In The Design of a Country Estate: Purple Cherry Architects & Interiors (Gibbs Smith, 2024; $50), principal Cathy Purple Cherry chronicles her experience masterminding a sumptuous Maryland mansion and its outbuildings. An evening author chat and book signing will take place at JANUS et Cie in Bethesda on February 11; to attend, email [email protected].

Molteni&C celebrates 90 years of innovation with Molteni Mondo: An Italian Design Story (Rizzoli, 2024; $95), edited by Spencer Bailey. Text and cinematic photography document the brand’s history and the work of celebrated designers who, with CEO Marco Piscitelli (above, in center), have created its iconic collections. Milan’s Molteni Museum is also featured.

Bethesda designer and style maven Lorna Gross  sheds light on the art of party planning in Entertaining by Design (The Collective Book Studio, 2024; $35). Seventeen seasonal sections on gatherings, from a spring buffet to a holiday fête for 40, are accompanied by recipes and tips on menus, invitations, tablescapes—and how to minimize stress.