Elsa Maxwell

“Under pressure, people admit to murder, setting fire to the village church or robbing a bank, but never to being bores.”

“One of the first rules of hospitality is to keep your own troubles to yourself.”

“The world would be a duller place without gossip.”

“The art of being a good guest is to know when to leave.”

“Individuality, if you have it, is a possession of great price.”

“I've tried several varieties of sex. The conventional position makes me claustrophobic, and the others give me a stiff neck or lockjaw.”

“Serve the dinner backwards, do anything that is not boring.”

“The only thing I'm afraid of is boredom.”

“Hostessing is a talent, not a trade.”

“A party is a work of art.”

“My formula for a successful party is to mix up the guests.”