Disclaimer: I receieved a digital copy of this book from NetGallery in exchange for a fair and honest review.

It is ALWAYS a treasure to open a book from Southern Living. Though I no longer live in the South (although I am in SE Iowa), my heart is still in the South. The recipes from any SL books are always dependable and turn out exactly as expected.

The photos in this volume are luscious. I also loved the tips about hosting a successful event.

Tomorrow night I am hosting our Feminist bookclub and I have chosen a couple of the appetizers to serve my guests.

It is rare for a cookbook to contain user friendly, fun recipes that appeal to almost everyone. However, The Southern Living Party Cookbook: A Modern Guide to Gathering, by Elizabeth Heiskell, does just that. This book has tried and true recipes, as well as new and unique ones. The recipes are suitable for everyone, from beginning cooks to those with lots of experience.

Most of the recipes have a southern slant, but will appeal to almost everyone. A favorite that will be served often through the holiday season is the scrumptious Smoked Catfish Dip with Pork Rinds – it is already a favorite. The Pimento Cheese Rolls were very easy, and very good. The Sausage and Grits Quiche is delicious, and perfect for holiday brunches; it’s also quick and easy to put together. There are several other recipes suitable for brunch such as Fried Pork Chops (yummy) and Hoppin’ John.

Heiskell has included several mouthwatering appetizers, as well as fresh salads, and desserts. Every recipe tried so far has been successful, and the queue for trying new dishes from this cookbook has grown each time I have opened the book.

All told, the recipes are easy to follow, contain easy-to-find ingredients, and they turn out picture perfect. The photographs are beautiful, and there are notes at the end of the recipes that have suggestions for serving, freezing, saving time, etc. which is a big help.

For anyone who likes to entertain, this is an excellent cookbook to keep close by. It has great ideas that guests and family will love. Highly recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

In my early twenties, I was introduced to Southern Living magazine, and I've been reading it pretty steadily ever since. Southern Living is always a source of high-quality home and garden articles, excellent photography, and delicious recipes, and they currently feature a monthly column by one of the South's greatest writers, the incomparable Rick Bragg. So I was delighted to have the opportunity to review a new cookbook from this magazine, The Southern Living Party Cookbook by Elizabeth Heiskell.

The original Southern Living Party Cookbook came out in 1972, and this new edition, subtitled "A Modern Guide to Gathering," is a beautiful book that's just brimming with recipes begging to be tried. The book also includes a brief "Hosting Handbook," which would make this book a great wedding gift for a new bride setting up her home.

The book is divided into sections titled Teas, Coffees, and Receptions; Brunches and Lunches; Come by For a Drink Y'all; Cookouts; and Celebrations and Dinners. As a tea lover, I especially enjoyed the first two chapters and found plenty of goodies I want to make, including the Puff Pastry Chicken Salad Ring, Lemon Drop Cookies (they're made with crushed lemon candies), and the Quick Petits Fours. There are also several tea sandwich recipes I'd like to try, including the Salmon-Cucumber ones, and something that sounds like a real possibility for teatime, the Cream Cheese-and-Pecan Rolled Grapes (with bacon!). And since I've never had a Southern Living recipe fail on me, I'm most eager to give these new ones a try. Now if Southern Living would just shoot for an entire book of teatime recipes, I'd be in heaven!

Fabulous food ideas for all occasions, this cookbook has it all. The hostess with the mostest, the author certainly has a flair for throwing a terrific party. Passed down through the generations, Elizabeth Heiskell learned firsthand what it took to organize a top-notch event. One thing that was certainly made clear, it's all about the planning. Last minute preparations just won't do. Arriving at proper estimates for beverages, food, main dishes and desserts will ensure a terrific outcome. With countless suggestions and recipes to serve your guests, this beautifully illustrated party cookbook is a sure-fire way to be a shining success. It is my recommendation that this party cookbook is the resource to have at your disposal when planning on throwing a shindig.

