I have a fun cookbook to share and give away, filled with party ideas, recipes and beautiful inspiration for your entertaining needs:
*The Southern Living Party Cookbook: A Modern Guide to Gathering
by Elizabeth Heiskell, 2018 Oxmoor House
Elizabeth Heiskell, best-selling author and TODAY show food contributor, puts her one-of-a-kind touch on updating the top-selling Southern Living cookbook of all time, 1972’s Southern Living Party Cookbook.
This new essential guide to entertaining is divided by occasion, offering a fresh lineup of menus and ideas from Oxford, Mississippi’s go-to caterer for every celebratory scenario life serves up. In this update to the best-selling book of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ era, Elizabeth’s tell-it-like-it-is voice provides a twist to the classic Southern advice that is a refresher for entertainers of any age or experience.
Divided by occasion, this modern-day reinterpretation of the Southern Living classic offers a fresh lineup of party ideas, including a Bridal Tea, Garden Club Luncheon, Summer Nights, Cocktails and Canapés, Tailgate, Picnic on the Lawn, Fall Dinner, and 24 more gatherings you’ll want to host.
It was love at first sight when I saw this book! I ordered it immediately in October and was thrilled when I received a review copy to share that arrived in December.
Southern Living has always been my go-to source for a recipe that is delicious and reliable. I used to collect their annual recipe cookbooks until a kitchen cabinet shelf collapsed from their weight and actually pulled away from the wall. . .sad, but true!
In addition to delicious recipes, this cookbook is filled with beautiful photos and flowers. . .food for the soul!
Feast you eyes on some of these dishes and tableware too. . .
There is plenty to tempt my taste buds in this cookbook. Among some of my bookmarked recipes to try are Chicken Salad Pastry Shells, Pimiento Cheese Biscuits with Ham, Cream Cheese-and-Pecan Rolled Grapes, Bacon Waffles with Pecan Chicken Tenders, Smoky Spiced Pecans, Candied Bacon Grissini, Marinated Veggies Salad and Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce!
For a chance to win a copy of The Southern Living Party Cookbook, leave a comment sharing a favorite party recipe or entertaining tip!
Update 1/22:
I have a second copy to give away courtesy of Meredith Special Interest Media/Books.
This giveaway is open to those living in the continental U.S. through midnight January 25th.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
*Thank you to Time Inc. / Meredith Special Interest Media/Books for providing a copy of The Southern Living Party Cookbook.
Photos from The Southern Living Party Cookbook by Elizabeth Heiskell.
Copyright © 2018 Oxmoor House. Reprinted with permission from TI Inc. Books, a division of Meredith Corporation. New York, NY. All rights reserved.
Cheers My Dears!
I’d love a copy of this beautiful cookbook Mary! I’ve been a SL subscriber for many years. One of my party tips is to keep some Athens Phyllo Shells in the freezer. You can pull them out and fill them with sweet or savory fillings. They’re great with chicken salad, goat cheese or brie and fig preserves, or lemon curd and whipped cream. Thanks for the chance to win!
I love your blog, love your shed, and would LOVE to win this entertaining cookbook. I always like to have a little takeaway for my guests.I often make spiced nuts or homemade cookies and package them in a pretty way. Who says “goody bags” are for children?
Oooh… what wonderful cookbook! I’d love a copy. One of my favorite apps to serve for Christmas is your festive tortellini wreath served with jarred marinara sauce. We served it this year for Christmas Eve and everyone thought I was a genius. Thanks for your great ideas Mary!
This is a tip for people who do cocktail parties in their home. I find that guests put their glasses down during the night and can’t remember which one is theirs. So I go to a craft store and buy large earring hoops and alphabet beads. I make each guest a name winecharm for the glass. I have all the glasses out with the winecharms on at the beginning of the party and the guests pick theirs up and fill it with whatever they like. Then the rest of the evening they can find it. Super easy to make and very inexpensive.
Food is a mainstay at a party but lately I’ve liked to games and activities too. It gives wallflowers (me) a fun way to socialize. It also keeps me from grazing all night!
I love you posts. Your creativity is always a treat to experience!
I love to entertain and would love to have a copy of this cookbook. I always find that Southern Living recipes are the best. I always keep several different kinds of appetizers ready and in the freezer. That way I can pull together a spontaneous soiree on a heartbeat’s notice.
Oh my gosh! I would love that book. The photos are fabulous and I love to entertain like that. Love your blog too. Checking in is part of my routine for your “eye candy” photos!
Just seeing those peonies makes me think of spring!
I always send my guests home with a living gift. I have small pots of herb and flower starters all the time, and a quick ribbon and gift tag sends friends home with the herbs I’ve cooked with or the flowers on the table. Geraniums are easy to start, and hyacinth bulbs are greatly loved during dreary winter!
Wow! What a great opportunity! Did not love entertaining really until I moved here to Georgia, and found a wonderful neighborhood.Now I do so regularly and truly enjoy it. Whether it’s an afternoon tea, (which I am having next week), a book club easy luncheon, or a couples dinner party, planning fun into the time is essential.Your recipes have been used often and are a BIG hit, thank you.This beautiful book would be so appreciated by me and all my neighbors too!
What a fantastic book! Tonight is one of our Come by for a drink, Y’all” thanks for sharing.
It would be so exciting to win this cookbook. I’ve worked on cookbooks before (nothing to the extent through) and I know how much time, effort, and dedication it takes in creating something truly this amazing; The nervousness and excitement that all your hard work is going out for the world to see! I enjoy entertaining, tablescapes, dishes, flowers and of course, the food considering I’m a major foodie!! I’m crossing my fingers and hoping I win :-).
So sad I sold all my Southern Living cookbooks when we retired and moved to Florida. Big mistake, we entertain now more than ever. Always have the bar set up so everyone can make their favorite!
I’m so inspired to set the table, prepare the food, and open the door to celebrate life with an open heart. Even if I don’t win a copy of this beautiful book, I am so grateful that I read your post today. Thank you.
Love Southern Living cookbooks. Like you Mary I have quite a few. My husband is the dessert chef in our house and I found a carrot cake recipe in a Southern Living cookbook that we started making. EVERYONE loves it!!! It is our go to dessert for dinner parties!!
Sue, would the carrot cake recipe happen to be from the SL recipe annual from the early or mid-90s? I used to have it and it has been misplaced in a move. I would love to have it again. It is THE best carrot cake recipe ever!!
Hi Carolyn, My SIL makes SL’s Best Carrot Cake. The recipe came out in 1997 and it’s delicious! See if this is like yours: https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/best-carrot-cake
I have been following your blog and look forward to it. Love your tablescapes, flower arrangements and ideas for entertaining. Thank you, Mary, for sharing your talents with us and I would enjoy Southern Living!
Southern Living has long been a favorite of mine. I would be thrilled to win a copy of this updated party book! When we have more formal dinner parties, my husband greets each guest at the door with a small glass of champagne. This welcoming gesture sets the tone for bubbly fun and helps lubricate the conversation. (I’ve followed your blog for quite awhile and always love your posts for the color, photography, and genteel wit!)
I would love to win this book! The photos are just fabulous and I imagine the recipes are just fabulous, as well! One of my favorite dips to serve at parties is Black Olive Tapenade:
Ingredients:
1 jar (7 oz., approx.) of pitted black olives, drained
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lime (or lemon) juice
1/4 cup parsley leaves
All you need to do is add all the ingredients into a food processor (or blender) and pureé until you get the desired consistency! Serve in a bowl and enjoy with small crackers. :)
I am an antique dealer. So when I have my friends over for Valentines Day tea, I use a lovely costume jewelry brooch for a napkin ring without damaging it. My guests always look forward to their lovely remembrance.
Oh, Nancy, that is brilliant! I’m hosting one this year for my antique club using my mother’s clear Fostoria American dishes. Your brooch idea will be perfect for napkin rings! Thank you so much for sharing!
Here’s my tip…use the good silver every single day…keep it in the kitchen drawer…and you’ll always be ready to offer a beautiful, yet effortless, welcome for even the simplest cup of tea with toast!
Hi Mary, Being a southern girl from Georgia we have always entertained throughout the years. My favorite tip has always been one that my sweet grandmother started many years ago. She would always put a little goodie bag on each plate, the adults table would receive a small fancy candy and for the children’s table it was always a small toy. We always loved that extra special little touch. I would love to win this cookbook, I don’t entertain as much as she did but I still love it!!!!💝
This book looks great! I retired last year and would love to get back to entertaining like I did when I was younger! I always sent party favors home in pretty clear bags with pretty ribbon. I’m ready for spring and would love to try the recipes!
Can’t wait to learn more from this book. I love having themed tea parties. My tip is that I continually collect unique tea cups for all occasions. I am always on the look out for old beautiful cups that can mix and match together. I find them at flea markets, yard sales, antique shops, second hand – thrift shops and on line. Often times my guests get to take their tea cup home with them as a reminder of our time together! Sharing the beauty of a lovely cup is part of the joy of gathering together.
