must-have coffee table books.

While trolling the internet is a fun and endless way to find inspiration, sometimes you just need to hold a beautiful book in your hands. Seeing a photograph of a gorgeous home library, a snapshot of a far away destination, or beautiful artwork can be the perfect way to escape. Here are five that I find particularly interesting.

1. The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum and Danielle Kroll, illustrator

I first saw this one on Grown-Up Shoes, and obviously, a book of 50 cocktail recipes is going to be fun. But, this one also holds the history of each drink accompanied by a sassy illustration. Perfect for you or your favorite hostess.

2. Paris in Color by Nichole Robertson

The details of the photography in this book are just beautiful. With each set arranged by color, this book is perfect for anyone who is obsessed with the intricacies of color or simply of Paris.

3. Well-Read Women: Portraits of Fiction’s Most Beloved Heroines by Samantha Hahn

This book combines both watercolor portraits and descriptions of some of the best-known female characters, like Daisy Buchanan or Anna Karenina. Nothing like seeing a character come alive through art!

4. Design*Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney

It’s everything you love about the blog and more, and any list of coffee table books would be incomplete without it. Absolutely lovely photography, home tours, before & afters, DIYs - a great escape in both small and large doses.

5. Woman in the Mirror by Richard Avedon

Though a fashion photographer by day, Avedon was interested in finding out how elemental facts of modern life and human existence were reflected in his work. With photographs of celebrities, models, and anonymous subjects, he chronicles a half century of changing social  and cultural ideals through portrait.

What is your favorite coffee table book to page through for either fun or inspiration?

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