GIFTING: Who is Bronson van Wyck giving his book to this Christmas?
The author of Born to Party, Forced to Work runs us through his year, and who’s on his gift list this holiday season
Some of us might be winding down right now, as the festive season brings a little less work and a little more partying, but for Bronson van Wyck, living it up and labouring hard are one and the same thing. America’s leading event and party planner, van Wyck is also the author of Phaidon’s hit 2019 book, Born to Party, Forced to Work. Within those pages van Wyck reveals just a few of his entertaining tips, as telling his own tale, about a boy from Tuckerman, Arkansas, who rose to great social heights. And, as the party scene keeps rocking, van Wyck is showing no sign of stopping. Read on to find out how he stays inspired, and who he's giving his Phaidon book to this year.
What inspired you most this year? Anything and everything. The second you stop soaking in the world around you is the second you start to become obsolete: museums, the theater; artists’ monographs; interior design books; biographies; stage design; history; Baz Luhrmann; Madonna; Ai Weiwei; El Anatsui; Oscar Niemeyer.
What annoyed you most? The crumbling decorum of democracy.
What was your personal highlight? Besides the release of my very first book? Planning a surprise party for my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. The perfect pairing of the professional and personal!
What can we expect from you in 2020? Wouldn’t you like to know…
Who will you give your Phaidon book to for Christmas? Fellow travelers who were also #BornToParty.
Are you among that number? Then find out more about the book here. In Born to Party, Forced to Work, van Wyck, the man Vogue called 'The Wizard of Oz of New York party planning,' distills the art of celebration into one volume, with examples drawn from his many successes - and, admittedly, a few entertaining failures. Lusciously illustrated with images from van Wyck's most spectacular events, this is the perfect primer on throwing parties that are as much fun to give as they are to attend.