the trend

How they do it in L.A. Occasionally profane but definitely entertaining, "Party Like a Rock Star: A Celebrity Party Planner's Tips and Tricks for Throwing an Unforgettable Bash" ($19.95, Globe Pequot Press) is a useful read. Party planner Jes Gordon, who survived organizing events for Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Jennifer Lopez, dispenses on-point advice for parties large and small. Gordon delivers on taking a party from concept to finish while staying on budget, and sections on renting venues, hiring music, tablescapes and countdown timelines are especially practical. The writing is earthy; she has choice words for dated recipes such as ambrosia salad and overcrowding. (You'll enjoy the section on "how to deal with unruly jackasses" when they show up among your guests.) While the quality of the photos isn't up to that of the information, this is a worthy handbook for the serious entertainer who isn't too serious.

KIM YEAGER