The legendary actor and comedian shows how to set a great table, shares ideas for unforgettable celebrations, and says, "It's about fun, not perfection!" In her own words...
"It's Whoopi here and I've written this book that, frankly, is the last book anyone would expect. You would never think of me as someone with the courage to say, 'You have everything you need to be fantastic in your own house, apartment, or trailer to set a great table.'
Let's face it, you look at a lot of books on Entertaining and think 'I could never do this in my house, I don't have this stuff and it's not going to look like what I'm seeing.' That's not what's going to happen here! I want to show you there is great heart in setting the table. For two or four or the kids or Halloween or tea just for you. For dinners with friends or the holidays. I'm going to tell you stories about what I do when people come over and give you ideas about what you're seeing because Honey, everything in this book is what you can do in your house.
You got a bodega or a 7-Eleven near you? They sell flowers. Take those bad boys and put them on your table. You got some crazy old plate from your grandmother (or a fancy silver one)? You got little kids' toys that have been annoying you forever, put them on the table too. Who's going to tell you it's wrong? Not me! I'm going to tell you it's right and I'm going to take you on a journey. And don't forget the bathroom; decorate it too, people are going to see it. It's all at your house. Come with me. I'll show you!
P.S. I know the glass on the cover is broken. Accidents happen!"
"I love this book!! A warm, welcome, and much-needed look at how to infuse some exuberance and personality into your dinner table; Whoopi, with a lifetime of dinner parties behind her, shows us how to do it! She is a perfect magpie for things that make us smile, her collections and presentations cross all boundaries: a table strewn with rose petals, Depression glass, hand-painted bone china, Clarice Cliff, every item with a story behind it. The best part is, in her incomparable Whoopi way, she shows us, no matter what our circumstances, we can do it too."
--Bette Midler
"Having been a guest at Whoopi’s dinner party multiple times, I can say without hesitation that she accomplishes what no other host does. Her gatherings are elegant, but personal; formal but comfortable; structured, but relaxed. And most importantly, with nearly every plate, cup, napkin, and table ornament, you never forget that you are a welcomed guest in a warm nest constructed of Whoopi’s character, humor, and personality." --Neil deGrasse Tyson, Whoopi’s personal astrophysicist
"I am so thrilled about the arrival of this book! With her extensive knowledge of dinnerware, glass, silver, pewter, furniture, art, and style (just to name a few), Whoopi teaches us how make a dinner party all our own. So call your friends and family. It’s time to take a seat at the table."
--Stacy London, TV host, author, and stylist
"Whoopi Goldberg’s The Unqualified Hostess illustrates the greatest gift of any African-American woman. She passes the gifts from generation to generation, from mothers to daughters. She delights her soul; the spirit of giving to guests visionary and culinary wonders, centered around simple, good eats."
--André Leon Talley, contributing editor, Vogue
"In this glorious book, Whoopi shows us how to curate a colorful, cultural, visually delightful table setting that feeds your appetite for joy."
--Isabel and Ruben Toledo, artists/designers
"Whoopi is one of the most extraordinarily generous, unique, and warm people I’ve ever met. No two visits to her home are alike, from her table decor to the food she serves, but it’s always 100% Whoopi. Her personal style is impossible to replicate, but the spirit of it is something everyone can learn from."
--David Rockwell, architect and designer
"It’s a great privilege to be included in such a special gathering with such a remarkable and talented hostess."
--Hunt Slonem, artist
