The gorgeous cover of "Preston Bailey Celebrations"
The long awaited latest edition of Preston Bailey coffee table masterpieces, "Celebrations" hit book stores this week and it's a beauty. The book, as described on its purple floral cover, features "lush flowers, opulent tables, dramatic spaces, and other inspirations for entertaining." Preston first gave me a sneak peek at the book when I visited with him in his office in Manhattan this past May. Since then I've been counting the days. It was originally scheduled to be out in September, but then got delayed. As soon as Preston confirmed to me that the book is indeed out my dear hubby hurried to the nearest Barnes & Noble and bought the only available copy of it for me. After spending this afternoon locked away in my office, visually devouring every single page, I can say it was well worth the wait.
Preston divides his book up into sections of the celebration that are key elements in a successful special event, from table settings, floral displays, and lighting, to the architectural features of the venue, some already in existence and some created by his design. Vibrant colors, textures and nature collide in his designs to create events that take your breath away. Granted, the budgets of most of these events allow for much more "over the top" creativity than most of us will accomplish in our every day celebrations, but the combination of elements he shows us in this book provide fuel for creating beautiful things even on a less grand level. In the last section of the book Preston features "Transformations" featuring some of his most magnificent recent events around the world.
One of the things I love about this book is that at the end there is a beautiful two-page photo of Preston's entire creative and administrative team that help him accomplish his works of art. This is preceded by two full pages of acknowledgments of those to whom Preston says are owed thanks for "turning the dreams of these events into reality". There are names of individuals and businesses around the world. A true measure of a successful man is how he can share his success with those who have helped him accomplish it, and Preston is not shy about doing this. Bravo!
How is it possible that some people have more creativity in their little finger than most of us hope to have in ten lifetimes? Preston is lucky to have established himself as someone who can turn ordinary venues into masterpieces, and gets to do it worldwide. From California to Kuwait, Bali to Baharan, and France to India, Preston has created dream events for everyone from "who's who" names in the U.S. such as Oprah Winfrey to Donald Trump, to royalty and dignataries most of us only read about in the news, and many who we don't. The connecting thread among all of Preston's amazing creations is his passion for "discovering paths and turning dreams into realities." I asked Preston if he had a quote he wanted me to share in this article to explain his magical powers (my term, not his). He responded, "George Bernard Shaw once said, 'You see things and say, "Why?", but I dream things that never were and say, "Why not?".' That works."
Be sure to visit Preston's new website that will launch next Monday, October 12, featuring beautiful details from the book. Better yet, visit Amazon.com or your local book retailer to purchase this pinnacle of eye candy. It will inspire your creativity, I promise!