I remember my parents receiving “Progessive Farmer” back in the 50’s that became Southern Living. When I married I subscribed to Southern Living magazine and have received it continuously since the 60’s. My first Southern Living Annual Cookbook was 1982 and I have all of them.I am a North Carolina girl also but my husbands job moved us to Colorado in 1989. I was very disappointed to learn SL has a different magazines for different areas of the USA. As my sister still lives in NC she gets the “southern” SL one and I get the western one. We love to go through each months edition page by page together but can’t now because of this problem. I have called and asked for the Southern edition but have been unsuccessful in getting it. Favorite recipe? Hummingbird cake. I’ve made that cake in NC, SD, MD,MN and CO. If you haven’t made it please try it as it will disappear quickly.
I agree with Alice. The Hummingbird cake is hands-down a must. I make that cake often. People rave about it and request it often. I am a Carolina born gal and people here in Florida have never heard of it, yet are fans quickly!
Hi Mary. I love entertaining and Southern Living has always been my go to source. I, too, have all their annual recipes and annual Christmas books as well as a host of other cookbooks until I also ran out of space and had to call a halt to collecting. Now I am addicted to Pinterest. Once I discovered your blog, you have been my inspiration for tablescapes and recipes. My tip is to use a plastic envelope style file folder. I write out my menu and collect all the recipes so I can make a grocery list. Later, I write in the serving pieces I want to use beside each dish and by the day of the party I have a timetable for when each item goes in the oven, etc. Having it all organized in one place makes everything go smoothly whether it is for a party or a weekend of houseguests. My current favorite item is a cute little cast iron mouse I found in a garden shop. He brought a chuckle at our Christmas party sitting on the cheese tray with the cheeses and grapes. Would love the new party book.
What a beautiful cookbook! When entertaining, I like to send friends home with a small favor. For a summer luncheon, I placed small vases of flowers at each place setting. Everyone admired the flowers and friends were surprised when they learned that the vase of flowers were favors to take home. I also like to use pressed flowers to paste on invitations or place cards.
Thanks for the opportunity! The success to a great “southern” party is a well made glass of sweet tea! 🍹
Mary, I love your blog and always open your emails first. I would love to receive a copy of the new Southern Living Party Book. I bought the 1972 version all those years ago and still receive inspiration from it. I love to entertain, and use my beautiful china, crystal, and silver or just as much fun, the more casual patterns I’ve acquired in recent years. I use many of your recipes when I entertain (one of my favorites is your artichoke shrimp salad), and I’m always on the lookout for new, interesting recipes to serve to my guests. My husband and I just celebrated our 50th anniversary and we still love to throw great parties!
This certainly looks like a great book. And I enjoy the tips; looking forward to making the olive talented (Susyzlais) and putting in the Athens puff pastry shells, with some cream cheese. One thing we folks up north do is put our slow cookers to work for hot chocolate, with a spread of mix ins like crushed peppermint, coconut, whipped cream. And for the adults, dark rum. Warming and welcoming
Love your blog & have been subscribing to Southern Living for years. Great recipes and ideas for entertaining.
My go to recipe for entertaining is
Almond Dip
2/3 C Slivered Almonds
6 Tbs Bacon Bits
1C Grated Cheddar Cheese
6 Tbs Green Onion
1C Hellmans Mayonaise
1/3 to Salt (optional)
Mix all ingredients. Chill
Serve on Melba Toast or Flip Sides Crackers.
I receive tons of compliments on this dip!
I would love to receive a copy of the Southern Living Party book. I use a lot of Southern Living recipes and have collected SL cookbooks for years
One of my favorites for a party is their Cheesy Shrimp and Grits recipe. I make a triple batch, put in a chafing dish and guests love it. I enjoy your blog and tablescape ideas.
Love your blog the pictures are amazing. I am a Southern Living fan too they have such good ideas and the recipes are always so yummy looking. I have been serving a new signature drink when I get together with family. It’s so fun to try something festive for a holiday.
i love waking up and looking at the gorgeous photos of your sweet puppies, beautiful flowers and tablescapes while sipping a hot cup of coffee. It’s a beautiful way to start the day.
My new favorite way to entertain is to set a table out on the front lawn with appetizers and wine- then walk around the neighborhood and invite people over to visit. There is no pressure to have my house spotless and everybody seems to enjoy themselves.
Wow. That looks divine. My tip is lots of finger foods for appetizers and have ones that only require one hand to eat. Also, do absolutely as much as possible ahead of time, then you can enjoy the gathering too.
Love Southern Living. A beautiful book to keep for ideas.
Dearest Mary, First thank you for such a sweet opportunity to win this book . I smile when your posts pop up in my emails as I know it is just a minute or two of nice thoughts and visual delights. Second, I am not an entertainer except for my family, so my tips are basic. I always late out and label my serving dishes with post it notes on what is to be served in that dish. I also try to have something fun at each place setting ( a piece of chocolate, a toy or a “popper”) for the little kids asa well as the big “kids”. Hope you have a good weekend!
Just reading all these responses one could compile a great book of tips, ideas, and recipes. Thank you ladies for all your tips.
I too subscribed to the original Southern Living which was the Progressive Farmer, really showing my age here. I have not missed an issue of that fabulous magazine since. This book would be a very welcome addition to my collection.
My favorite dinner party is one for Mardi Gras. So much fun using golds and purples on the table. Enjoy a great party before the long season of Lent.
Mary, This book looks beautiful and I would love to have a copy to add to my sagging shelf of cookbooks! :) An entertaining tip I have is to put the the laundry sink off the kitchen into service, filling with ice for chilling extra bottles of wine and beverages. The counter in the laundry room holds the extra glasses, napkins, bottle openers, etc and it works well to keep the kitchen from becoming so congested. Your blog is one of my favorites, thanks for the chance to win!
Hi, Mary! Thanks for this giveaway. I love you and your blog. You have a gift for entertaining and youtablescapes are always ‘drool worthy’! My entertaining idea is to have guests help out in small ways to relax everyone and make them feel welcome. We serve them a drink on arrival and let them help themselves after that from a set-up bar area. Works like a charm!
I love your blog and I love the kitchen tested recipes from Southern Living. They always guarantee success. I actually own a copy of the original Party Cookbook, so a copy of the new one is destined to join my old one. My favorite entertaining tip is to be creative and mix and match your serving pieces. I recently paired copper Moscow Mule mugs and pewter Jefferson cups with an antique punchbowl to serve an apple cider cranberry punch to my book club.
Oh, my! What a gorgeous book to add to my collection! Both the photography and recipes are amazing!
Whenever I have dinner guests, I make sure they don’t leave empty handed. I usually have a little treat of candied nuts in a glassine envelope, a tiny potted plant, etc. for them to take home.
Loved seeing the beautiful photos you posted from the book, Mary – always an inspiration. Almost 30 years ago a co-worker’s wife passed on her never fail party advice – always serve something red and something chocolate! which I still do. Would love to see the Southern Living cookbook up clos!. Thank you for the chance.
I also LOVE Southern Living and have several of their Annual Cookbooks. I especially love the older magazine issues from the 80s — funny how the styles have changed when you go back. I also love to entertain, and Mary, I cannot tell you how much I am loving your blog. I think my favorite go to recipe for a dessert is chocolate chip cake – it is made with a pound cake, but it is soo moist and delicious and easy to make. I am really looking forward to trying the recipes mentioned above along with the entertaining tips. THANK YOU SOO MUCH! Here is the recipe:
Chocolate Chip Pound Cake
1 package yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix
1 4 oz package vanilla instant pudding mix
½ cup of sugar
1 cup sour cream
¾ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup water
4 eggs beaten
1 4oz german chocolate or sweet chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate grated. I use a box grater with the larger holes like for grating cheese. (This is the hardest part of the whole cake but makes the cake). (Reserve 2 Tbls.)
1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips (I like mini because they are not soo heavy but the recipe actually calls for regular size)
Combine cake mix, pudding, and sugar in a large bowl and stir with a wire whisk.
Add the sour cream, oil, water and eggs and whisk until well blended. Add the chocolate chips and all but 2 tbls. of the grated chocolate.
Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan.
Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until a wooden pick in the center comes clean.
Cool the cake on a wire rack.
I always make a glaze with about 1 cup of powdered sugar and maybe 3-4 tbls. of milk and maybe a little vanilla if you want. You pour it on the warm cake and let it cool. After it cools, add the 2 tbls. of the grated chocolate on top and then sift some powdered sugar on top. All of this is for looks so do what you want.
Voila – Easy Peasy!
I absolutely ADORE the Southern Living Party Cookbook and all things Southern Living! Please include me in the drawing…thank you! My party tip: guests love being sent home with a party favor at the end of the event. Some of my favorite go-to’s are 1) homemade bath salts with lavender and mint fragrances put in tiny little canning jars with lids and wrapped with a coordinating satin ribbon; 2) a pair of candles wrapped around the middle with a rectangular piece of faux fur and a pretty ribbon [great winter party favor!]; 3) a little leopard print cosmetic bag filled with clear nail polish, a pack of tissues, an emery board, and some Lindt truffles; 4) a mini bright LED flashlight [to find your keys in your purse in the dark!]; 5) a take-home container of cookies or other dessert; 6) a mini-book with inspirational quotes or stories; 7) a pair of mini salt & pepper shakers to use at home for a breakfast-in-bed tray; 8) a holiday ornament or figurine; 9) a set of colored pencils, gel pens, or colored markers with a small tablet to doodle on; 10) a homemade party cracker made from toilet paper tube wrapped in tissue first, then a pretty wrapping paper, tied on ends with ribbon, and filled with candy and chocolates or tiny gifts like pencil sharpeners, fragrant erasers, small keychains, etc. [fun to make and design!]. Enjoy using these ideas for your next get-together. You can customize them to suit any occasion, color scheme, or party theme!
