Pippa Middleton launches new book with London parties

>>> back now at 89. 11. kate may be the future queen, but her sister pippa middleton was queen for a day on thursday. her first book on entertaining was released in britain, and fittingly she hosted two parties last night. nbc's michelle kosinksi is in london with more. michelle, good morning.

>> reporter: hi, savannah, right, finally got her own day in the spotlight and reportedly wrote this book entirely herself. it weighs three and a half pound, 400 pages, and you know everyone was going to scrutinize, it so everything surrounding it has been extremely carefully done. you've rarely heard her utter a word.

>> what can i do with this.

>> i reckon that could be a hat maybe.

>> reporter: here the party was all pippa .

>> amazing.

>> reporter: natural around the children, never fawning. it was like a page from her bourque "celebrate" featuring many of the pretty do-it-yourself celebrations and games.

>> oh, no. mess everywhere.

>> reporter: not always easy for adults.

>> can't do it.

>> reporter: the kids really did seem to eat up these ideas, though twice pippa was subjected to some unwitting naughtiness.

>> i hate princesses.

>> reporter: a tough crowd but pippa handled it. later she didn't quite know what to do in front of all of the cameras and to many that's refreshing.

>> really, really nervous but it's a bit exciting, and i feel really excited to launch the book.

>> reporter: it's been a couple of years since her sister's we had and when asked about memories of it just said --

>> crazy.

>> reporter: but she did it, a book of very simple and sweet holiday party ideas that is also a visual feat, zero glitz and glamour , more cotton than wool. instead of the fascinator at the society wedding, sparklers in the backyard, construction paper. and in america where her book is expected to sell the best, "parade" magazine bid for a preview with a skeptical cry but were so won over she put her on this week's cover.

>> charmed by it. we thought it looked wonderful. there is an opportunity for someone, whether it's pippa or somebody else, to be a martha stewart for a new generation.

>> reporter: starting with the basics, bop for apples, tell a story, help guests relax.

>> i think that there's something very charming about -- about the accessibility of it. pippa 's been sort of known as a party girl , and when you look at the book, oh, this is a completely different type of party, and you definitely would want an invitation.

>> reporter: there are critics. the "the new york post" called it a bum-mer saying the bowling pins filled with gravel and nothing lines up a grade school event like ten paint bombs with a surprisy schrapnel inside.

>> it's not easy to throw a party. it takes something to do it well and to enjoy doing it and that's what you walk away with. she enjoys this. this is actually a passion for her.

>> oh, yes.

>> reporter: kate, by the way, did not attend the launch party last night. the book is available in the u.s. on october 30th . savannah.