Chic Lit: The Encyclopedia of the Exquisite

The Encyclopedia of the Exquisite: An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights is the newest, and possibly most coveted addition to my never-ending Amazon wish list. Described by its author Jessica Kerwin Jenkins as a "lifestyle guide for the francophile and anglomaniac, the gourmet and the style maven, the armchair traveler and the art lover," I might just need to pick up a few copies to have on hand for hostess gifts and the bon vivants in my life. Jenkins covers a wide range of whimsical topics such as the art of lounging on a divan, the emergence of “frillies,” the first lacy, racy lingerie, Julia Child’s tip for cooking the perfect omelet, the fanciful thrill of dining alfresco and the history of champagne. Pretty fantastic, right? I'm off to pre-order!