The Southern Living Party Cookbook: A Modern Guide to Gathering

by Elizabeth Heiskell of Farmstar Living.

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

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

The author of the book aims to deliver "entertaining tips, party inspiration and mouthwatering recipes" just like the 1972 Southern Living Party Cookbook by Celia Marks. 

"Buffet Feng Shui." 

"Vary the heights". We go for alikeness and miss out on the cascade effect of this. 

"Save utensils for last, so guest wont have to juggle then while filling plates."

"Place food of limited supply at the end of the line."

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

Lava Rock for fireplace is an eco smart choice.

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

perfectly scooped balls of peaches n cream from a bake dish

Bridal tea setting has forks with tapered stem like that of a paint brush.

Key lime silk tablecloth
Fruit cube skewers
Using muffin pan as sides holders

"the people make the party, not the food, flowers or the quality of your bathroom guest towels"

"I bet many of them (parties) involve great friends, a bowl of nuts, and a bottle of bourbon or wine"

"Food always tastes better when it is served outside"

"A recipe is a story"

Southern Living Party Cookbook by Celia Marks

dust bunny, lake day, McCarty's pottery, quill as a holder