The delicious combinations of flavours, the ritual stirring and shaking, the exquisite presentation... cocktails are magical mixes that satisfy all the senses. In American Bar, William Yeoward, renowned for his glamorous take on interior design and table settings, shares his passion for these drinks. Here, he visits five of his favorite bars and chooses cocktails from each to create a compendium of iconic and signature recipes by some of the world’s most acclaimed bartenders. Added to these are their helpful tips, plus William’s own thoughts on making cocktails and, importantly, how to present them. As someone who is not only passionate about cocktails but also about crystal, he has the perfect knowledge and “eye” to advise and inspire. As William says, ‘Cocktails come in such a huge variety that there’s something for everyone and for every possible occasion—a birthday celebration, an anniversary, a first date, the closure of a deal, or a surreptitious flirt. Or they can simply provide a relaxing “stop” at the end of the day.’ These cocktails cover a wide range. Some are short, others are long, and a few contain no alcohol, but two things are common to all: they are delicious—and extremely glamorous.

A delightful history of cocktails from the era of new interstate highways, sprouting suburbs, and atomic engineering America at midcentury was a nation on the move, taking to wings and wheels along the new interstate highways and in passenger jets that soared to thirty thousand feet. Anxieties rippled, but this new Atomic Age promised cheap power and future wonders, while the hallmark of the era was the pleasure of an evening imbibing cocktails in mixed company, a middle-class idea of sophisticated leisure. This new age, stretching from the post–World War II baby boom years through the presidency of General Dwight Eisenhower into the increasingly volatile mid-1960s, promised affordable homes for those who had never dreamed of owning property and an array of gleaming appliances to fill them. For many, this was America at its best—innovation, style, and the freedom to enjoy oneself—and the spirit of this time is reflected in the whimsical cocktails that rose to prominence: tiki drinks, Moscow mules, Sea Breezes, Pina Coladas, Pink Squirrels, and Sloe Gin Fizzes. Of course, not everyone was invited to the party. Though the drinks were getting sweeter, the racial divide was getting more bitter—Black Americans in search of a drink, entertainment, or a hotel room had to depend on the Green Book for advice on places where they would be welcome and safe. And the Cold War and Space Race proceeded ominously throughout this period, as technological advances alternately thrilled and terrified. The third installment in Cecelia Tichi’s tour of the cocktails enjoyed in various historical eras, Midcentury Cocktails brings a time of limitless possibilities to life though the cocktails created, named, and consumed.

William Yeoward's passion for good company and sumptuousdining inspires the vibrancy and elegance of his table settings and the beauty of the tableware designs for which he is internationally renowned. This book shows you how to emulate William's sense of occasion with 21 table settings and menus. He applies his unique touch to creating a Wedding Buffet and a Christmas Lunch, but also shows how ordinary occasions can be lifted into the realms of fantasy and drama. Try the Boating Lunch, or make Breakfast for Two a memory to be treasured. Create your own mood: look at the sophisticated elegance of Chic Dining or the fun of the Fantasy Breakfast.- William Yeoward on Entertaining is the ideal companion for anyone wanting to throw the perfect party.- Discover how attention to the tiniest detail enhances theambience of any social gathering.- Illuminating photography by Paul Ryan.

The discerning traveler's guide to the very finest experiences that London has to offer James Sherwood, author of a number of definitive publications on English sartorial style, is the quintessential man-about-town. In this witty, opinionated, and discerning guide to London, he draws on many years of partaking in the very best that the metropolis has to offer. Whether you want to breakfast like a king, drink cocktails in the company of sophisticated British personalities, or shop for antique jewelry, this handy volume will take you there. Beautifully packaged and produced, with stylish line illustrations, James Sherwood’s Discriminating Guide to London includes information, advice, and a sardonic wit not to be found elsewhere. Sherwood’s supreme taste coupled with his firsthand knowledge of some of the most exclusive, exciting spots in London makes this guide a must-have for city slickers and jet setters alike. James Sherwood’s Discriminating Guide to London is inspired by a 1970s publication of the same name by another James Sherwood (no relation) who is today the owner of the Orient-Simplon Express and luxury hotels and restaurants around the world. The older Sherwood contributes a foreword to this new guide.

In his most personal book to date, William Yeoward reveals his passion for color, his inspirations and the 'stories' behind his unique use of color as he takes you on a journey through a dazzling array of beautiful homes. In his most personal book to date, William Yeoward reveals his passion for color, his inspirations and the 'stories' behind his unique use of color as he takes you on a journey through a dazzling array of beautiful homes. Known for his chic and stylish color combinations, William Yeoward reveals his color secrets, starting with the classic combination of blue and white—there are cobalt silk sofas, sapphire armchairs, aquamarine patterned ceramics, and indigo plush pillows, all combined to evoke a sense of luxury, in William's trademark style. The unique color stories in the book include red, white, and blue in a villa in France, a comfortable coastal retreat with hints of pink, taking you through to lavender and amethyst in the country and the city, soft grey studies in living rooms and table settings, a blazing ochre red contemporary cottage, an orange rustic barn dinner, and a red and steel outdoor kitchen. This is William’s fourth book and is the first one to focus on his passion for color and the sumptuous interiors that can be created by focusing on details and by layering opulent textures, prints, and proportions.