Great inspiration for a little get together or a fabulous dinner. The photos are gorgeous as well.
What a beautiful book! Those peonies make me long for spring! One of my favorite party appetizer recipes is an oldie but a goodie, Party Ham and Cheese Rolls. It’s a SL recipe from back in the 80s and they are always a crowd pleaser. Thanks for the giveaway! Deb
What a beautiful book! I would love to win a copy. I always keep phyllo cups in the freezer, so easy to fill with brie and pepper jelly with a pecan half on top, or to fill with spinach and artichoke dip for an easy appetizer.
Love entertaining, especially dinner parties. This would provide some new ideas. I enjoy cheese trays with crackers olives and different cheeses for noshing. Easy and quick while I spend time on the dinner.
I have been following your delightful blog for many years. You have inspired my menus and tables many times. I saw this fantastic Southern Living book on a tv show and only dreamed of having a copy! I love serving Saturday morning brunch to friends. It gives them a chance to get their weekend mornings going in a festive way!
Hi Mary, Happy New Year! I have been eyeing this book because, well, you know, I don’t have enough cookbooks already :) and this one sounds wonderful. My tips for successful entertaining are three: 1. don’t serve something new unless the guests are only my best friends, 2. have my outfit planned ahead of time to eliminate that stressful item, and 3. have a chat with hubby to advise him of the names of all the guests and my expectations for his duties. Then, be at the door with a smile, ready to start the fun! I’m looking forward to seeing all the creative and inspiring ideas you have to share with us this year. Linda
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to entertain more and this lovely book would give me the inspiration I need to do just that. My tip is always check the ingredients needed for whatever you are serving prior to preparing to make sure you won’t have to make a last minute dash to get an ingredient you thought you had but don’t. Entertaining to me means setting a lovely table, serving delicious food, and enjoying being with family and friends.
Wow…another beautiful post and lovely book filled with inspiration and wonderful ideas!! I really enjoy everything you share! Garden party tip: Add some color to your guests’ water glasses by making rose petal ice cubes. Place one or two (untreated) rose petals in each cube mold of a silicone ice cube tray, fill with distilled water and freeze for at least two hours. Make sure to use a silicone tray versus plain plastic, so that the cubes can be easily popped out and aren’t scratched in the process. You can also try adding other extras in the ice cubes such as sliced cucumbers, violets and rosemary. Enjoy!
What a beautiful book! As I was (still am) an Ole Miss girl anything that comes out of Oxford is always a total delight. As you probably know…. we can TAILGATE in the Grove! Now I have moved to the North Georgia mountains, and continue to enjoy hosting parties on the porch. I always have a theme,and enjoy surprising everyone with unique tablescapes. I challenge myself each time to have interesting table covers and ALWAYS a surprise centerpiece. I love seating areas where the guests can not only enjoy the food , but also visiting each other. We have now added a pavilion where guests can sit by the fireplace and enjoy a famous hot toddy! There’s NOTHING like entertaining in the South. Thanks for always inspiring more creative tables! Always enjoy the blog !
This would be a great addition to my COOKBOOK Collection..then maybe I could replace some of my old issues of SL…I still subscribe even though I am not from the south..my favorites for parties are any kind of Pasta salad (because you can make it ahead) and many kinds of Bruschetta…thank you for another great giveaway!! You’re the best!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Mary, When I got married i did not know how to cook anything! Southern living cookbooks were my learning tools to the basis of cooking, hosting parties, holidays, etc. My favorite was the Crispy Cheese Wafers recipe with the rice krispies. Used that recipe for bridal & baby showers & also was a must at Christmas. Thanks for a chance to win continuing ideas for food & presentation.
I love Southern Living and their recipes. I would love some more party recipes! My favorite is cranberry brie bites, puff pastry, brie, pecans and brown sugar. Yummy goodness!
What a wonderful treat it would be to win the Southern Living party book! I always keep a small assortment of cheeses and crackers for easy hor d’oeuvres. Also, toasted pecans. To make my pecans I fill a quart jar with clean pecan halves, pour in 1/3 cup of salt, fill with water and seal. Shake the jar and let sit for 2 hours, turning upside down from time to time. Pour off the salt water – do not rinse – spread on a cookie sheet and put in a 250 degree oven for 3 hrs. Done!! And oh so good! Thanks for the opportunity to wind that lovely book!
My party days are about over, but I would love for my beautiful daughter to have a copy of this book! Thanks for sharing.
Oh my word, this cookbook looks like a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy!! Since I won your October giveaway, please leave my name out of this generous drawing, Mary. I used to collect the Southern Living annual cookbooks, too, and recently gave a whole collection to my daughter so that she can enjoy them. I will share two recipes that I like to use, and they are Baked Gouda and Man Dip (everyone loves, not just men!!). I’ll be on the lookout for this cookbook. I’m still addicted to cookbooks! Happy weekend, Mary!
My tip is more of a behind-the-scenes reminder to always have full rolls of toilet tissue in each bath (plus extras out and in sight,) same with paper towels in the kitchen, and all trash cans emptied and ready to handle the party debris. It’s all basic, but can be overlooked in the rush of party prep.
I have the origin book and loved it
My favorite tip is to make up a large cheese board with seasonal fruits,crackers and some imported salami.
I would love to win this beautiful book. Love your blog and have used many of your tips and ideas. I have quite a few opportunities to entertain as I’m in 3 book clubs and 2 bridge groups. My tip always keep frozen puff pastry on hand. For a quick appetizer just roll out the dough press whatever you have handy shredded cheese spices or sugar and cinnamon into the dough,, twist and bake! Currently working on a Hamilton inspired luncheon and would love any ideas from anyone. Thank You! Lynn
What great ideas are posted here! I’m not very experienced at throwing a beautiful party, but I’m trying to learn. When I have friends over I like to keep all of my food items separate so guests can create their own appetizer. Such as, chicken salad, nuts, cranberries, bacon, veggies, hummus, etc. I did this after seeing a friend attempt to ‘deconstruct’ an item as it contained something she wasn’t supposed to eat.
Mary, I would love to win this cookbook but won one of your Thanksgiving giveaways so am leaving up to you. My oldest granddaughter and I made a SL quiche recipe in a springform pan for Christmas brunch last month-so good!
I have several Nora Fleming serving pieces and have collected numerous accessories to add to them. Have received many compliments on them. Thank you for all your inspiration and generosity!
I’m a fairly new reader but I love your beautiful pictures and your pictures certainly make this book something I’d like to own. Thanks for the chance.
Love the tablescape & menu! Here’s a brunch recipe for “Nutty French Toast”
Cooking time: 1 hour at 350 degrees.
12 slices french bread(1″thick) Place in greased 13x9x2 pan, 8 eggs, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, 2 tsp. vanilla, 2 C. milk~~~~Beat eggs, milk, vanilla & cinnamon. Pour over bread. Cover & refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 30 mins. before baking. Bake at 350 degrees. Cream 3/4 C. soften butter, 1 1/3 C. brown sugar, 3 Tbsp. dark corn syrup. Spread mixture over warm baked bread mixture. Sprinkle 1 C. nuts on top. Serve with warm maple syrup! Got this recipe from a friend at church.
(I don’t know the origin of this recipe, so can’t give any credit)
Nobody does hospitality better than folks in the south. I try to always set my table with candles as it makes my guests feel a little more special.
I love anything “Southern Living” and would love a copy of this book. I love to cook and I have an easy chicken divan recipe I serve for dinners I have. I also love football so on football Saturdays I make the “football dip” served with tortilla chips.
can of white meat chicken drained
1 cup of mayo
1-8 oz pkg cream cheese softened
1 can of chopped green chilies drained
1 jalapeno chopped
1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
Mix and cook 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Yum.
I don’t live in the south but I would love to do some southern entertaining! My best tip for entertaining has changed in the last six months, since I was diagnosed with celiac‘s. At first I didn’t announce it to anyone but had hostesses commenting on the small amount of food on my plate. I was embarrassed and didn’t know whether to say there’s not much here I can eat or apologize for not mentioning my diet restrictions. So now I offered to bring a dish to share. And when entertaining at my home, I always include a gluten-free main dish, again, to share with everyone. And, btw, gluten free food is not weird. You can make almost any dish gluten free – even cornbread!
What a delightful book! Even if one doesn’t cook, it would be so entertaining to just sit and enjoy reading! Due to my husband’s health problems, I only entertain for family now. Breakfast is my favorite. We have a couple of vegans in the family. I start with a sparkly fruit punch and serve oatmeal made in the crockpot with fruit and nuts, a coffee cake and lots of coffee. I love to decorate the table seasonally and use pretty cloth napkins for a touch of special. Your blog is one of my favorites! Thank you for sharing your lovely home and family with me!
