Sophistication is Overrated in its Second Printing + Events


I absolutely adore Sophistication is Overrated by Babs Horner and Susan Palma. If you read this post, you're already aware of my enthusiasm.  It's in its second printing which is no surprise.  Not only do I love my copy and refer to it constantly; it's also my "go to" gift.
If purchased here, your copy arrives signed and with gorgeous grosgrain ribbon. I love that they're including this fall/Thanksgiving color option -- so perfect for gift giving.

Jamie Knodel, from The Dallas Morning News, describes the book perfectly:

Sisters Babs Horner and Susan Palma don’t take anything too seriously --especially entertaining. A party is more fun that way, they say.
Horner, a gourmet caterer in Connecticut, and Palma, a decorator in Dallas, share their humor and silliness in their new book, Sophistication Is Overrated (Brown Books, $55).
While there are no shortages of blow-up dolls and funny party themes, the book also offers a collection of recipes and decor ideas to seriously impress. For each party idea, the sisters suggest hostess tips, menus, tablescapes — and then a crazy counterpart. The 30th anniversary party ideas are followed by a party celebrating a new trophy wife.
While they go for laughs, the sisters deliver plenty of inspiration, too.

Besides the to-die-for-recipes, I love being able to see a gorgeous tabletop and use the sources provided to recreate it myself.  Would you guess by looking at this lovely tabletop that there are astonishingly inexpensive items used that are available almost everywhere?  


This looks almost too pretty to eat.  The book is full of fantastic recipes and gorgeous food photography.

Holiday centerpieces created with Christmas candy by Susan Palma and Babs Horner included in Sophistication is Overrated
As are directions for creating these spectacular Christmas candy centerpieces. My daughter and I can't wait to create several of these for our holiday decor.


If you're in any of these listed areas, make a note to attend an event.  I already have a signed copy, but that won't keep me from missing out on the fun.  I plan to drop by at least 3 of these : )

Thursday - Tuesday, January 21-26, 2016 | Dallas Gift Market 

1:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Dallas World Trade Center, Dallas, TX



Tuesday, November 17, 2015 | St. Michael's Women's Exchange

2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | 5 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205

*Pre-sales start Oct 19th in their beautiful new store!




Friday & Saturday, November 13 & 14, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. -  6:00 p.m. 

Sunday, November 15, 2015  | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Duke Energy Convention Center  | 525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202



Monday, November 9, 2015 |  Nest Gifts 

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 3439 Michigan Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208

Friday & Saturday, October 16 & 17, 2015 | Sundog Books
89 Central Square, Seaside, FL  32459

Saturday, October  10, 2015  | Sharla's
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | 109 East Virginia Street, McKinney, TX 75069

Thursday, October 8, 2015 |  Preston Road Pharmacy
2:00- 5:00 p.m. | 6901 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75205

Saturday, October 3, 2015 | Kirby and Company
(Time TBA) 1029 Post Road, Darien, CT  06820





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