Write To Party

If you're planning a shindig of major proportions, then you might want to reference 'Curious Invitation: The 40 Greatest Parties In Literature'. Pulled together by Suzette Field, the premise is a simple one, but the detail is impressive.

It starts with the ambitions of Trimalchio, the nouveau riche chancer from the Satyricon, who rocked the dinner set during Nero's rule. He was the model for F Scott Fitzgerald and The Great Gatsby, the momentous striver who though he might impress upper class Daisy with his legendary West Egg throw-downs.

We are also reminded of prime descriptions from Lewis Caroll, Dickens, Jane Austin, and erm, Jackie Collins. There were nights with Belshazzar, the Devil, some hobbits and Winnie the Pooh. Unspeakable things happened in Gravity's Rainbow while The Bonfire Of The Vanities torched so many pretentions.

Serious party planners need to think about zithers, bagpipes, plum puddings, mutton and lamé harem pajamas. Acrobats and the actual suicide of the host are optional, perhaps.