This cookbook was intriguing to me because of the title. Unfortunately, this book just was not for me. The majority of the book felt out-of-touch with the reality of southern get-togethers for most southerners. This is definitely marketed more for the people who can afford lavish get-togethers versus the more down-home ones I remember from my childhood. I was disappointed to find very little that was useful in this book. I’m sure others may like it more, but it was not for me. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I like the premise of this book but the recipes all have multiple steps and there are no suggestions to make recipes allergen friendly or other such modifications. I loved imagining being at one of her gatherings but felt the book did not have much practical application for my life.

This book is organized into specific party themes, and then those are in chapters called Daytime Delights, All-Day Bashes, Potlucks & Supper Clubs, and Formal Affairs & Slow Food Socials. The intro section has lots of good general party hosting info, including things to do and not and guidelines for serving sizes.
The book felt inconsistent - some of the get togethers had a whole list of recipes for a total meal, including a drink. Then the Game Day one literally was a single recipe for Brisket. Some had lots of photos of a gathering with place settings and centerpieces (but no info on either of these), and others just had pics of the recipes. For a book set up like this, there should be more than one recipe for each gathering, or at least ideas of other things to serve. There wasn't any mix and match or flexibility in here.
If you like Southern gatherings, this book may be of interest. I don't think I'm the right audience.

This is hands down one of the best cookbooks that I've read in a long time. This isn't just a bunch of recipes thrown in, KBC tells you how you should be going about planning for a gathering. You learn what staples you should always have on hand, what plates to use, and how much to drink you should have on hand. This is easily one of the best step by step hosting books I've seen and this would have been extremely beneficial in my 20s when I was struggling through figuring it out by trial and error.

I am obsessed with this book! The cover, the content, everything is better than the next. I cannot wait to host and use the techniques and recipes! This would be such a beautiful housewarming or wedding gift!!

The pictures and layout were so appealing to the eye and the recipes look delicious! I am not a southern girl so some of the etiquette just sounded a little ridiculous to me but I am excited to try these recipes soon!

I liked this cookbook very interesting the way they help you build your “party ready” pantry, bar, and closet, including lists of must haves. This is helpful when planning a party and not knowing where to start. Additionally, I like how it has one basic recipe and then multiple ways you can make it different. The pictured and visuals of this book were stunning. The colors of all the flowers and the charcuterie boards looked so beautiful and the dishes all made me want to make the recipes. Personally I like simpler cookbooks but that’s just my personal preference I still thought this book was lovely especially if you’re looking for hosting ideas !

This is a stunning and amazing cookbook! I’m a big fan of Kelsey and this book is just so her! Incredible recipes, stories & photos! I can’t wait to have a hard copy for my shelves.

What a beautiful cookbook. Photograph is phenomenal and compliments the flow of the book, I love the pop of blue in each picture.

Kelsey has structured this book so it’s easy to prep, prepare, and then relax at any gathering you choose to create.

I found her charts regarding how much food and beverage to serve for different size crowds very useful.

From casual get together to formal meals, this cookbook has so many themed meals to choose.

Loved it.

One of my most anticipated cookbooks of 2024 and it did not disappoint. I've been a big Kelsey Clark fan since her days on Top Chef. I got an arc of her first cookbook and still use it often. I love that we are getting back to books about cooking for friends and loved ones in groups. Dinner parties are back and better than ever thanks to books like Southern Get Togethers that make it easy and fun. The recipe for Foolproof Caterer's Hollandaise is worth the price of the book alone. I loved that the BYO Protein section focused on the sides and sauces that help make a protein special. The bacon onion jam is stellar. Everyone needs a good tiramisu recipe and Kelsey's turned out just as expected- perfect. Add this cookbook to your shelf.

I take any opportunity to enjoy a great meal with friends and family, and this cookbook makes it even more enticing. Its stunning pictures inspire me to try every recipe and even replicate the beautiful place settings. I can already envision making several of these dishes regularly.

I just couldn't get into this book. The recipes came were average. I didn't see anything I haven't seen in other cookbooks. The entertaining tips were the same. Most of them were common sense rules. The only thing I did like was how Kelsey Barnard Clark's southern sass shone through on the pages. It was like consulting with her in person. That being said, I'm not sure I'd take entertaining advice from someone who tossed Happy Meals out to guests at a wedding. That's a little too casual for my taste.

Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark shares her party-planning expertise in "Southern Get-Togethers," There are over 100 recipes and practical advice for both new and seasoned hosts. This self-help book simplifies hosting various events, from casual gatherings to formal dinners, with crowd-pleasing dishes. The cookbook includes helpful tips on menu planning and more, this cookbook is a go-to guide for mastering Southern hospitality and creating memorable celebrations.

Beautiful pictures and fun ideas for my next dinner party. I can’t wait to try a majority of the recipes as they seem simple enough to throw together.

Highly recommend this informative book showcasing gorgeous pictures with recipes, and tips for hosting and entertaining. Highly recommend this book if you are hosting a party for any occasion. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is beautiful and the recipes are well-written! I love how it’s structured and split up by what type of gathering you want to throw. Definitely would make a great gift. Thank you for the ARC.

The photos alone are a good reason to get this book. Then there is the advice towards entertaining including dishware, linens and everything else you might need. The food, oh the food. There is a well rounded selection of recipes, of special note to me where the French potato and green bean salad, and the salsas. There are so many items bookmarked to try!

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this lovely arc. The illustrations are beautiful and delicious recipes. Perfect for get togethers and the holidays.

This book is beautiful. It has information on etiquette and tips for hosting dinner parties or luncheons. There are also many wonderful recipes that I can’t wait to try. I can’t wait to get a physical copy.

Recipes from across the south
Ms. Clark created a Southern cookbook with the old favorites and some new twists. It is beautifully illustrated and the recipes run from back yard get together to formal settings. Set up in categories to make it quick to find your goal.
I requested and received a Netgalley ARC to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same.