Throw a True Blood Party: An Unofficial Guide to Partying with Your Favorite Vamps

Title: Throw a True Blood Party: An Unofficial Guide to Partying with Your Favorite Vamps
Author: Paula Conway
Format: egalley edition
Pub. Date: June 13th 2013
Source: Netgalley and Riverdale Avenue Books

★★★

Three stars.

First of all, I have to say that this book has a great concept. Featured at the beginning of this guide to planning the perfect True Blood themed party is a selection of special discount codes that are exclusive to only this book. From candy to cosmetics, caramel apples to glasses, there are codes here for stores on Etsy, Manic Panic, and Candy.com, to name a very few. I think this is super innovative and a great idea. Especially because the author highlights specific products that go with the southern vampire theme.

Unfortunately for me, I was expecting this to be more book and less catalog.

The book starts out with an introduction that briefly sums up the author's history with vampires that is borderline insulting to the show for which this party is themed. It moves on to a "history" of vampires which is an educational, basic list of worldwide vampire myths and vampire-like creatures.

A large portion of this book reads more like a magazine or a blog than a party guide book. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but not what I was expecting either. The craft section is one of these portions. It was more a guide of what to buy from whom than how to make your own party decorations and accents. The stores she features do have beautiful wares, but I was hoping for a bit more hands-on tips or advice. This is also the case for the costuming section.

What makes up for the magazine-esque product features for me is the southern food and cocktail recipes. Paula Conway gives easy to follow instructions that anyone can follow. Having lived in Louisiana for awhile, I appreciated such food recipes as boiled peanuts and beignets. And the alcohol? Oh lordy, don't get me started. There is an extensive list of drinks for both the legal 21+er and for kids and designated drivers alike. An avid fan of vampire lore all year round, I will be keeping this list of drinks handy for whenever I want to try something new. The author also includes some pictures just to make sure that the reader's on point.

There's also a pretty nifty games section. Personally, I don't play party games so I can't say how useful I would find it. However, I can say that they are good ideas that are well explained by the author.

All in all, I think this book is worth the gander. If you are an Etsy or vampire addict, you will definitely want to hurry up and snag these limited discounts (they expire relatively soon!). The recipes and cocktails are sure to please, and though product reviews run rampant in this guide, they serve as good jumping off points to help you plan your own vampire party. However, if you're looking for an in depth, crafty/hands on approach to party planning (or if you're on a budget), this isn't going to foot the bill.

Thank you to Netgalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for my copy. Cover image taken from Netgalley.