, entrees, desserts and comfort food, all of which can be used for hosting parties/having friends over. I particularly liked the Beef Wellington, Persian Chicken, bangers 'n' mash, flour-less chocolate cake and how to cook proper roast potatoes. Reading this is like meeting a dear friend and spending a delightful afternoon catching up over tea. There are lots of ideas to brighten your home. Lisa has such a good sense of humour and the book has a good pace of wit and sophistication but in a refined, non-pompous way. If you want to feel like you've escaped it all dip into this book. Highly recommended and yes, Giggy is of course featured too. Perfect!

I love it. So charming. People who don’t know her will love the Vanderpump “web” and she does it right. Well done.

This book is a lovely collection of stories of Lisa's life, recipes, and tips on entertaining. It has a little bit of everything. I am a big fan of Lisa's style and was disappointed at the lack of pictures depicting her tips in her book in areas such as flower arranging, plating and staging of food etc. I think she sets beautiful tablescapes and gorgeous floral arranagements, but the photos in the book were what I would consider to be glamour shots of Lisa looking beautiful (of course :)), She was the focal point vs helping me garner ideas on how to create table settings or entertain in the Vanderpump style. Some pictures are included of her recipes. I would recommend this book to any Lisa fan, but I am not sure how helpful the book would be to someone not familar with Lisa and her featured style on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills if one is solely looking for an informative book on entertaining. However, her life stories and advice are charming.

Lisa Vanderpump has a life as o.t.t. as her surname thanks to the fabulous fortune she's made with husband Ken via their trans continental restaurant empire (an empire begun in her home town London, now flourishing in LA). This book is quite a treat for fans, who've come to know and love her wickedly witty ways and quirky family/friends after 2 seasons on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Here she shares family recipes and secrets for perfecting delicious English dishes along with tips for too-fabulous-darling designs and the sort of overly polished presentation you can actually still impress guests with. She also sweetly shares her thoughts on family and her love of animals (specially dogs - if you can call scene stealer Giggy a canine...bit of a stretch). My only criticism is that the book is just a little too beautiful (and chocolate box pretty) so it can feel a little contrived at times. It's unfortunate because under all that shiny Americanised perfection - Lisa Vanderpump remains truly English in one vital way: she can still laugh at herself and all the glitzy madness of Bev Hills. OK she's gorgeous inside and out - but more than that - she's a character with a generous spirit, so why not enjoy the fruits of her too-divine life and make her even richer by getting the book.

Too many expensive recipes and too much about her dog (I love my dog, too, but puh-leeze!) but the photos are gorgeous and the book is worth the price for 1) how to keep flowers alive longer 2) tips on plating food for greater appeal 3) all the party planning and serving explanations.

I loved Lisa's book. It was delightful, informative and very entertaining. Written in her own inimitable style, the book really provides wonderful recipes and hints for entertaining guests in your home, without being overly fussy or stuffy. Lisa obviously knows her flowers, table settings and wine/food pairings. I'm not sure that I will ever measure-up as a hostess, in Lisa's league, but I really did enjoy reading her book and would recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys entertaining.

Lisa Vanderpump shares some great recipes and styling tips in this book. Loved it.

Very happy with Lisa's book. My copy came autographed by Lisa herself. I got it checked out - couldn't be more pleased. This book offers decor and hosting tips as well Lisa's famous wise cracks and quips. Very nice for the coffee table or as a gift to one of your girlfirends.

I chose a 5 star rating as I could not put this book down. It is a delightful, elegant book. Lisa Vanderpump is a natural great writer. Lisa explains things in detail and is not vaque. There is such an attention to detail that I know I will be referring to tips in the book for many years to come. The recipes are clear and concise. The etiquette tips unique. Lisa is open, honest, warm, a perfectionist, humorous, a brilliant writer. I hope she will follow up with other books. I have bought many books from Amazon over the years and I would say this is one of the best. Thankyou!

A perfect book from a perfect hostess , love all her tricks and some really yummy recipes !! I've found some interesting tips for my table ! And great pictures inside !

Pas lu son livre car il n'est pas traduit en français. Je ne suis pas fan de cuisine mais c'est un beau livre, je ne regrette pas mon achat.