[COOKERY & WINE]. STANTON, Virginia. Guide to Successful Entertaining. New York: M. Barrows and Company, Inc., 1963. Numerous illustrations. Original cloth-backed boards; original printed dust-jacket (worn and chipping). INSCRIBED TO NANCY REAGAN BY STANTON: "For Nancy Reagan: A lovely first lady of whom we are very proud. Virginia Stanton.”
[COOKERY & WINE]. STANTON, Virginia. Guide to Successful Entertaining. New York: M. Barrows and Company, Inc., 1963. Numerous illustrations. Original cloth-backed boards; original printed dust-jacket (worn and chipping). INSCRIBED TO NANCY REAGAN BY STANTON: "For Nancy Reagan: A lovely first lady of whom we are very proud. Virginia Stanton.”

Details
[COOKERY & WINE]. STANTON, Virginia. Guide to Successful Entertaining. New York: M. Barrows and Company, Inc., 1963. Numerous illustrations. Original cloth-backed boards; original printed dust-jacket (worn and chipping). INSCRIBED TO NANCY REAGAN BY STANTON: "For Nancy Reagan: A lovely first lady of whom we are very proud. Virginia Stanton.”

[Laid in:]

Typed document, 26 May 1967, “Suggested ‘Parties for the Press’ Prepared for Mrs. Ronald Reagan by Virginia Stanton.” 8 pages, 4to, 3 leaves with notes presumably in Nancy Reagans hand. One leaf Photostat copy of “Suggested menus.”

This 7-page plan was prepared by Virginia Stanton for Nancy Reagan in preparation for a party she would throw for the press. Stanton includes notes on “consideration of guest list,” “entertainment of guests,” “menu planning,” and “suggested menus.” Nancy Reagan was well known as a charming hostess. The 6 October 1967 issue of the Daily Independent Journal of San Rafael, California, includes a write-up about an event Nancy Reagan held for the press which presumably incorporated Stanton’s plan: “Northern California’s newswomen mingled socially for a change yesterday as the honored guests at a brunch given by California’s First Lady…the charming and gracious Mrs. Ronald Reagan welcomed her guests at the entrance to the garden in a Chester Weinberg blue and white wool plaid dress. The brunch preceded not only an impromptu tour of the mansion but, more importantly, a look at the newly-redecorated offices of the governor’s wing decorated by his wife…The menu, which drew high praise from the guests, was planned by Virginia Stanton of Caramel Valley, a friend of Nancy Reagan’s who has been a longtime writer on party entertaining for House Beautiful magazine” (p.17, “Newswomen Meet California’s First Lady At Brunch, Tour”).

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