Love waiting to see what you are doing with your she shed. Of course I need another cookbook!
What a perfect cookbook. After the holidays I realized that entertaining recipes were the ones I always searched for. I love Southern Living Magazine and own several of their cookbooks. They are wonderful resources. I think this is one cookbook I need and will be ordering. Thank you so much for sharing. Your blog is a wonderful resource and inspiration. I follow several blogs and yours is one of the few I have actually ordered things based on your recommendations. The holiday centerpiece I ordered was gorgeous and lasted over a month, still looking beautiful and fragrant. Thank you
Mary, I have been a faithful follower of your blog for many years now and enjoy every one of your tablescapes so much. One of my favorite things to do when giving a luncheon or party is to create my invitations to match the theme of the event and then I go on to search for the perfect stamp to go with that invitation. I love ferns and actually found a fern stamp that was the perfect crown for my fern luncheon invitation. I look at the United States postal service website and see what is new and interesting and buy them online and have them delivered. Now, when my friends get their invitations, the first thing they do is to look at the stamps and that tips them off as to what is inside!!
Would love to share your inspiration by winning that glorious cookbook. A forever follower.
Yes! I’d love to be in this giveaway! How helpful this would have been this past year. Thank you for this wonderful spot of sunshine in my life = your blog, and this giveaway. Wishing you a fabulous and healthy new year!
You are my favorite inspiration.
Reading your blog and admiring
your photos is the best part of
my day. Winning the book would be
a bonus to the awesome ideas you share, and that I can try to recreate
and enjoy with my family and friends.
I’ve had people tell me it’s silly to have too many cookbooks. They just don’t get it!!!! A cookbook is pages of history, stories, inspiration, gorgeous photos, life as we see it and lots of love! The recipes are the icing on the cake that you use to create the series of all these wonderful things in your own home. I have subscribed to Southern Living and Southern Lady for years – I too love the recipes and if anyone knows how to host a party or set a table look to the south! Mary, you are a great example! I would love the cookbook but I also have enjoyed everyone’s comments and tips and can’t wait to try some of these recipes. Thank you everyone! My tip is a silly one….always check the ovens before you serve a large Holiday dinner to make sure you don’t forget a dish – yes I’ve done that. Here’s another – one Easter I cooked a ham – I basted it for hours and it had the most beautiful glaze. When my mother-in-law started to slice it for me she burst out laughing. After all that work I thought to myself “What is so funny about my ham!” I had baked it with the plastic package coating still on (In my defense it was shrink wrapped to ham and hard to see. All that time basting to create that beautiful glaze and it was all over the plastic. Do have to say though it was one of the juiciest hams we have ever eaten because it retained all the liquid. We still laugh about that one to this day.
Love it. So colorful. Thank you.
This is more a special memory about my mother’s Southern Living Party Cookbook than a tip or a recipe. My Mother was not a confident cook but wanted to be in the worst way. So, once she got this cookbook, Mom fixed most of the exact menus over a course of time for the family on Sundays. It was a very special project for her, and a memory I’ll never forget. Mom loved Southern Living magazines and the annual cookbooks. None got as much use and love, however, than that 1972 edition of the Southern Living Party Cookbook.. A sweet memory of my Mother! Thank you for evoking it by your generous giveaway.
Thank you for sharing a few pages of this cookbook. I used to sell Southern Living At Home products and is still the best brand. I wish it was still around, however, so glad they are still publishing SL books!
I love your blog and this book looks wonderful! I think one of the best appetizers is to make skewers. I usually make caprese with tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, and salami. Sometimes I’ll add a shrimp or a piece of Italian sausage or tortellini. Always easy and make ahead!
I would love to win this lovely book! My daughter will be two in a few months and I’m gathering ideas for her birthday party. Something I learned from attending children’s birthday parties, keeps snacks simple. Most kids are picky and prefer goldfish!!
Oh my… to own this wonderful cookbook would be a salvation….
due to my lack of culinary creativity, my favorite entertaining tip is to dial up the caterer. :-) I love Southern Living “anything”… and your beautiful blog posts rank right up there with SL….
Mary, I have this cookbook, too! It is gorgeous and a must for anyone who is a cookbook collector!
Good Morning Mary, I finally have a morning to sit down with a cup of tea and enjoy reading your blog. My Mother subscribed to Southern Living and it greatly influenced her everyday living as well as entertaining. At 94 she still enjoys having small dinner parties, she would be the Martha Stewart of her generation, therefore I too have been a life long Southern Living subscriber and thanks to my Mother have a variety of their cookbooks. Like many of your other followers I too keep phyllo cups in my freezer and make an assortment of appetizers in them for my guests. I also hand painted different flowers on wine glasses that way a guest can easily spot their glass. One of my favorite Southern Living recipes is their Stuffed French Toast. I always serve it Christmas morning
and since it is prepared the previous day, adding whole pecans, I just pop in the oven making the morning fuss free to enjoy the family. Your recipe for lemon curd is another favorite because it is so versatile. Loved so many of your readers tips and recipes which I plan to save. I was so fortunate to win the turkey serving set recently and request not to be included in the drawing giving others a chance to win this spectacular book which I may add to my collection.
Here’s the best tip I can give – learn to enjoy the process. If the goal is the only thing to work for you may not avail yourself of these lovely occasions as often, if ever. I have friends that consider it all toilsome, tedious, tiresome and not worth the effort. They’d rather look at pictures or hire someone to do it for them. As for me, I’d rather experience the events from start to finish. The book would be a wonderful thing to have!
Would love to have this wonderful Southern Living Book…..you know what we like!!! Thanks for offering it as a drawing.
Hi Mary,
I would cherish a copy of this cookbook! As I’ve mentioned, we’re getting ready to move to your area. While I have lived in the South before this will be a new adventure for my California born-and-raised husband and daughter. Believe it or not, there is a huge difference in Northern California style and Southern charm entertaining! This book will help us transition into our new life!
The best entertaining tip I can offer is that the more expensive wine is not always the better choice. The wisest tip I personally abide by is: those who don’t R.S.V.P. will most definitely show up at your event, so include them in your headcount and greet them warmly!
Thanks for the lovely pictures! They were a welcomed site after the monster storm we had yesterday.
Betsy
I recently saw a review of this book on another blog and was literally drooling over the recipes! I love that it’s organized by occasion too! Southern Living has been a huge part of my life since I moved to the South. My go to party tip is to do everything in advance so you aren’t a frazzled hostess and you can enjoy your own party! Thank you for a wonderful review and giveaway Mary!
Jenna
Always enjoy your post. My entertaining tip is a sign that says, “If you have to stir it it is homemade .” LOL. Also enjoyed reading everyone’s comments.
Mary, you have been an inspiration to me for several years. I always look forward to your wonderful ideas. I have bought and enjoyed so much of what you have shared. This book looks amazing! I am always looking for inspiration. My best entertaining tip is to prepare as much a head of the event and use help when you can. It is important to be a relaxed gracious hostess. Everyone enjoys the event more when the hostess does.
Kathy in Georgia
Mary, I love Southern Living anything! They are my go-to recourse for recipes, entertaining and more. I have all the Annual Recipe Cookbooks since 1979. My husband knows that it the one gift that I hope to be under the tree at Christmas! I love following your blog. When I see your post on Facebook, I can’t wait to open it and see what’s new. How generous of you to offer this new lovely cookbook – I would love to have one of my own. :) Wow, there are some great tips above for entertaining. I have already printed several of the recipes and can’t wait to try them. My favorite party to host each year is the Kentucky Derby. I’m always looking for new inspiration!
I try to have Shrimp Toast in my freezer for that impromptu guest that shows up.
6 English muffins
7 oz can of small or broken shrimp
3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
1 tsp of garlic powder
4 oz glass Kraft Old English sharp cheese
1 stick of margarine or butter
Mix ingredients well until blended. Spread on English muffins (thick) and freeze about 25 min. Cut muffins into 8 pieces and freeze in plastic bag until ready to use. When ready, put under broiler until golden.
Thanks again Mary!!
Beautiful book! The photography is exceptional.My favorite party appetizer is spinach dip served in a bread bowl with crudites and crackers.
I’m not a great entertainer/host so I’m always looking for go-to recipes. This book looks like it fits the bill. My main recipe for summer BBQ’s is Cowboy Caviar which is generally a hit with everyone. I love your blog for all the beautiful pictures and inspiration. But I always wonder where you manage to store all the wonderful dishes and decorative items you use??? Storage is always a struggle.
Today is a very special day for me… It is my 18th year Wedding Anniversary and what a great lovely gift will be wining this book? My favorite recipe from your blog is the No-Bake Easter Bunny Bark! I enjoyed every minute of it from looking for the bunnies at the grocery store until the morning I brought it to the office to surprise my co-workers. It was last year’s Easter week and they still remember now it is a staple. It is a joy to find your updates on my email inbox. Thanks for bringing so much joy and color with your beautiful settings specially the ones including your dogs.