I offer my thanks to NetGalley and Meredith Special Interest Media/Books for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Perusing the pages of The Southern Living Party Cookbook makes you want to plan a gathering. This cookbook is an update to Southern Living's 1972 best-selling cookbook. There are so many ideas from summer fetes like fish frys and picnics to other seasonal gatherings and fancy dinner parties. Before the recipes start, though there is a hosting handbook complete with buffet feng shui, glass types, how to set the table, etc. The cookbook is divided into party types and each a has a menu or grouping of recipes (food and drink). The recipes are accompanied by photos and tips for setting a festive tone. The food in this cookbook is approachable and complementary to the type of function is planned for. The only drawback is that this book is not vegetarian-friendly.

*~.Book Analysis.~*
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)

Rating: 5 stars
Reading period: Nov. 25th, 2018
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley – I have received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Release date: Nov. 20th, 2018

PROS
There is a subtle art in hosting that I honestly never realized before reading this book. The author explained it all quick and simple, with no room for doubts, and also brought us the most delicious recipes for gatherings! Ooh, how I feel hungry now…

CONS
I can’t eat the dishes as I read about them. Ok, kidding, this book was marvelous!

COVER ANALYSIS
This is one of the most beautiful covers I’ve ever seen! The flowers and the colors give such tranquility and cutie vibes to it! Ooh, how I wish I had the physical copy on my shelves! =(

RECOMMENDED FOR
Readers that love cooking and entertaining, as the tips are really useful!

The Southern Living Party Cookbook by Elizabeth Heiskell.
This cookbook has everything I thought. Great ideals for parties. Easy to read and understand. I love collecting cookbooks so I am excited to have the chance to add this to my collection.

I'm always leery about an updated cookbook when the original was the holy grail. But Elizabeth Heiskell has outdone herself! I LOVE this version! It's got the old favorites like Champagne Punch, Bourbon Balls, Brandy Alexander and more as well as new takes and favorites like Curried Chicken Salad, and Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salsa and Blue Corn Chips.

With Thanksgiving looming, there are some great recipes to consider, but it's the Fondue Party recipes that are on my list as this is one of our Christmas traditions after the family heads home.

So glad I gave this book a shot and it over delivered in every way. This is the new holy grail, and while it may give a nod back at her, it's not your Momma's (original) cookbook! A must have for entertaining!

I must admit that while I did have a few issues with this cookbook, overall it is great for party inspiration and for fun, but also basic, recipes to keep on hand to entertain your guests.

My main issue was with how many mixes and store-bought things were used in these recipes - and not because I am against doing a recipe faster, but because there are mixes you cannot find all over the world so basically no way to recreate those recipes.

The descriptions of the parties and the repetition also bothered me that I started skipping them - like telling us the same story twice in different chapters/party ideas, especially since it was just the previous chapter she did tell the story for the first time.

But the menus and recipes are fun and quite useful. Definitely would recommend - although I wanted more pictures!

I really enjoyed reading through this cookbook. It is filled with wonderful recipes with beautiful photos, great entertaining ideas, and delightful anecdotes. Makes you want to throw a party! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Southern cooking at it's best! I've learned more than I ever thought I could about having the perfect southern party! My friends are going to love it!

The Southern Living Party Cookbook - A modern Guide to Gathering by Elizabeth Heiskell is a redo and update of the famous 1972 Southern Living Party Cookbook. The 1972 version was apparently the best selling cookbook for Southern Living. Ms. Heiskell is a seasoned chef, culinary teacher and has her own line of gourmet products.

This cookbook is divided by occasion and there are many. Each occasion has a complete menu. The book is 362 pages of beautiful photos and delicious recipes. Ms. Heiskell also offers advice that is a must have for hosts and hostesses. The book has notes on etiquette, as well as, proper table settings, seating arrangements, serving and drinks.

This redo is sure to be another Southern Living classic. After I was finished reading it I booked marked all the recipes I wanted to try long before I planned a party. As usual Southern Living has another winner on their hands. This would be a great gift for yourself or for a wonderful hostess gift.

