Gift of Words.

Book of the month

AUSTRALIAN STORY: OFF THE RECORD
There’s nothing like real-life drama to grip you by the coat lapels and shake your view of the world. The 12 poignant stories in this edition, including those of politician Julia Gillard, actor and writer William McInnes and entrepreneur Mike Willie, will affect you the same way the ABC series did. ABC Books AU$39.95 ISBN 9780733321344.

Give a precious book this Christmas

DRESS LIKE A STAR
This is not your regular boring self-help book. In fact, “wardrobe mistress extraordinaire” Annabelle van Tongeren gives us countless useful tips such as: Just because it looks great on Mischa Barton… doesn’t mean that it will look any good on you. Time for a makeover. Random House AU$29.95, ISBN 9781741666045.

SHOOT: STUDIO SESSIONS
Celebrity photographer Peter Brew-Bevan’s coffee table book features the likes of Jennifer Hawkins, Abbie Cornish and Ian Thorpe, alongside his working and concept notes. Perfect for photography and celebrity junkies. Murdoch Books AU$125, ISBN 9781741960617.

30,000 YEARS OF ART
This landmark book documents important art pieces in various collections around the world. Australia and New Zealand rates seven mentions, four of them in the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. Phaidon AU$69.95, ISBN 9780714847894.

BEJEWELLED
Create your own beautiful jewellery, from a fun necklace with acrylic flower beads to a bracelet with Swarovski crystal beads. Could this be the start of your own jewellery design business? Aurum Press AU$39.95, ISBN 9781903221860.

BORN TO TRAVEL
This is Melbourne war veteran Frank Korbl’s cumulative book on “60 years of travel in 30 countries”, beginning during the days of Nazi Germany when he was sent to school in Berlin. A wonderful book for the armchair traveller yearning for days before television. Brolga Publishing AU$24.95, ISBN 9781921221224.

AUSTRALIA VERSUS ENGLAND
There’ll be no more getting into extended arguments with your mates once you’ve got your hands on this book. You can give them a wicket by wicket account of how every match played out. For the cricket fan you want to keep quiet. Penguin Australia AU$49.95, ISBN 9780670070732.

QUIPS FROM LITTLE MISS CUPCAKE

Amy Sedaris is an actress, comedian and author. She is also the proud owner of Dusty Food Cupcakes, a cupcake and cheese ball business named after her rabbit, which she runs out of her kitchen. Her tongue-in-cheek guide, I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence was a New York Times’ bestseller for over 12 weeks. We asked Amy for some party advice for the season.

Does a party have to be extravagant?
A party can be as simple as a few people getting together for conversation and snacks. As my guests leave even my most simple 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 feel the same way, probably.

What type of entertainment is a no-no?
Don’t make guests uncomfortable by putting them on the spot insisting they tell a particular story, joke, sing a song or say something in a different language. They might not be in the mood. They might not be up for making some sound effects or ready to show their surgery scars. Don’t exploit them, although I do.

How do you end the party?
When the time for farewells comes, don’t say your good-byes in the hallway or on the street, the neighbours might be sleeping. Say them once and make it quick. Sometimes I walk them to the elevator to make sure they’ve left the building then double-check the stairwell to make sure they’re gone.

What do you say to the many out-of-town guests expected during the festive season?
Make it clear to your host exactly how long you will be staying; this allows them to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Pack lightly when visiting; nothing will scare a host more than matching luggage and a hatbox. Let your host know of any dietary restrictions: are you fatally allergic to root vegetables or only eating purple foods this month? Don’t dye your hair while staying.

This is an extract from I Like You: Hospitality under the Influence by Amy Sedaris.Sceptre Books.Paperback RRP AU$29.99 ISBN 9780340937730.