The Southern Living party cookbook looks amazing. I would love to add it to my collection. My most requested party appetizers are herbed cheese gougeres ( sometimes filled with curried turkey or chicken salad), smoked salmon/dill spread, and artichoke tapenade (not a fan of olives) with toasted french bread rounds.
You think I made your day….well! You made my days! Best recipe you posted for me is the butterfly appetizer. I look like such a showoff when I show up with my butterfly appetizer.
I love my butterfly thingys…I even crochet butterfly’s small ones, big ones. Then when you came out with the butterfly appetizer…you made my days. Avid follower-Jeanne
Happy New Year! What a stunningly beautiful book! I would LOVE LOVE it. I also love and am so inspired by your blog. It really defines gracious living. :) Carmen
I would love to win a Southern Living cookbook! My tip/idea: I like to have some kind of food or drink “bar” set up for parties. A baked potato bar is very fun, as guests can add the toppings that they like to their potato. You can set out butter, margarine, sour cream, cream cheese, chives, crumbled bacon, shredded cheeses, french fried onions, chopped tomatoes, olives, etc. You could also have a salad bar, where guests can use their favorite ingredients to build their own salad. Ice cream sundae bars are fabulous, plus coffee bars and hot cocoa bars are very popular now. At Christmas, I usually always have a holiday cookie/candy bar set up. You can use your imagination because the sky is the limit! Thanks for the chance to win a beautiful cookbook, Mary.
Wow lovely book. I would be inspired to try any of the recipes.
Every year I plant a small herb garden.
I have a French friend who lives near me and every summer we say we need to pick a day and sip and eat.
Of course wine, tea, cheeses and fruit, cracker platter.
This book would make our gathering plentiful, and I could share it with her.
OMG, Can’t wait for the giveaway (you are always so generous) just ordered a copy! I absolutely love Southern Living recipes, especially after they have been given the special “Mary tweak” 😊
Please still enter me in the contest, my newly married daughter is experimenting with cooking and entertaining recipes, this cookbook would be such wonderful inspiration! Thanks much 🍲👩🏻🍳
I would love this book as I enjoy planning and getting ready for a party probably more than the party itself. My tip is to put food and drink stations around my house so people aren’t all jumbled up in one place. It makes for better mingling and conversation.
I still have my first book from 1972. I fact learned to cook many things using that book. I havent entertained much but am getting married this spring and would love to have a refresher course in entertaining!! Thank you Mary!
Thank you for such a lovely giveaway opportunity! My entertaining tip is to prep everything days before. I choose (and clean/polish) all the plates, glasses and silverware a day or two before my party. The evening before I set up my dining room table with whatever linens I use, take out and iron all the napkins and set the table ahead of time. The day of my party I am free to cook and prepare all my dishes and enjoy the evening of entertainment!
I was just looking at all my cookbooks yesterday and thought that I needed to scale down. Now here I am hoping to add to the collection! I don’t formally entertain but do quite a bit of backyard and pool entertaining. To feed a crowd I do buffet styles with a theme, one was a taco bar, another was a chili bar. I took a bunch of empty cans and tied ribbons and twine on them. I lined them with foil and filled them with all of the toppings. That way the guests can eat whenever and as much as they want.
When entertaining, I pull out every “organizing gene” in my body. Willfully, I plan what can be done a week, a few days, and the day before the event. Leaving small finalities for the day of the party.
Thank you for having this giveaway! When I entertain, I take out all of my serving pieces well in advance and decide how everything will be plated. I then label each dish with a sticky note. It makes putting all the food out before guests arrive so easy.
Mary, what a beautiful book! My mother subscribed to SL when I was growing up and it always played a big part in our daily homemaking. I love the cookbooks to this day and still subscribe to the magazine. This party book would be a treat and I would love to add it to my collection. I always try to have several cheeses,olives, nuts and crackers on hand along with wine for any impromptu gatherings. Thank you for all your wonderful posts & ideas! Have a nice weekend!
Hi Mary, I love your entertaining and your blog. You have so many wonderful tablescapes! I like carving watermelons for serving or as centerpieces and it’s easy to tranfer the design by taping your pattern to the melon and using an “awl” type tool to punch tiny holes following the pattern lines. When finished, remove the pattern and rub flour over the surface of the tiny punctures. The pattern is now visible on the melon. This will work for carving pumpkins, too. I’d love to win that lovely book.
Oh, count me in as loving the opportunity to win a copy of this book! My tip is to always be prepared with seasonal pieces. As the seasons turn, make sure to rotate your supplies. I make sure that I have appropriately colored/themed linen and well as paper napkins available at a moment’s notice. If I have any seasonal dishware or serving platters, I rotate them to the front of the cabinet. I never want to be looking around for just the right dish or napkin instead of enjoying the company of guests!
My favorite recipe for parties is a cheese ball! Filled with cheddar cheese and nuts!
mia2009(at)comcast(dot)net
Your blog is my “FAVORITE”…. so inspiring, all the recipes and how you set your table. I have been playing Canasta with the same girls for 40 years and we have a theme for each Canasta night. We dress in costume for the occasion, and have beautifully set tables, food, and so much fun! I always look on your blog for ideas. I would love this new book to help! One of my favorite dips is just cream cheese, (cooked) frozen corn, salt to taste, and chopped jalapeno peppers.
I don’t live in the South, but in the southwest! However, I have always loved the simple elegance of SL and use many of their recipes, as well as some decorating ideas! I would adore having this book!
I would love to add this beautiful cookbook to my Kitchen Library. The recipe I would encourage all of your readers to try is the Parmesan Crusted Crab Bites with Chive Aioli, which you shared many times in the past from Southern Living. It is not only delicious but also makes for an impressive appetizer. The Cranberry Salsa is also a winner! Thank you so much for the chance to win this book.
This northern girl loves SL and has subscribed to the magazine for a LONG time. I’ve been tempted to order that cookbook too and adore the fact that you’re being gracious enough to give one away! Many of our favorite recipes come from SL. I have files of recipes I’ve ripped out and a few cookbooks too. And I love all the decorating and travel info. My favorite tip is one I’ve done for a long time. All my guests are graciously served their first cocktail. Then they’re shown the bar area and encouraged to help themselves. ALL my longtime guest know this and help new timers. It encourages people to mingle and frees the hosts to enjoy their own party!
Oh my, what a beautiful cookbook. The photographs are gorgeous and I must say the watermelon drink with the hydrangeas in the background looks so tasty and refreshing. Would love to try that on a hot summer day. How nice of you to offer this giveaway. I’ve been reading the comments and learning so many great tips. I’ve recently moved to a 55+ community and can already tell that there will be plenty of opportunities for social gatherings. My entertaining for the past several years has been more for family get togethers. I’m afraid the food has become rather predictable so I am looking to get with it and try some new things. The tip that seems to work best for me is to have a menu where most of the food is made in advance. Also having the butter dishes and water pitcher filled before the guests arrive so the butter isn’t too hard to spread and there’s not a last minute rush to fill the water glasses. Love your blog and plan to explore some more as I can see there are lots of wonderful ideas to be found here.
What a lovely giveaway! My sister and I blame 30+ years as SL subscribers for our dish addictions. We frequently host traditional tea parties, and source many dainty finger foods from their pages.
Hi Mary, Thanks for sharing this book! It looks incredible! I am a huge Southern Living fan and subscriber. My party tip is more of a post-party tip. I keep a record of all of my dinners and events in a notebook, noting who came, what I served, how much I served and any memorable details. I include the good and the bad so I can refine and improve my hosting skills. If I ran out of an appetizer quickly, I make a note to prepare more next time. If a recipe or table setting was well-received, I make a note to use it again. Thank you for sharing and giving us a daily dose of beauty through your blog!
I love your tip to keep a notebook! I’m going to start doing that, also. Thanks!
Ooh! A party cookbook, and SL at that. I like to get all my platters and dishes out the night before and set the table to make sure I have everything ready. I use post-it notes to label what I plan to use serving pieces for so I have everything accounted for. And as far as recipes- maybe a little off the mark but I always serve ice tea.
I like to make individual fruit cups with a variety of flavored basalmic vinegars.
Southern Living is fun for this Western Girl! I can’t wait to host a Sip and See!! I loved to have smoked salmon with goat cheese and fig jam! That with nuts and a few dried fruits is always a hit!
I NEEEEEEEEED. This book! I love to entertain! My problem is I’m not very spontaneous bec I love the planning process. I’m working on this by implementing some of the strategies that I’ve been reading about in the comments. I, too, have plicked a few favs that can be frozen and on hand when an opportunity to entertain comes along. l love goat cheese. A pkg of it, some honey and a few crackers from the pantry are always a great place to start if the freezer doesn’t Offer a quick solution. And cheese straws! A southern girl ALWAYS Has a package of those on hand to out in a pretty silver bowl and serve with a nice glass of wine. I need new ideas. I NEEEEEEED this book! Thanks for sharing Mary.
A new party book might be the perfect incentive to begin entertaining again. I would love to win a copy. My best tip is that a beautiful table with a lovely centerpiece make any gathering that much more special. I wish I had “go to” recipes to share, but I don’t. Perhaps this book will provide some. Thank you. MM
I would love a copy of this new book! It looks beautiful. I have been using the 1972 book since it first came out & have been making the turkey & dressing recipe from that book every year!
