A straightforward book signing was never going to cut the mustard for the launch of Pippa Middleton's first foray into the publishing world. So what better way to unveil a guide to entertaining than to host a party to celebrate? Marking the release of Celebrate: A year of festivities for Families and Friends with a children's Halloween party at a book shop in Fulham, The Duchess of Cambridge's sister looked to be in her element.
The 29-year-old put the advice in her book to good practice, joining in with games and activities with the children, who all looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. The happy group didn't appear to be put off by the eight camera crews from around the world which were on hand to capture the moment. Pippa was on sparkling form in a LBD with three-quarter length sleeves with a dark green front panel. Her glossy hair was styled with a side parting and half pinned up, the rest tumbling over her shoulders in soft waves. She completed the look with some gold and tortoiseshell hooped earrings, but her best accessory was her warm smile, which hardly left her face for a moment. By all accounts, the party planner was enjoying her day in the spotlight. Just before the party she had worn a plum-coloured shift dress from one of her sister's favourite designers Roksanda Ilincic to pose with her book. And before that she had attended a book signing at Foyles. After the children's party was over, she made another costume change – putting on tweed panelled dress from Stella McCartney before leaving to celebrate her debut book with friends and family.
In the tome, Pippa details recipes, tips and advice for parties and family gatherings such as Halloween and Bonfire Night. She delves into her family past to divulge traditions like how to make lollipop-studded pumpkins and floating garden ghosts. Writing in the book, the pretty brunette acknowledges that many readers may initially check it out due to her high profile as the future Queen's sister. "I know many of you will pick up the book out of nothing more than curiosity," she writes. "[But] I can assure you that it feels even stranger to me than it probably does to you to have seen so much written about me when I have done so little to paint a picture of myself. This is my first chance to do that and I've enjoyed every minute of it. "The book is designed to be a comprehensive guide to home entertaining, based on my experience in my family's business Party Pieces and work for London-based events company Table Talk." Pippa was reportedly given a 400,000 advance for the book, which is 417 pages long and perfect for that last minute party rush. She explains that because "entertaining on any scale can be stressful and daunting", Celebrate puts all its focus on "ways to manage and enjoy the process".