When I started reading this, I expected it to be a bit more about entertaining than recipes. There was some good content in this book that met with my expectations, but overall, it was more recipes for entertaining than setting up or finding neat ways to entertain in a Southern space. I wanted to like it much more than I did. In fact, I tried very hard to like it more than I did, which is why I gave it a 3 stars. But it just fell short of expectations. The recipes were fine. Nothing totally earth shattering. And they were paired well with the proposed events. I really wish, though, that there had been more about the things around the get togethers than about the cooking. There are plenty of cookbooks that feature southern cooking and do so with more unique twists and takes.

I gave this a three star, because there were still some good pieces of information that met my wants here and there.

This is such a delightful cookbook that includes a lot of great recipes for different types of get-togethers. One of my favorite things it included was a chart at the beginning with how much wine and beer to purchase for different size parties. So helpful! The focus of this cookbook was on entertaining, though I am not sure how many people host those style of parties regularly (specifically the formal affairs section). The recipes that stood out to me, that I can’t wait to try, are: the Shortbread Crumble Banana Pudding, Za’atar Wings with Harissa Sauce, and that Cucumber Collins. Each group of recipes is separated by the type of party and includes a whole menu. Overall a great option for those that love to entertain.

Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Pros: I really enjoyed the author's first book Southern Grit, so I was excited to read this new book about hosting. The cover is so eye-catching and feels very true to what a southern get-together looks like! The photography throughout this book is fantastic--it is bright and inviting and serves as a guide to how to set a table and present the food. There are great hosting how-tos in this book with helpful checklists, charts, and explanations. I loved that a book about southern get-togethers included a (modern) manners section. I so appreciated that this book provided full menus for different gatherings and that the recipes appear to be accessible to cooks of all levels of experience. As I read I kept a list of the recipes I want to try, and I really wished I had a French ham and cheese baguette or animal house Chex mix to snack on while reading!

Cons: None that I can think of! (Well, except I'm not sure about the jambalaya recipe with shrimp in it because I prefer chicken and sausage jambalaya!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the opportunity to read this book!

This cookbook was what my grandma liked to call “the whole kitchen sink!” It was so well thoughtfully put together to include any type of life event get together whether it be as a host or a guest. Kelsey Barnard Clark, made southern cooking and hosting as easy as pie!

Onto the breakdown of the book though:

The photos were EXCELLENT, they captured the dishes perfectly, the table settings were gorgeous, and the thing I love the most in a good ‘ole cookbook is, honestly the flowers (I know kinda silly), but it’s so simple to fix your table up with a pop of something like flowers that if you mess that up then we have a problem! Barnard Clark, has the answer to that though with a step by step in the front, of all the dos and don’ts of hosting/being a guest and guess what? How to throw together a center piece of flowers is one of them!

Is this cookbook tastefully divided:
YES! The reader could definitely find a recipe for any get together whether it be a casual pop in, a potluck meal, or even a good ‘ole get together to watch the game.
The book was divided into 5 parts, 1 of those parts being how to throw together something for different occasions and all the P’s and Q’s you need to not only be a great host, but a respectful guest! The other 4 sections are food based on, daytime get togethers, all day affairs, potlucks/supper clubs, and formal affairs/ social gatherings.

Things I liked the most:
1. The do’s and don’t’s! - I have grown up in the south my whole life and the biggest rule my mom made us swear to follow were minding our P’s and Q’s (please and thank you’s). Bernard Clark really gained my whole hearted respect when she put this “trash” and “keep” concept for hosts and guests! Nothing like a stressed out snippy host or a wild guest to sour the night and she makes it possible to show people you can follow rules and still have all the fun!

2. The checklists! - I love nothing more than a checklist. Especially ones broken up the way Bernard Clark had hers. Very organized and there is even a shared hosting check list that had my heart swooning!