What a beautiful and inspiring book! Living in the Northwest makes me excited to learn more about Southern Living and entertaining! When I have gatherings, I like to have different stations where food and drinks are set-up. That way people can mingle and walk around. I also love to have a couple of new and fun cocktail recipes for people to try, to get them to try something new that they wouldn’t normally do on their own. Thank you for sharing!
I enjoy your blog. I also love Southern Living magazine and books! This new book looks fabulous!
Oh that book….what eye candy it appears to hold! I would love to meander thru it’s pages. My tips for entertaining Are. Keep it simple. Give yourself the hour before to decompress (take a quick shower, maybe) and get ready. Then don’t fret over food, drinks or decor, Just enjoy your guests and the time with them.
I love your blog posts and your tablescapes! It is always one of the first ones that pops up in my feed and I enjoy reading them daily. I also love Southern Living . Like you, I had every annual recipe book, as well as every single month’s issue of SL magazine from 1987 through 2009. I had to get rid of most of them as my family was beginning to think I was becoming a hoarder! I also have the original SL Party Cookbook and I use it to this day. I would Love, Love, Love to win this beautiful SL book! My best tip for entertaining is to just do it – don’t let the word entertaining frighten you. Even if you serve nothing but what you would have for your own family – just do it. The object is to have community and fellowship and hospitality.
What a gorgeous book. I have never been disappointed in any of the SL recipes I have tried over the decades. I too used to collect the SL Annual Recipe books…I would pour over each one!
As for party food, we are very down-to-earth people and like the old-fashioned standbys, ie., lil smokies in a blanket, crockpot meatballs, fruit, veggie and cheese trays and a dessert or two.
I would love to be the winner of this cookbook and try out new ideas and recipes.
Lovely book and look forward to seeing more posts on its contents. I would love to have that, as I have given up magazines—sigh. My favorite thing to do for parties is have everything self-serve if it is a large group. While, this means having many choices available—it also means, I get to enjoy spending time with each and every one of the guests. A relaxed hostess—means a great relaxed group of guests. I also have many friends who are gluten, dairy, meat, sugar, or nut or FREE diets, and I make sure to label dishes which meet those particular needs, so they don’t have to ask what is in each item. I serve lots of fresh ingredient items—and mix your own salad bars.
~Mary~
What a lovely book !!
Im the seven layer salad girl , hehe!
Paula
IN
I love to entertain & especially love to make beautiful tablescapes with vintage china & flowers from my garden. It always sets the mood for an enjoyable time as guests know I have made it special for them. I have been a subscriber to Southern Living & would love to have a copy of this gorgeous cookbook. Thank you for the opportunity. I read your posts all the time & love your tablescapes!
Your pictures and the way you display things make me so happy. So many great ideas of course too!
What a beautiful book! I like to make bite size desserts like pecan tassies or using the dough for lemon curd bites.
Always enjoy reading your blog and the book would be great for planning this years annual tea party. My party guests are my sisters, nieces and grand-nieces who range in age from 12 years old to 66. This year we will have a layered huckleberry creamcheese dessert (recipes on the web). It’s ohhhhhhh so yummy. Hopefully there are huckleberries to be had in your neck-of-the-woods.
As always, anything Southern Living does is fabulous! Who wouldn’t want that cookbook!! It is a feast for the eyes and stomach. My tip for entertaining is to always use and enjoy your “good dishes”. My kids tell me I have way too many dishes. I tell them that at least my table settings are never boring! You just never know what I will have on the table.
Wow! Beautiful pictures. I started keeping a party journal. It helps me remember details of parties I hosted that were spot on and those that needed adjustments! The guests favorites and what wasn’t worth including next time.
I always send guests home with a decorative goody bag of delicious homemade treats.
I always do a meat-cheese-fruit-nut board. So easy to put together and something there that everyone can enjoy. Plus you can make it so visually appealing.
We love to entertain and would love this book!! I love to put together a cheese board for either a before dinner appetizer or for a main appetizer for a party with just pick up type foods. Different cheeses, meats, nuts, crackers, jellies, dried fruits, regular fruits, pickles, olives and things like that. Goat cheeses are my favorites smothered in cranberry spice relish or jalapeno relish.
I too love Southern Living cookbooks, and despite the internet and Pinterest, still use several of mine on a regular basis. Love the photography!
What a beautiful book! I love to entertain an SL is always full of great tips, recipes and great ideas. This book would be an amazing source to enhance my get-togethers! Thank you for a chance to win it!
I love Southern Living recipes! Always a hit. One of my go to recipes that is always a hit is party rye bread appetizers. So good.
I love your site and I love Southern Living recipes! Thank you for the chance to win their cookbook!
Every Super Bowl Sunday I give a Valentine Brunch for 7 of my girlfriends. Even though we’re in our 70’s and 80’s we’re still girl friends! Everyone looks forward to what I will be making, and to going home with a stack of new recipes! The appetizers seem to be their favorites. I have fun coming up with a different party favor for them to take home. Last year it was small, porcelain, salt cellars filled with pink Himalaya salt, and wrapped in cellophane sheets decorated with hearts, then tied with ribbon. These really added to the table decorations! This year it will be a patented design spatula, from William Sonoma, which 25% of the cost is donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The spatula has a gold heard on the head of it with a gold embossed handle. It is very sturdy and attractive. All of my friends are active in volunteering, so will appreciate that their gift came from a good cause!
Hello… I found you on pinterest and you have awakened a past life in me. After recently moving in to help my father I have regularly been able to add some life into his home by decorating the fireplace mantle and seasonal decor and slowly planting more flowers in the yard, peonies are my favorite and hopefully they will do well here in Texas. Like many others I would give small bottles of infused olive oil with rosemary or another herb, herb plants. My favorite is seeds for different flowers, I usually have a basket with several packages together to give a variety and let them pick up which one, usually none are left. Perennial or bee favorites. I have also shared your blog with my father and about have him agreeing to getting a small white dog. I have been unboxing dinnerware and adding to my collection after seeing your settings. I actually bought 3 different sets of the Vicki Sawyer animal designs I saw on here. Since making friends with some of the neighbors here I hope to have a get together soon, and this blog alone has me inspired to get back into socializing, Thank you.
Always love your pictures & information! Would also love to have the cookbook! My Mother enjoyed pretty dishes, I do too & obviously have passed it on to my daughter as she sets a lovely table and puts little treats by everyone’s plate. At the holidays I make my Mom’s cranberry salad and serve it in one of her bowls. This salad was my husband’s favorite. It makes the table so pretty with the bright color! Thank you so much!
What a gorgeous book! I look forward to your post every day and this book looks like your posts, so it has to be great! Thank you for the chance and have a great day.
I have been a following your site for a long time and all at once I ‘m not receiving notifications of new posts by email I love looking forward to your post every day Thank you Jean Smith
Hi Jean, I still see your status as an email subscriber when I search for your email. Check your spam folder to see if your Yahoo mail is sending it there for some reason. Or it may be that you inadvertently blocked the emails from WordPress.com?
Go here:
https://subscribe.wordpress.com/?email=c-222%40sbcglobal.net&option=settings
Click on settings and then you may need to unclick the box next to “Block all email updates from blogs you’re following on WordPress.com”. Hope some of that helps!
I eagerly anticipate your posts and thank you for introducing the new SL book. I’m impatient so I’ll be ordering it today! I’m a born and bred Illinoisan with Kentucky roots, raised on sweet tea, pimento cheese sandwiches, gracious entertaining, and lovely antique dishes which I have inherited. Your readers are such an inspiration and gave me wonderful ideas! Some of my entertaining hints: In baking and cooking, use Irish butter and Mexican vanilla – Have cheese and crackers and a jar of Dalmatia Fig Orange Spread as a topper…amazing! – a brick of cream cheese covered with Cherchie’s Pretty Peppers (drained) and spread on a Ritz cracker will disappear before your eyes – Have a husband who enjoys multiple grocery store trips, prepping, and clean up (and no, you can’t have mine :-) ) – Be ultra organized (Post-it-notes) – Have a creative, precious granddaughter, 5 years old +, who says “If you are ‘going Grandma Fancy’ can I help with the table, centerpiece, china and silverware?”. Cheers to you all!
Thank you for the chance…I’m just starting out so this book would be greatly appreciated..
One of my favorite recipes for entertaining is one I got from the Southern Living cookbook I received as a wedding gift thirty years ago. It is called Imperial Chicken Bake. The recipes in this new book look delicious! Kathy
Southern Living recipes are the “best” when entertaining…I’ve tried many and never disappointed. This book looks amazing ( how did I miss seeing it) and I’m excited to enter the
Fun! My must haves for entertaining large or small parties are:
Always, flowers, a pretty tablescape, a drink to greet, cheese and goodies tray, and my must have
basket of take homes (by the door) with little wrapped gifts of something (easy) like homemade cookies, tea, note cards/envelopes from left over scrapbook paper etc. Just a bonus than you!
Mary, your blog is a lovely inspiration and a joy to read (and read, and read again)!
Thank You
I always make a Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball that everyone loves!
