I did not think it was possible for Elizabeth Heiskell to top her last cookbook, "What Can I Bring?," but she's done it. The recipes and the menus are even better, and there are lots of hosting tips and beautiful photos of food and tables for inspiration. This would be a fantastic holiday gift for friends and family.

My review has been posted to Goodreads.

Review has also been tweeted as usual.

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Southern Living presents an update to their classic entertaining guide. From information on how to throw an informal gathering to the most formal of events, this guide will tell you how to plan and execute a successful party. Includes plenty of yummy recipes

If you are giving a party, barbecue or entertaining a large group or family this is the book for you. The recipes are easy and from the photographs mouth watering.
Many thanks to Elizabeth Heiskell the publisher and Net Galley for this preview copy.

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The Southern Living Party Cookbook by Elizabeth Heiskell is a beautiful and very modern reimagining of the best-selling Southern Living cookbook of all time, 1972’s Southern Living Party Cookbook. This smart fresh guide to entertaining with chapters arranged by occasion features scrumptious menus and fun ideas for every celebration from the author of the super popular WHAT CAN I BRING? book. Includes such yummy choices from the original as Smoked Salmon Canapés and Brady Alexanders, plus delicious recipes from current Southern Living pages, as well as Elizabeth’s own coveted recipe box. Lifestyle tips, hysterical Heiskell stories and luscious photography are also featured to take you from party planning to après dinner drinks with grace and style. 5/5

Pub Date 23 Oct 2018

Thanks to Meredith Special Interest Media/Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#TheSouthernLivingPartyCookbook #NetGalley

This book is beautiful! I love each of the pictures and found the stories surrounding each party so personal and relatable. The recipes are approachable and engaging, making you want to jump in the kitchen and start cooking! This book guides you to host a variety of get togethers and parties and would make an excellent gift for your favorite hostess or hostess!

A wonderful books full of great pictures, tips, and interesting recipes.
There's so many things I want to try and it was a lovely trip into the Souther way of partying and cooking.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Oxmoor House and Netgalley for this ARC

This book has everything you expect from a Southern Living Publication. There are tips for entertaining and hosting, mouth-watering recipes and beautiful photography that inspires us all to throw a party. I do recognize some of the recipes from previous Southern Living books so you probably shouldn't expect all new content but there are some amazing recipes that I can't wait to try.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There was a time when I used to read all the fresh arrival cookbooks in the library. Its been a while since I touched cookbooks in the recent times. The Southern Living Party Cookbook by Elizabeth Heiskell was a great redebut into reading cookbooks.

The cover of the book draws you in with its abundance. Right in the introduction, I came across Goldenrod eggs. That is the beauty of a cookbook, no matter how many recipes you have looked at, there is always somehting new to learn from other cooks. Just the other day, at my sister's house I saw savory puffs and now our evening snack is novel with no new ingredients added to the pantry. I make seasoned thin poha as evening snack once in a while but now it can be every other time with this puffed variety in the arsenal.

The author of the book aims to deliver "entertaining tips, party inspiration and mouthwatering recipes" just like the 1972 Southern Living Party Cookbook by Celia Marks. Key lime silk tablecloth and Lava Rock for fireplace set the stage for grand parties.

As a reader, I feel I am well equipped with things to remember

"Buffet Feng Shui."
"Vary the heights". We go for alikeness and miss out on the cascade effect of this.
"Save utensils for last, so guest wont have to juggle then while filling plates."
"Place food of limited supply at the end of the line."

Recently when I came across a hostess gift, I realised that there isnt a book on that topic. This book does have a page and guiding principles on gifting.

New recipes that I learned;
cream cheese and pecan rolled grapes
Grits quiche
Bacon Grissini
Cheese coins
Cheese squares
Brandy Alexander
7 layer cookies
Potato gruyeres
Chicken salad ring
Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches

perfectly scooped balls of peaches n cream from a bake dish
Bridal tea setting has forks with tapered stem like that of a paint brush. Another cutlery set like bamboo stalks. Yes, matching tiny ones too.
Fruit cube skewers
Using muffin pan as sides holders

Essence of the book is to chill as a hostess too, with preparations that can be done early and to remember what makes a good party -

"the people make the party, not the food, flowers or the quality of your bathroom guest towels"
"I bet many of them (parties) involve great friends, a bowl of nuts, and a bottle of bourbon or wine"
"Food always tastes better when it is served outside"
"A recipe is a story"

I breezed through this gem of a book last night, and am looking forward to trying the recipes and using the entertainment tips. The Southern Living Party Cookbook is clear and concise, broken down into 5 sections (Teas, Coffees, and Receptions; Brunches and Lunches; Come By For A Drink Y'All; Cookouts; Celebrations and Dinners), with droolworthy photos of everything, including gorgeous tablescapes. Fun tips are scattered throughout, and this lovely volume would be great to pick up for yourself (also makes a great coffee table book!) or to give as a gift. Very nicely done!