4.31

3

Aug 11, 2019

Having ordered this on Amazon, I didn't realize that it's more of a fleshed-out magazine than a book. There's nothing especially ground-breaking here in terms of the writing or the content, but it does contain a few creative, easy, and inexpensive ideas for adding touches of homemade beauty to gatherings (e.g., filling mason jars with Epson salt and a votive candle for some sparkling ambiance). It's the kind of book you can read on an extended family vacation while floating around in a pool Having ordered this on Amazon, I didn't realize that it's more of a fleshed-out magazine than a book. There's nothing especially ground-breaking here in terms of the writing or the content, but it does contain a few creative, easy, and inexpensive ideas for adding touches of homemade beauty to gatherings (e.g., filling mason jars with Epson salt and a votive candle for some sparkling ambiance). It's the kind of book you can read on an extended family vacation while floating around in a pool crowded with screaming children, which is exactly what I did!
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5

Mar 16, 2018

I’ve enjoyed several of bestselling author Melissa Michaels’ books in the past, and also love following her regular posts on social media. She truly has an incredible gift to help us “inspire our homes”. When a new book title from this talented lady was released by Harvest House Publishers entitled “Simple Gatherings: 50 Ways to Inspire Connection”, I was excited to read it and hoped I could come away better able to “create memorable gatherings with simplicity and style”... I wasn’t I’ve enjoyed several of bestselling author Melissa Michaels’ books in the past, and also love following her regular posts on social media. She truly has an incredible gift to help us “inspire our homes”. When a new book title from this talented lady was released by Harvest House Publishers entitled “Simple Gatherings: 50 Ways to Inspire Connection”, I was excited to read it and hoped I could come away better able to “create memorable gatherings with simplicity and style”... I wasn’t disappointed!

The first thing I noticed after picking up my copy of “Simple Gatherings” is: it is an adorable book filled with appealing designs, lovely color photos, and easy-to-read pages of charts, lists, tips, quotes, and more! It is also small in size, but in an easily-accessible-guidebook sort of way.

The next thing I noticed about this wonderful book is: it is SO extremely practical and helpful! The content (of more than 300 tips) is divided into 5 chapters: Get Ready to Gather, The Atmosphere, The Feast, The Conversation, and The Special Touches. Interspersed between the chapters are sample party ideas, where Melissa walks us through the steps to prepare for and launch a specific type of gathering; my personal favorite is the Backyard BBQ Slider Gathering, (with the Weekend Brunch being a close second!). These sections are chockfull of photos, checklists, recipes, and other specific ideas to help your party-planning skills really take off.

If you have enjoyed Melissa Michaels’ previous books, are a follower of her blog, or are simply looking for a practical way to boost your proficiency at hosting gatherings in your home, I cannot recommend “Simple Gatherings” enough! For me, it is a guide that will undoubtedly help to improve my own skills right away, while also being in-depth enough that I plan to keep it handy and accessible for years to come. Thank you, Melissa, for writing such awesome books to help us “inspire our homes”... I can’t wait to read the next upcoming release, entitled “Simple Organizing: 50 Ways to Clear the Clutter”.

This book was provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers, in exchange for my honest review. ...more

5

Oct 03, 2017

I truly loved this book. Probably because I need help with creating a good gathering. It's not my specialty.
This book provided so many different simple ideas for different types of gatherings. It made me aware of extra things I'd never thought to make my guests more welcome and the gathering more special.
And most of all, everything is so easy. It's a great book I can grab and refer to in the future as well. Thanks Melissa for helping me provide a more welcoming home!

5

Oct 11, 2017

I found this encouraging and exciting. Melissa's simple steps walk you through the process of hosting a gathering from the most simple to the most elaborate. Her no nonsense approach helps prevent being overwhelmed and her guidance to put your heart into your gathering rather than trying to achieve perfection was inspiring and encouraging. #simplegatherings are possible!

3

Oct 29, 2017

I liked the focus on simplicity and meaningful connection when it comes to hospitality, but overall I wasn't very inspired by the book. There were a few party ideas and photos, but it didn't feel like enough to make a whole book.

4

Sep 05, 2018

Some great ideas in a small and handy format. I will definitely be investing in my own copy of this book at some pount, and trying out the various ideas.

3

Apr 17, 2018

Biggest warning: tiny font is tiny. It was a nice book full of good ideas if you could get past that one detail though.

3

Dec 12, 2017

This book has some good ideas about things to do for gatherings. Some ideas are crafty, others ideas are about ambience and conversations. All in all, some decent tips.

5

Mar 01, 2018

This was a great quick read about little things to make a gathering more hospitable.

5

Sep 16, 2018

Love her books! Quick and easy tips and tricks.

I get inspiration from all her lovely pictures too. Love her books! Quick and easy tips and tricks.

I get inspiration from all her lovely pictures too. ❤️ ...more

5

Feb 11, 2019

Wonderfully delightful book filled with tips & encouragement for creating memorable gatherings! Melissa helps you see that it is completely doable. And now I want to throw a party.