1 cup cooked Bacon chopped into small pieces
2 chopped Green onions
1 package dry Ranch dressing mix
1 cup chopped Pecans
1 cup sharp shredded Cheddar cheese
16 oz Cream cheese
Mix the first 5 ingredients and form into a ball. Then roll in the pecans. Refrigerate an hour before serving.
What a lovely give-a-way. My favorite thing to do is to serve a trou normand ( palate cleanser) of a small serving of lemon sorbet as a course before the entree! Just feels so special!!
Love, love, love!!!!!!! ❤❤❤
I always try to make my guests feel welcome by keeping things simple, but elegant. Snacks are a blend of sweet and savory and are placed in various places to encourage mingling and conversation
Southern Living magazine is the “bible” for southern women! I have been a subscriber for decades and save each one. I’m not much of a cook or entertainer, though, I would much rather eat out! For the times I do entertain I like simpler foods, lots of appetizers. Pimento cheese is a favourite, whether as a hot dip or on mini croissants. Paula Deen has a hot artichoke dip recipe that is to die for. Yum! I get a lot of ideas, especially for sweets, from your site Mary. Especially for Halloween, my favorite holiday! I’ve been wanting to do an afternoon tea and would love to get ideas from this cookbook. Thank you Mary!
Southern Living does have the best recipes and this book looks so interesting. I have a favorite shrimp ball that is easy to make: 1-8 oz. cream cheese, softened, 1 can shrimp, few drops lemon juice, few drops worchestershire sauce, garlic powder, 1 tbsp. grated onion. Mix all ingredients, roll in a ball and chill. Serve with bacon crackers (if you can find them) and your favorite cocktail sauce poured over the shrimp ball.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this treasure. I want to make every recipe pictured.
I like to do recipes from the south and had a neighbor who is in Alabama that could bake and cook like no one here int he pacific northwest..Would love to win this cookbook..my addition to a party is a punch I make simply sherbert I try to get the rainbow kind and put it in my favorite punch bowl with ginger ale and some maraschino cherries and juice it comes out great on a hot hot day. Love your blog, the recipes and your comments about entertaining and life~.!!!!!!
I have to say there is nothing more beautiful than a Southern Living Cookbook! I collected the Southern Heritage Cookbooks from Southern Living in the 80’s. I hadn’t been married long (and wasn’t a good cook by any stretch of the imagination) so I signed up to get these as they were printed. They are beautiful, with gorgeous pictures and delicious recipes. They are still my go-to cookbook for different recipes. I wouldn’t sell these for anything! The beautiful tablescapes, even then, jump started me to set a beautiful table for any occasion. I’m a push over for china.
For many years when I entertained for ladies only, at teas, brunches or luncheons,, I always looked for a beautiful ceramic cookie jar that was holiday appropriate for the party and gave it as a little “door prize.” Halloween was always my favorite. I always had some type of goodie bag, too, so every guest left with a treat. Those were the days!
I am a long time reader of Southern living. I lived in the Carolinas for years but grew up in New England and it isn’t unusual for me to travel with the latest issues of Southern Living and Yankee Magazine! I love to entertain and totally enjoy planning and cooking the entire meal from past issues and your blog. These days I try to have a variety of foods to please both the vegetarian and gluten free guests that seem to be more plentiful these days.
I would love to win the new party cookbook, I have the original. My favorite entertaining tip: For corn roasts and other events I take washcloths, wet them put a bit of hand soap on them and a few drops of lavender. I roll them up squishing out extra water and put in an attractive bowl. I set it besides the condiment/utensil part of the table with another basket under so the used ones can be placed there.
My best party tip: it’s perfectly okay to have some of your food offerings be things you purchased. Some great olives in a pretty dish along a cheese board, for example. Takes a lot of the stress out of entertaining.
Would love to have this book! The pictures are gorgeous! I have the SL annual recipe books as well! I love looking through them. My go to party recipe is homemade pimento cheese! I serve it with crostini, celery or good crackers. Sometimes I’ll warm it and it is delicious!
I have that original SL party cookbook – one of the chicken salad recipes is a favorite. We served it at my oldest daughter’s bridal luncheon 😍
My best entertaining tip is to always set a nice table even if you are eating “take out pizza” . Use your good dishes, cloth napkins, and pretty flowers on the table. Use the Good Stuff – often
I would like to share for a simple shrimp dip recipe for a chance to win the lovely party cookbook. Spread a softened 8 oz brick of cream cheese on a plate, top with little cocktail shrimp then cocktail sauce ( Ketchup and horseradish) and serve with club crackers.
I love having people in our home. God has blessed us with a great community of friends. My hint would be to stress less and just enjoy those around me. Doesn’t matter if everything is not perfect, laughter makes everything OK. Thanks for the opportunity. Cherry G
I love Southern Living. I’m a Yankee but spent five years in Louisiana (Monroe). One of my favorite memories is when S.L. came to town with their wonderful cooking demonstrations. I’ve bought the magazine ever since and was a convert to the Southern style! p.s. Love your beautifully photographed blog.
Mary, I too am a lover of Southern Living Cookbooks. I had to stop collecting at 10. Just don’t have the room to store them. I’m familiar with their first party book and this one looks amazing. Peggy Bryant
The southern living cookbook sounds and looks lovely and I would be very happy to have it. As I have gotten older, I’ve found entertaining more difficult but I still love doing it. The best way I’ve found is to have my guests bring a side dish. I fill in and always have a wonderful entre, but it allows us to still get together and enjoy each other’s company. Everyone loves it. I enjoy your blog and find it very uplifting. Thanks so much!
Hi Mary! I’m a few days late in reading this, due to a snow storm and busy plowing and shoveling, but how fun to read everyone’s ideas and recipes! I’ll have to go back through now and take notes! Lol I have to say, YOU are my “southern living magazine”, for never-fail, 5 star recipes, great gardening tips and ideas, along with awesome pictures of my favorite past-time, the lake and all it entails, going to the beach, looking for shells, pontooning and loving every sunrise and sunset! Second in line would be this magazine as I do remember reading it many years ago when I lived in Dallas (my favorite city) and babysat for a family there. My favorite appetizer is stuffed mushrooms, always a hit. Recipe:
2 lb. Mushrooms, cleaned and hulled, 1 lb. Bacon cooked and crumbled, mild onion chopped fine (just enough to taste), 3 cups shredded cheese, salt and pepper, 1 cup of Hellman’s mayonnaise. I chop the stems and add them to the mayo, with onion, salt and pepper and 1/2 to 1/3 of the cheese, leaving enough to sprinkle over the mushrooms. Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps, sprinkle chese over them, bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. YUM! 😉 Please enter my name and thanks!
This is one of my all-time favorite entertaining recipes: http://recipecircus.com/recipes/MEANCHEF/APPETIZERS/Smoked_Salmon_Cheesecake.html
My entertaining advice is simple. Relax!! The friends you have invited love you and won’t mind one bit if something goes sideways. You being relaxed will help them to relax and then everyone will have a good time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help either. Again, they’re your friends and want you to succeed.
My fav tip is to clean clean clean before hand! As you never have as much time as u think
Clean clean clean!! So no surprises
I love Southern Living and entertaining too! My entertaining tip is to prepare in advance. Think of anything and everything you could possible use for your party or holiday dinner and have it washed and ready to go. You don’t want to start digging in cabinets/drawers while all your guests are there just to find a serving piece or something. For Thanksgiving, I set up my tables a week before the big day and gather all the dishes, flatware and glasses that I will use to make sure I have enough of everything. This also gives me time to purchase items if needed. I love your blog! It’s so inspirational!!
What a beautiful and inspirational book that I would love to win! My most requested appetizer is to mix in candied jalapeños with strawberry preserves and serve over cream cheese. Have tortilla chips, whole wheat party crackers and Triscuit to serve alongside. It is both sweet and savory and loved by all! Look forward to your blog.
I always try to prepare the food ahead as much as possible!
I received the 1st book for a shower present before my marriage in 1976. Still 1 of my favorite cookbooks. Would ♥️ the new one.
You always share glorious posts of creativity in life, living and food ! I especially enjoy the projects which use such simple items that you can find around your home and backyard ! I enjoy reading and learning from you ! This latest recipe is one of my mom’s favorites ! The Southern Living cookbook is timeless and authentic ! And I can learn from it too !
How do you enter to win the cookbook? Looks amazing!
Love Southern Living!!! Use the recipes all the time.
For a chance to win a copy of The Southern Living Party Cookbook, leave a comment sharing a favorite party recipe or entertaining tip!
What a beautiful book. Love everything Southern Living!
I love Southern Living Magazine. Reminds me of when we lived in Kentucky near Lexington. My “parties” always end with pie! I make 20 pie crust twice a year and put in freezer in the 20 Corning Pie Plates I have collected and the dessert is then the easiest part of the meal! I would love to win this book.
This cookbook looks “delish”! I make tiny cream puffs (w/out the cream) filled with a tuna-cream cheese mixture. They are very tasty and popular.
Southern Living Cookbooks and Magazine has always been my inspiration when planning a small get together. Today’s invitations seem to be sent by email. I always invite friends with a clever diy invitation by snail mail, even if they live in the neighborhood. SL always has clever easy invitation ideas. ( table setting ideas too!) I plan simple recipes and made the day before. The key to no stress entertaining.
