How to be a Party Librarian, Or, The 6th Floor's Guide to Entertaining

[People celebrating the holidays at the Union Square Lounge.] Dec. 24, 1941.
Courtesy of the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection
San Francisco Public Library

The holidays are now upon us and that means it's time to start planning those holiday get-togethers with friends and family. We've gathered a few items from our San Francisco History Center stacks and Book Arts & Special Collections shelves to help you get through this busy time. Among the following selections you will find helpful hints, a little history and a lot of fun - which, of course, is what parties should be all about.

Cakes & Ale by Edward Spencer (1925)
Of interest for the season may be Spencer's description of "a Christmas dinner in the early Victorian era. Quelle fête manifique!"

When You Entertain, What to Do, and How by Ida Bailey Allen (1932)
As this book is sponsored by Coca-Cola, the soda plays a prominent role in many of Allen's entertaining ideas. Recipes include the "Coca-Cola Fruit Cup" - "Fill sherbert glasses with pineapple, orange and grape fruit cut into small cubes. Add a few white cherries. Pour in Coca-Cola to cover. Top with green mint cherry for contrast." Mmmm.

Guests, or How to Survive Hospitality by Russell Lynes (1951)
"Guests in the house have always seemed to me to present an opportunity for imminent catastrophe." (p.1) Lynes' book will help you manage those "Weekend Guests" and "Bores", as well as the "Bossy Hostess" at some of those other parties you attend.

From Guests, or How to Survive Hospitality by  Russell Lynes.
Courtesy Schmulowitz Collection of Wit & Humor
San Francisco Public Library

VIP Tosses a Party by Virgil Partch (1959)
"One hundred a fifty cartoons, and down-to-earth tips on how to get a friendly bunch of people together and let 'em RIP!"

75 Sure-fire Ways of Having Fun by Menaker and Folsom (1965)
Successful parties are more than just food and drink. Menaker and Folsom's party games fall under headings such as: "Just Sit Around", "A Little More Pep" and "Safety Last".

How to be a Party Girl by Pat Montandon (1968)
San Francisco's own Pat Montandon shares her tips for a successful party. "Remember, though, if you're female you've got half the battle won already, just because the essential ingredient of any party you give is you."


I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris (2006)
Chock-full of ideas for party dishes, decorations, and dress. She reminds us that a party is what you make of it, "As my guests leave even my most simplest parties, I consistently hear the same thing: 'That was the best time I ever had,' and it's always me saying it. But I do know in my heart they all felt the same way, probably."