Amy Sedaris' Entertaining Tips

We'd like to help kick off party and entertaining month with one of our favorite entertainers, Amy Sedaris. Sister to the equally talented David Sedaris, Amy is an avid entertainer and wrote one of the funniest books on the subject. Recently she was on the radio talking about her book and she shared her favorite fall decorating tip and how she prepares her apartment for guests:

She says that when people are coming over, it's important to set the tone and really invite people into your world. She does this by:

• hiding all exposed cords
• hiding the blank tv
• keeping the stereo in a subtle place
• making sure the phone is on silent
• letting her bunny hop around

Keeping the outside world at bay allows people to relax and just be in your home for the evening. If you have a friendly pet, that's always a great icebreaker as it allows guests to talk to something else....

And when asked about Fall and Winter entertaining she shared that her favorite decoration is pressing Autumn leaves between sheets of wax paper. Once they're firmly in place she can hang them in the windows for a flurry of fall leaves. We remember doing this in elementary school and can't wait to try it again (just need to find some of those leaves...). See step by step instructions

Chalkboard Placemats

Sentiment Chopsticks

Outdoor Blanket from Ballard Designs

Comments (9)

Love Amy love the book....hysterical!
The world needs more Amy.

posted by hdtex on December 3rd 2008 at 8:40pm
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Aw, I made her cheese ball today!

Anyway, this book might be hy-freaking-sterical, but it's also CRAZY usefuland the recipes are magic. It really reminds you how fun entertaining can be (which is helpful if you're as highstrung as me), so if you don't own it...well, then, you should seriously reconsider that decision.

posted by mpoggie on December 3rd 2008 at 9:10pm
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I took the l'il' smoky cheese ball to Thanksgiving. This book is a MUST for anyone that likes entertaining with her tongue in cheek. And it's true--the recipes are great.

posted by lucitebox on December 3rd 2008 at 9:31pm
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This book is my entertaining bible! I'll be making the cheese ball this holiday season for sure!

posted by suzy8track on December 3rd 2008 at 10:53pm
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I love her recipe for warm fruit!

posted by Comicgeek on December 3rd 2008 at 11:15pm
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This book looks so awesome. I think it looks great, and it's actually on my wish list for christmas.

posted by idiotdogbrain on December 4th 2008 at 12:04am
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I got the book last year just because she's awesome. I'm not much of a host or cook, that I have yet to test these things out. Glad to know it's a fun real book, and not just filler for the comedy aspect.

posted by K T G on December 4th 2008 at 12:17am
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Hilarious. Her uses for stockings are ingenious.

posted by kiljoywashere on December 4th 2008 at 10:26am
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Babies are great for awkward conversations, too! Our extended family get-togethers would be awful if my cousin didn't have an 11 month old.

posted by Mrs.Mack on December 4th 2008 at 2:23pm
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