I would like to thank Elizabeth Heiskell, Meredith Special Interest Media/Books - Southern Living and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Southern Living Party Cookbook: A Modern Guide to Gathering by Elizabeth Heiskell is an amazing, beautiful and romantic book about Southerners traditions published by Meredith. This new guide divided per theme and precious moments to spend all together will be in grade to offer to all of you a lot of tips, recipes, new ideas for the most important occasions of your life.
This book is an update of what previously lived and shared and experienced by grand-mothers and mothers of the South, precise the author with strength, focusing in particular in the great hospitality of Southerners.
Chapters are: Teas, Coffees and Reception, Brunches and Lunches, Come By for a Drink Y'all, Cookouts, Celebrations and Dinners.
Elizabeth remembers in this book the old times and how in their family, feasts, weddings and other important remarkable events were celebrated also thanks to the help of her grand-mother and mother. They are captivating stories of the past and the reflection of the present.

Extremely elegant, I immediately fell in love for this book because of it's wonderful pictures, tales; because it is in grade to speak at the heart and appetite of everyone! with delicious recipes, great desserts and dishes. I would classify The Southern Living Party as a good manners cookbook.

Highly recommended.

I thank Meredith and NetGalley for this ebook.

If you are not from the South but you want to start entertaining like you are , then you have found the right book to teach you !. I grew up in Mobile Alabama , so absorbing each of these pages was like stepping back into my mother's and grandmother's kitchen . .I loved all the wonderful southern recipes , that you can easily find if you step into a southern kitchen today or 50 years ago .The author kept true to what southeven hospitality is all about in entertaining and throwing wonderful parties .It's not just in the food but in the feeling of welcoming all who come into your home as family ! I really appreciated her hilarious family stories she shared throughout the book along with helpful tips ..and lots of pictures too ! This would make a wonderful gift book for any new bride !

This is my first year hosting a holiday at my house since we bought it last year. I am having Thanksgiving dinner and I was a little unsure of what recipes I could use. I have found several recipes that are not only easy to do but the instructions that come with the recipes are perfect. I found a great cranberry salad that I could make that I know my 99 year old grandmother will love. I will be using this book from now on every time we have a party at our home or I can bring something to another one. Thank you for creating the perfect cookbook that is easy to follow!

Absolutely beautiful! Gorgeous photos, lovely memories, inspired party ideas and those recipies. Wow! I can't wait to hand sell this lovely book and add a copy to my cookbook collection. What a fun read!

This cookbook is not only great for entertaining and parties, but it’s also excellent for everyday use.

Each chapter offers you a different party and at the beginning of the chapter, you get a picture of a decorated table so you can grab some inspirations off of that and then you dig into the recipes for that party. You have parties such as Graduation Coffee, Welcome Tea, Tailgating, Thanksgiving dinner, Garden Club Luncheon, Impress the boss and many more party choices.

Now, as I said this cookbook can also be used every day, but with the majority of these recipes severing 10 and up all you have to do is cut the recipes in half as I did. So, far I have made the Chocolate –Bourbon Pecan Pie and The Cowboy Bean and loved both of them.

Great images, easy to follow recipes what more can anyone ask for.

Take this from someone who has way too many cookbooks and cooking magazines, this cookbook would be an excellent addition to your ever-growing collection.

