I enjoyed the photos in this book; the author certainly has a very particular style that incorporates beautiful, unique, and sometimes obscure places with muted tones and sophisticated details. But as I am not an event planner, the way I’d use this book is simply for inspiration or to show as examples for something I’d like to incorporate into an event, run by someone else. And honestly, the examples shown would probably be outside of my real life budget! The backdrops and decor in the photos were almost always installations, certainly more of a project than I could ever take on as a non-professional. Nevertheless, this book provoked ideas!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book!

A BIG THANK YOU to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the ARC of Gorgeous Gatherings: Designing Unforgettable Weddings and Luxurious Celebrations by Alison Hotchkiss. This is a comprehensive guide that seamlessly blends stunning imagery with practical advice for creating unforgettable events.

As a highly respected wedding and event planner, the author draws upon her extensive experience to take readers across the globe, from the coast of Japan to the beaches of Mexico, showcasing celebrations inspired by some of the world's most beautiful destinations. She provides insights into the process of designing bespoke weddings and events, from selecting the perfect color palette to crafting personalized details that reflect the essence of each location.

It’s the perfect balance of inspiration and achievable how-tos. The professional photography and lavish tablescapes are sure to impress readers, but practical tips and step-by-step guides for replicating aspects of these spectacular events at home are also provided. Whether it's constructing an elaborate floral chandelier or crafting memorable send-off gifts, this book empowers readers to infuse their own gatherings with creativity and personal style.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 22 October 2024
#GorgeousGatherings #NetGalley

Gorgeous Gatherings by Alison Hotchkiss is full of inspiration and backed by experience. Ideas focus on selecting the venue, making full use of the space, decorating, making a guest list, menus, parting gifts, and more! The pictures are helpful suggestions along with written descriptions to explain how many of the looks were created. I love that these ideas are shared from experiences all around the world for all types of occasions. Inside tips on international events is where the experience comes in handy, and ideas and tips are freely given. Birthdays, engagements, weddings, and other special occasions are all covered.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I probably won't ever be planning an event like those displayed in the book, but it's so fun to look. I have such appreciation for the amount of detail that goes into creating the experience of a gorgeous celebration. I enjoyed flipping through the book multiple times to notice different details each time.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks for a free copy of #GorgeousGatherings by Alison Hotchkiss. All opinions are my own.

Is it too early to renew my vows?

"Gorgeous Gatherings" is a visually stunning guidebook that showcases beautiful celebrations and offers practical advice from a top event planner on how to create unforgettable parties, with tips ranging from mood boards to choosing a tent to handling inclement weather. Whether you're a bride-to-be, in the event planning space, or a seasoned hostess, you'll enjoy the inspiration for creating memorable events.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This beautifully photographed guide by event planner Alison Hotchkiss draws upon her 24 years of planning and producing 500+ events in 75 cities on four continents. Whew! Sharing examples of how she executed 14 specific events -- from California to New York, from Japan to Tahiti to Mexico -- she shows us how to design celebrations with confidence and flair. A must-read for anyone needing inspiration for planning spectacular weddings and other glorious events. Cheers!

A stunningly beautiful book. Even if you are not planning a destination wedding or a major milestone celebration, this book is replete with incredibly inventive ideas from idyllic locales down to the most memorable of party favors. If you are on the hunt for party planning inspiration, look no further!

This is a coffee table book with mediocre photography. The color grading makes everything look flat and the composition just isn’t that interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of "Gorgeous Gatherings" by Alison Hotchkiss. All opinions are my own.

This *gorgeous* book displays some great ideas for planning a wedding or event. I love the images and design ideas. This will be great if you're planning something like that soon.

Checked this out to see if it would be a decent addition to my mom’s Mother’s Day gift. She adores entertaining and especially in this chic, high curated, understated luxury style. It’s absolutely something she, and any burgeoning event designer would love.

The floral chandelier on the cover is amazingly beautiful! That drew me in. As I studied the images and the pages unfolded, I told myself- the details, the details- and then came to the header on a page: Keep the details on point. I completely agree.

Amazing photography throughout, but simple ways to accomplish beautiful things.

These truly are gorgeous gatherings!

Every photo in this book is absolutely amazing. I immediately wanted Alison to plan all my days. Chronicle Books is the long-standing gem of the publishing world. So happy for time spent with this book when my go tos literary fiction and cookbooks the best of them
are few and far between. I was actually inspired to do something simple and beautiful in my mundane life after browsing the title. The hard copy will be super giftable. The narrative an$ sourcing information were just perfect…not too design magazine but personal and informative.
Event planning I’m guessing isn’t easy I’m sure but rewards in the way focusing on others does.

I wanted to look at this for 2 reasons: 1. I thought the pictures would be gorgeous and 2. I wanted to get style ideas. I was not disappointed.
The pictures in this book are stunning -- all of them. Even simple pictures of letters or food, everything is gorgeous.
There are also a lot of ideas along with different ways of looking at things. For instance, there was a NYC couple that chose a Colorado wedding with a discussion about the different perspective, and ideas for celebrating birthdays beyond traditional cake. There is even advice on how to create some of the beautiful displays. Anyone wanting to plan a big celebration could get great ideas from this. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this