I would absolutely love to win a copy of the SL Party Cookbook! Both SL and you Mary are all a girl needs to host wonderful parties! So many great ideas for food, themes and decor. One of my party go-to desserts is a Chocolate Chip cheesecake made half with chocolate chips and the other half with white chocolate chips. The choco chip served with chocolate sauce and curls. The white chip served with raspberry coulis and fresh raspberries in the side. Two dessert choices made in one pan.
I neeeeeeeed this book!
Love Southern Living cookbooks. I am surprised I don’t already have this book. Obviously would love to win it.
This would be the perfect addition to the kitchen of our new home. I can’t wait to WOW our guests. My tip is always add something new to the palate, and label it. Guests like the adventure and surprise. I have a beautiful walnut (handmade by hubby) charcuterie board. It’s great for all types of presentations. Think outside the box, mix things up. May the event an adventure. Thanks for the chance to win and the inspiration.
Mary, I love your posts; I always learn something! There are so many wonderful tips here! My tip is that I have too many times spent so much time (and money!) on the main meal, and guest are so full from appetizers that they do not eat much! So I ascribe to Ina Garten’s philosophy, and only serve something simple for appetizers, such as marinated pecans. There are lots of recipes for these, and I am out of town without my cookbook, so I will not put a recipe here, but I can send it to anyone who needs it. Thank you for the opportunity to win this lovely cookbook!
My entertaining tip is Alton Brown’s molten Lava cakes baked in a muffin tin. There are only 5 ingredients, the baking scent is intoxicating and guest think you are a magician when the cut into this dessert and the hog chocolate center oozes out. I highly recommend the organic chocolate bars from Trader Joe’s which make this a very cost effective dessert too.
Thank you for a chance to win! I’m hosting several parties and need new inspiration. I live your blog and hope that my functions are half as wonderful as yours!
Would love to win this cookbook! I used to think I had to make everything served at my parties but I’ve learned to add in a few purchased items of high quality to save my sanity over the years.
Once again another wonderful blog. My Mom who passed away in 2007 was a true Southern Living Fan. She subscribed to the magazine and the annual cookbooks and we always couldn’t wait for the Christmas Cookbook to arrive in October with all the tables set in all their glory. Mary you have the gift of setting the most beautiful tables and I think you have learned from the best. All the tables and recipes are perfect. I have continued to keep getting their cookbooks over the years, but I did not get this one, as it must have slipped passed me. I would be honored to have this in my collection. Mary keep up the wonderful blog, I look forward in the mornings to seeing you and the puppies.
Janet Ramsey
Thanks so much to Meredith Special Interest Media/Books for donating a copy for this extra give-away! I’d love to win this copy, but so would everyone else. Trifle. Trifle. Trifle. That’s my go-to secret for a quick (or not) dessert. There are so many combinations of layers that I put together for every season of the year. Whether I make all ingredients from scratch or am rushed for time and cobble together store-bought items, my guests always love the results! Here’s one of my favorites. Not to your liking? No problem! Be creative and layer favors and colors for a feast for your eyes and tummy. Enjoy!
No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Trifle
Prep time: 30 mins
Total time: 30 mins
This strawberry blueberry trifle recipe requires zero baking and it takes about 30 min to make! The sweet/tartness of the fruit, melt-in-your-mouth soft angel food cake and lightly sweetened cream come together so well.
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Skill Level: Easy
Serving: 10-12
Ingredients
• 17 oz angel food cake, cut into 1″ cubes (I used 1½ blocks)
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 lb fresh blueberries
Lemon Syrup Ingredients:
• ¼ cup water
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice (from ½ medium lemon)
•
Frosting Ingredients:
• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened at room temp
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ tsp vanilla
What you will need:
• 4 or 5 qt trifle dish (I found mine at TJ max), or make it in a 9×13 casserole dish.
I am so excited that you have a 2nd book to give away, Mary! Thank you for the chance to enter to win that beautiful cookbook. My party tip is to accept some help from a few of the guests who offer it. Think ahead of time what that help could be, if offered. You, as the host or hostess, should not be tied up in the kitchen the whole party! Delegate a few duties, and be present for your guests.
Example: Maybe you could have a few plastic dishpans or small tubs ready for a helper to collect dirty dishes, glasses, or silverware, etc. They could then be stacked out of sight in a laundry room or pantry.
Beautiful pages in this book! This recipe/entertaining book would be a great addition to have. I have many favorite party recipes, it’s hard to choose a single one but my go to seems to be a Peach Tea Sangria I have made for years! Start with 6 peach flavored tea bags, brewed 5 minutes in 2 cups boiling water. Add 2 cups ice to cool, sweeten to taste with honey or sweetener of choice. Transfer to a large gallon pitcher, add 2 cups peach flavored sparkling water or a complementary flavor like apricot or tangerine. Add 1 bottle of a light wine such as Rose, Sauvignon Blanc or a Prosecco. Serve over ice and garnish with citrus slices, fresh sliced peaches or fresh mint leaves.
I love SL, and this book would be a perfect addition to my collection! Very beautiful pictures!
Hello I just love your creativity and tablescape
A nice tip for the party would be:
Blend Red delicious apples 4- 5 along with few fresh mint sprigs, cinnamon powder 1/2 teaspoon, sugar 3- 4 tbsp and fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp and chill the mixture in an airtight container. On the day of the enjoyment, just add chilled Sprite and serve in a beautiful fruit punch bowl .
Mary,
Your giveaways are so terrific! I’d love to win a copy of the book. I’m sure the recipes are as delicious as the pictures are gorgeous!
Betsy
I can’t imagine any book would be better than following your blog, for many years now. I don’t know how you do it. But, don’t stop Mary.
We have game night at our house once a month and this dip is one of our favorites.
1 can of artichoke hearts, 1 package of frozen shredded spinach, minced garlic about 2 cloves, 1 block of cream cheese softened, mozzarella cheese about 7 ounces, 1/2 cup sour cream, ¼ cup of parmesan
Make sure the spinach is thawed and dry, chop up the artichokes into small pieces and just combine all the ingredients and bake at 350 for about 30-35 minutes. I have a ceramic dish that I use that’s about 1 ½ quart in size. Serve with chips, tortillas or small slices of pumpernickel. Super easy and tasty! Thank you for the giveaway, love your recipes! I have already made a few for game night that were a hit, like the waffle and chick-fila bites. YUM!
Thanks Mary for the giveaway. This looks like a wonderful book. I have subscribed to Southern Living for years and will never be without it.
My tip is to try and relax before a party with a glass of wine or a cocktail. I always greet each guest at the door and thank them for coming. It’s such an honor that someone will make time to come to my house, I want them to feel most welcome.
I use many of your recipes and flower arrangements tips. I’m always excited when I see a new post on your blog.
Thank you for sharing the best recipes and table scapes. I would love to win the SL book! I keep hotdogs and s’mores for a campfire for fast impromptu to entraining. Amazing how it brings out the kid in everyone.
Oh my, this cookbook is beautiful and I would love to win it! I have always relied on recipes from Southern Living! And I love the recipes you share with us! I always try to make sure my guests feel welcomed by serving appetizers while we all greet and visit for awhile before the main meal. These cheese wafers will be perfect! And I’m going to make some for a birthday gift, adding the pepper jelly!
I would love to add this wonderful book to my collection! When having a dinner party I place a note with the food that goes in each dish. Also, place the appropriate serving utensil in the dish. It helps staying organized!
I’d love to win a copy of this beautiful book. Nothing like wonderful pictures in a cookbook to inspire.
I would love a new SL Party Book. I have a folder of ideas I keep for parties in the future and also ones I have given. Really helps on amounts to buy etc. Love your blog and your pups Mary. Hugs.
What a beautiful book. Would love to add it to my collection. Thank you for taking the time to share.
I am always in awe of your blog posts! Such creativity and attention to detail! My “go-to” for an easy appetizer has always been my version of cheese straws made in mini size rounds with Rice Krispies added for crunch….everyone enjoys! I would like a chance to win the cookbook because not only am I southern born but have always read Southern Living magazine. Keep your creative juices flowing as we all enjoy so much! P.S. (Loved your floral pup design!!!)
This new cookbook looks like it would be full of inspiration! My entertaining tip is to decorate the tables and gather serving pieces a few days in advance.
What a gorgeous book – would love to win !
I always like to have a nice adult punch ready for
Guests upon their arrival – they can serve themselves . Also like to use flameless
candles throughout the house
I love beautiful cookbooks and read them much like I do novels! This one, like all Southern Living cookbooks I own, is stunning! I’d love to win it! My party tip is one I learned from a dear family friend Mary Varble. I learned many little secrets of entertaining from this lovely lady. Soak small seedless grape clusters in your favorite brandy or fortified wine for 48 hrs. then pat dry and lay on a tray in the freezer for several hrs or over night. When its time to fill the wine glasses, drape each cluster over the rim of a glass and fill. Slightly chills your wine, adds a sparkle as they thaw, and oh how good they taste! It never fails to make an impression! Marie
Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win.
Love you blog and I would love to win the book as I also love to entertain