ELIZABETH HEISKELL is well known for the earlier book titled OF WHAT CAN I BRING? She is a chef, seasoned caterer, culinary instructor and a regular food contributor to the TODAY show. This book is a predecessor of 1972’s SOUTHERN LIVING PARTY COOK BOOK. “”The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.””-Anonymous. Elizabeth’s style of presenting this book is prodigious. Whoever holds a hard copy of this book, can surely be hosting a perfect party at all levels &that will remain forever in the memories of the guests. To start with, the book opens up with beautifully arranged contents, the various sections &division of the book eases the readers to easily follow the directions of the author. Very organised way of dealing with different gatherings, its purpose &needs, its time &situations, for whom &why the party is being hosted, all helps the readers to connect themselves with the scenario &the author also provides suggestions for substitutes & improvisations.
Many of the recipes conclude along with a NOTE,
that furnishes the major tip to avoid getting trapped in the risk zone. There are about 12 party rules in the book dealing with practical issues and following which will add a remarkable touch to the party. The author has also given an auto biographical touch to the book by including her experiences of preparing the dish, her mother’s accuracy &grandmother’s perfections in teaching the techniques of the recipes and handing down the same to her. ”All good things that exists are the fruits of originality.””- Anonymous. This the author demonstrates in every aspect of this book with focus points on minute detailing while choosing ingredients, investing in equipments, time to prepare &how to serve. Meat thermometer, wooden salad bowl, non- stick 8 inch pan, mason jars, melamine, metal and wood are the great choices for serving tailgate, will have many advantages, when used in preparing a particular dish.
The longest time taking recipe in this book is JACK’S FRIED CAT FISH with 21 hours. The name of the recipe & how it is derived is stated with a brief info &the author never forgets to acknowledge the creator of the recipe. Under “”thanks giving dinner”” MINNIE’S SWEET POTATO PONE is a fine example for this. Sidney’s potato salad in page 222 explains about Sidney &the use of the word ‘violently’ in a recipe.
This book becomes more special just because it carries along with it the emotions of the host, when organising a party &even encourages them to enjoy the party to the fullest by giving necessary aid in the form of pre-preparations, last moment adjustments, which will surely help the host to relax. The author shares her insight on her host when she attended a party in (page 119)
COME BY FOR A DRINK Y’all is the easiest party to host comments the author. Champagne primer, its production methods, importance of capital “”c’” and many technicalities find place in the book. I quote from page 78 of the book “”There isn’t a better way to start a party than to greet guests at the door with a silver tray filled with ice cold champagne. The party mood is instantly set. The stress from a tough day or even a fuss with your spouse on the way over instantly dissolves.”” a more sincere attempts to make the guest feel special.
BLACK-EYED PEA CAKES throws light on the authors like towards peas. She invariably utilises many vegetables in the recipes so as to have nutritious food, there by breaking monotony. Oyster roast in page 259, is a wholesome delight to the lovers of oyster without even missing a single element. In the words of the author the very purpose of hosting sun down parties “”the whole point is to stop and notice the good that is all around us.”” is quite touching. In page 117 of this book the author ensures that not a single neighbour is left out in the party, if so, then, I quote “”Snow balls are so fun and festive during the holiday season. These make adorable teacher’s gifts or sweet treats for the mail man or your favourite neighbour. Package them in clean plastic boxes and tie them with a festive ribbon.””
Parties go on well, on &on, then comes the after party etiquette, in page 217 the author warns “”keep…………………………… cleaning begin.”” Don’t miss those lines &make sure to read it before you host a party. ””succulent centerpiece”” in page 287 with model photographs is a thorough way of making the readers to learn the art. The author is keen in providing individual attention to the guest and thereby to their preferences &taste, In page 346 of the book, how to arrange coffee bar table or cart, how the guest can mix &match and choose what they like, are clearly stated. This book is a complete package for all the gatherings sourced from generations and can be cherished in the years to come.
(Talking about this book? Be sure to tag it using #TheSouthernLivingPartyCookbook #NetGalley

Netgalley review.: Being a long time subscriber to Southern Living magazine,I was excited to review this cookbook. Many party cookbooks are too “elegant” for my laid back lifestyle. I loved that it incorporated elegant and simple themes alike. You can go for fancy with such recipes as Salmon Cucumber Tea Sandwiches to something as simple as Fried Pork Chops. Categories include: Teas and coffees,Drinks,Cookouts,Brunches and Celebration Dinners. Some of my favorite recipes included are:Candied Bacon Grissini(pig candy) Yum!,Crunchy Cheese Coins,Mint Chocolate Truffles,Finger Sandwiches w/Olive Spread and Cornbread Dressing. Although there are many recipes I would never make or have the occasion to use them ,there are also many that I would.

Pros:
Delightful recipes,
aesthetically pleasing layout,
nice presentation ideas.

Cons:
Basically all of the text grated against my practical proletariat spirit. Maybe one day I'll be wealthy enough to take any of the advice in here. For now, I'll just laugh derisively at it.