Beauty and entertaining have long been passions of Valentino. “I am in love with beauty,” he admits in the book’s opening. “I have always loved beautiful objects.” Though beyond the tangible objets d’art housed in each of his residences, Valentino’s excellence as a host is defined by the warmth and joy he creates for his guests. Photographed by renowned Italian photographer Oberto Gili, and organized by residence, this book invites the reader to enjoy various table settings and recipes specific to each home. Among all of these luxurious homes, the crown jewel of Valentino’s residential repertoire is the Chateau de Wideville, a historic chateau outside of Paris that is admittedly Valentino’s favorite. There, meals of Italian inspired home cooking, such as risotto Milanese, are presented amongst his collection of rare Meissen swans. “I love antique china sets, like Meissen, Russian, or from P.K. Selesia, a German company from the 1930s” he states.

Though regardless of residence or number of guests, Valentino’s commitment to excellence does not waver. “I am very often alone and enjoying my houses,” Valentino says. “Entertaining thirty or one is the same; the food has to be on a beautiful plate. The dream came true".