Coffee Table Books That Are More Than Just Pretty

I love accessorizing with coffee table books but also use them as a trusted resource for design inspiration. Whether looking for styling ideas, tablescape inspiration, or color palette schemes, I love to cozy up with my books to see how the professionals do it! Below are some favorite design and entertaining coffee table books from my collection and a few on my wish list. They make a great holiday gift for the design lover on your list or a treat for yourself any time of year!

To shop, click the name of the book (in blue) for a link.

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AN ENTERTAINING STORY
By India Hicks

Style icon India Hicks gives us a peek into life at her lovely home in the Bahamas with what she calls “a series of entertaining stories.” Her entertaining adventures include family dinners, holiday parties, cocktail hours, and a sprinkling of family recipes. India’s island-style is breezy and beautiful, and the photos are a treat for the eyes. Fun Fact- India’s Godfather is the Prince of Wales, and she was a bridesmaid at his wedding to Lady Diana.

ELEMENTS OF STYLE: Designing A Home & A Life
By Erin Gates

I first discovered Erin Gates back in 2010 from her blog, Elements of style. I fell in love with her humor and her willingness to share her personal life in addition to her beautiful design projects. It’s been fun seeing her become a mother of 2 darling children, grow her eponymous design business, and become a New York Times best-selling author. This book contains practical design information and is a fun read about Erin and her journey. Each room of the home is assigned a chapter and has design inspiration, tips, and tricks. The book’s striped spine is a photo stylist favorite, offering fun visual appeal when on a shelf or coffee table.

MORE BEAUTIFUL : All- American Decoration
by Mark D. Sikes

Interior Designer Mark Sikes’s work is the epitome of classic all-American design. His use of blue and white, wicker, antiques, and pattern is masterful and has become his trademark. His gorgeous Hollywood Hills home is prominently featured, and his patio seen above is one of my all-time favorite spaces. His designs are chic and comfortable and provide a treasure trove of inspiration.

His first book, BEAUTIFUL, is equally amazing. It’s fun to see his home redecorated from the first book to the second. Fun Fact- The forward to this book was written by writer and producer, Nancy Meyers.

Tory Burch: In Color

I have a major girl crush on Tory Burch and was excited when I was gifted her wonderful book. A style icon, mother, philanthropist, and kick-ass businesswoman, she is a true inspiration. The book is organized into 11 chapters or colors, displaying a kaleidoscope of her inspiration and personal anecdotes about her life and career. I especially enjoyed images of her beautiful homes in New York City and Southampton. Fun Fact- A year after launching her brand, Oprah Winfrey invited her to appear on her show because she was a fan of her tunic. The next week she had 8 million hits on toryburch.com!

DREAM DESIGN LIVE
by Paloma Contreras

Paloma Contreras is another designer I discovered via her blog, La Dolce Vita, which she started back in 2007 to share her love of decorating and design. Paloma is a Houston-based designer, and her beautiful work has been featured in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, to name a few. Her Book contains gorgeous images of her work and practical advice for making your design dreams a reality.

ENTERTAINING BEAUTIFULLY
by Aerin Lauder

Aerin Lauder is a style icon, granddaughter of Estee Lauder, and founder of the lifestyle brand Aerin. In her book, Aerin takes us through 20 celebrations, from a poolside lunch, a Halloween birthday party to an apres-ski dinner in Aspen. Her chic celebrations are beautiful to look at and transport you into her stylish life. The book provides amazing tablescape inspo and excellent party-planning suggestions. How fun would it be to be on her guest list?!

YOU’RE INVITED: Classic, Elegant Entertaining
By Stephanie Booth Shafran

Of all the books I purchased this year about entertaining, this is my favorite and where I have drawn the most inspiration. The author Stephanie Booth Shafran is known for her fabulous at-home entertaining. Her book takes you through 8 parties, including a beautiful ladies luncheon, a gentleman’s wine and cigar party, a Pucci pool party, and a 50th birthday party. The images are spectacular, and her advice includes menus, invitations, flowers, and select recipes. Her holiday ideas are currently in the Nov/Dec issue of Traditional Home.

A HOME FOR ALL SEASONS:
Gracious Living & Stylish Entertaining
by Danielle Rollins

If you love colorful design as I do, you will enjoy this book. Designer and tastemaker Danielle Rollins opens the door to her beautiful Atlanta home, the backdrop for her festive parties and intimate gatherings. She takes us on a room-by-room tour of the home’s renovation and includes tips and tricks along the way. From setting a beautiful table, organizing your china cabinet to selecting your home’s color palette, this book covers it all.

On My Wish list:

GARDENS OF THE NORTHSHORE OF CHICAGO
by: Benjamin F. Lenhardt Jr.