My experience with party planning reaches as far as telling my guests that they can’t wear sweatpants in my house. (Hey, even  I don’t wear sweats around the house.) The biggest party I ever planned was my Sweet Sixteen, which was, ironically enough, mermaid themed. And practically every party I attended during college revolved around sitting on a couch and trying not to touch the sweaty pretzel bowl. So when I got the opportunity to flip through Mermaids & Martinis, I wanted to check out the proper party planning tricks that turn parties into memories.

So, why mermaids? Honestly, after reading through the entire book, I’m still furrowing my eyebrows over this one. It has something to do with Louisa May Alcott and her insistence that mermaids are the most social of creatures. The martinis aspect is more obvious.

Page by page, holiday by holiday, this book’s got you covered. Stumped about how to set your Fourth of July party or summer luau apart from all the rest? Hilary Pereira offers up beautifully detailed creations. From invites, to set up, prep, and crafty decorations, you are sure to find a spark of creative inspiration here. Riddled with literary quotes, I can appreciate the voice of the book as more than a home decorating guide. “Rules of fin” pop up often to remind us of the most important tips in party-planning.

Interested in testing out mermaid hostessing for yourself? Pick up your copy on Amazon.