3. Pictures of all the food! - I think something that makes cookbooks stand out is the way they show off their recipes. It needs to look absolutely delicious to appeal to the reader, but also not so complicating looking that the reader skips over it with doubts in their head that they’d never be able to pull it off. This cookbook not only made my mouth water, but it made everything look like I could accomplish that, no problem!

Things I wish I had seen more of:
1. The time it takes to prepare and make. - As someone who cooks a lot I can kinda gauge how long things will take based on the ingredients and what the dish is. For those that don’t cook often though, this maybe the make or break they face when attempting some of these recipes. Some recipes require careful care to prepare and others not as much, but some readers may find it helpful to know a time if they are cooking something in a pinch.
Do I ever suggest attempting a recipe you have never done before in a rush? ABSOLUTELY NOT! My Mimi always said, “when you are in a hurry, stick with what you know and don’t get too fancy on little time.” I still live by this rule with my whole being, so if you want to attempt a meal from this cookbook, but are running short on time, my best suggestion would be to stick with what you know best and what you know people enjoy!

All in all this book was an easy 5 stars for me and I look forward to reading more from Kelsey Bernard Clark in the future! Now off to try some of these amazing recipes!

"Southern Get-Togethers" by Kelsey Barnard Clark is a delightful treasure trove of southern hospitality and culinary delights. Clark's expertise shines through in her meticulous guidance for hosting unforgettable gatherings. The NOLA Barbecue Shrimp and Oysters Rockefeller recipes are absolute showstoppers, embodying the essence of southern flavor. (I received an advance reader copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.) This book is a must-have for anyone looking to infuse their gatherings with warmth, flavor, and unforgettable memories.

A new party focused book full of hosting tips and recipes! The book is divided into different occasions with tips for creating a great get-together! This book was really pretty and well organized. I think it resonated a little less for me than a normal cookbook because I don't really host parties. However, for those that do, this would be an amazing book!

This is more a manual than cookbook. This KBC recipes includes the perfect gathering manual which includes food. The book takes the guessing out of putting together a successful gathering from the table scape, menu, conversation and cocktails. For those that imagine how to put together a successful gathering this is perfect. The recipes are exciting, elevated as well as chill and able to be put together successfully by most home cooks. The photos of the food, the recipes, as well as tips are perfect to put together a wonderful intimate or group gathering. Definitely recommend.

Thanks to KBC, the publisher and Netgalley.

lovely photo essay that shone for its photography, styling and emphasis on the host/guest experience. I made the ham baguette it was
beautiful simple and tasty. I would have enjoyed some recipes that reminded me of the amazing food to be had in Savannah and Charleston in the
iconic markets, farmers markets and unexpected low key gourmet type venues. the gulf coast of Alabama delights and I am guessing the recipes are specific to the authors specific Alabama home city.

I absolutely love this type of format for a cookbook. I enjoyed watching Kelsey Barnard Clark on Top Chef as well, so I was excited to pick this up. I like a book that will give a menu for a type of event, like a brunch or party. These recipes are accessible and delicious!

Learn how to throw an incredibly southern back yard party with this book! From flower arrangements, to tables scapes, etiquette, information and elevated classics. The imagery used throughout the book is beautiful and really fits the aesthetic of the book as a whole. There’s no way I’d keep this one on my bookshelf, it would be on display in the kitchen or even used as a coffee table book. I can’t wait to make some of these recipes.

Feel free follow my social media accounts, I will be sharing my review of this book prior to the publishing date as well as images of the recipes I made from it.
https://linktr.ee/britneybarlow

Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Such a fun book! It is colorful and has some great pictures. She has ideas for all sorts of holidays and how to spruce them up so that you can take you hosting and parties to the next level!

Loved this!

I vacationed in the Southern US as a kid a ton and these foods are so nostalgic.

Learned a lot of interesting preparations, having always been an eater. Also some more regional dishes I had never heard about.

Pictures were gorgeous!

