Photos courtesy of Rizzoli
What does it take to throw a great party? Attention to the details. Make no mistake, entertaining takes a lot of work-- both before and after the big event. In New York Parties: Private Views by Jamee Gregory by Rizzoli, we get a behind the scenes look at the planning and preparation that goes into a great dinner, cocktail and theme party. With her friends, the most stylish New York tastemakers in fashion, design and art worlds, Jamee lets us in on how they set the table, do the seating, create the menu, select the wine, and pick the flowers. A great aspect of this book is the way it shows the pre-party preparation as well as the end result with guests enjoying the moment. You almost feel like you were there.

Set the tone from the start with a gorgeous invitation. Active in philanthropy, Jamee works tirelessly for her charities-- Memorial Sloan - Kettering and The Boys Club of New York. This means a packed social calendar and years of experience throwing parties with flair and ease.

Create a memorable environment. A beautiful Sperry Tent covers the table that is set with simple place settings and varied blue and white vases filled with roses.

Transform your home for the evening. This couple, Blair and Alistaire Clarke turned their sitting room into a dinner party - ready space by moving the furniture around. They used mixed the chairs around the table.

Say it with flowers. Use unexpected vessels for vases and flowers that are in season. The corner deli may have just the thing if a trip to the flower market is not realistic. Julep cups are the perfect scale for these hyacinths.

Jamee makes a toast with Michael Kors on a New York rooftop.