This is the perfect new cookbook for anyone who loves to entertain, or aspires to do more entertaining. It's so inspirational, while also very practical -- kind of like shadowing a very creative, experienced hostess. The photographs are beautiful, and the recipes are all curated into themed parties -- like burger night, mezze night, street taco night, and steak night, to name just a few. The accent is on delicious traditional southern favorites, but always updated with a creative twist. The menus range from super simple (boards for a quick drop by drink) to formal and elaborate (fearless French dinner). I have not had a chance to cook anything yet, but the recipes are very clearly and well written, and it is obvious that everything has been tested enough to be tried and true. The author even includes lists of things like how much glassware you need. This would be a wonderful gift for a hostess or avid home cook, or a treat for yourself!

"Southern Get-Togethers" is like having your own Southern party planner at your fingertips! Packed with delicious recipes, clever tips, and tons of inspiration, this book will help you host gatherings that your friends and family will rave about. Get ready to throw unforgettable parties with a touch of Southern charm!

Souther Get-Togethers will definitely be my go-to hosting book. As a 30-something from the west coast who now lives in the Deep South I love that this book breaks down Southern hosting etiquette. The recipes are delicious, the photos are stunning and Kelsey’s tips are so helpful. This book would make a wonderful gift and would be perfect for a bride-to-be!

Love that this is not only full of amazing looking recipes but also gives some pointers on making it an inviting space to host. Will definitely se this as a source when hosting this summer!

I thought Southern Get-Togethers by Kelsey Barnard Clark was a visually stunning and authentic to the Southern experience. While I spent portions of my life in the South there are still culinary traditions that are totally foreign to me and I found that her cookbook was fantastic at making them easily accessible and understandable to this mostly-non-southerner. I absolutely loved that Kelsey took the time to explain the social aspect of Southern get togethers along with the culinary portion. While that might seem a bit strange or unnecessary to some, I can say that Southern get togethers are a whole other ballgame compared to what a lot of people are used to. God forbid you wear the wrong thing, bring the wrong thing, show up at the wrong time…Visually this book is perfection. The recipes themselves look amazing and I know for myself, I prefer cookbooks to have photos of what the recipes are supposed to look like when all is said and done. The family photos, decor how-to’s, and even just the page-by-page styling all remind me of the quintessential Southern palate. I’m transported back to my childhood when we’d visit my elderly relatives in the summer and eat the recipes presented in this book. I love that these recipes are authentic and relatively easy to recreate no matter where you live. I love that there’s a variety of Southern food showcased too. Not just the stereotypical fried food or BBQ a lot of people think of when they hear “Southern food.” The fact that Kelsey has picked dishes from pretty much every corner of the South really is commendable and will hopefully open people’s eyes up to a new variety of food. While a lot of these recipes are familiar to me there are quite a few that are brand new that I plan on making very soon! My husband is a New Yorker so most of these recipes will be completely new to him!

Title: Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings
Author: Kelsey Barnard Clark
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Pub date: 9/10/2024

I’m drooling!

Once I finished this book, I was left trying to decide which recipe I want to master first and when can I share these recipes with my family and friends!

The recipes combined with all the entertaining tips have given me confidence to put all of it together without all of the stress.

This cookbook has advice on how to throw a southern style get-together wherever you are and over 100 mouth watering recipes. There are beautiful photos of the recipes along with some gorgeous tablescapes.

The recipes seem like anyone willing to try something new will be able to handle. No need to feel intimidated by all you learn from these pages.

Thank you #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks for the opportunity to read this book.

Southern Get Together focuses on hosting inspiration and tips.

The sections are
Getting Together: prep work, the logistics of a group gathering, and decorations.
Daytime Delights
All Day Bashes
Potlucks & Supper Clubs
Formal Affairs and Slow Food Socials

Each recipe has servings, ingredients, and directions with a picture for each recipe. The pictures are very bright and aesthetic. The hosting its were very helpful and in-depth.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Obsessed! This book is stunning and I will read, buy, obsess over anything Kelsey writes. I have her previous book and really enjoy the recipes, and these were just as simple and wonderful.