In case you missed it, Reese Witherspoon's new book Whiskey in a Teacup is in the Winter POPSUGAR Must Have box!
To be honest, when I first flipped through this book, I wasn't sure exactly what this book was trying to be. Cookbook? Entertaining/etiquette guide? Modern Southern Belle handbook? After reading it cover to cover, I think it's safe to say it's a little of each!
Here's my quick take on Whiskey in a Teacup:
First and foremost, if you are a Reese Witherspoon fan, I think it's safe to say you are going to love this book. Each chapter references her family, her childhood, her traditions, etc. If you want a glimpse into her life, what motivated her to create Draper James, etc, you'll find it in these pages. (It will also make a fabulous gift for a Reese fan - the book is hardcover and the photos are gorgeous.)
The etiquette:
One thing to call out about this book is that it's a little bit of everything. If you are looking for a deep dive into Southern etiquette, you won't be satisfied with this book, but if you have zero training in proper manners/etiquette, this is probably exactly the type of intro you need. (Think place settings, hosting a party, tips for how to talk to anyone, etc.)
Some of the tips in this book are still too formal for my lifestyle, but if I'm ever hosting (or attending) a fancy party, I'll definitely reference a few of the pages!
The recipes:
There are sections of recipes throughout the book, all within a meal theme. For example, there's every recipe you need to make a perfect New Year's Day feast, an Easter lunch, a summer BBQ, etc.
Want to throw a dinner party Reese would approve of? You have everything you need! Want to eat exactly what Reese and her family eat on Christmas morning? Make her breakfast casserole and Applesauce cake!
There were one or two recipes that seemed like they may not have been necessary to include (Lemonade-Stand Lemonade = lemon, sugar, water), but in general the recipes seem like the tried-and-true classic meals Reese and her family have been making and enjoying for years. (If elaborate meals/recipes are a bit intimidating for you, and you want a few amazing classic comfort foods you can whip up easily, I think this selection is perfect.)
The Southern Lifestyle:
As someone who did not grow up in the South, I found some of this to be very interesting. I read an entire chapter on monogramming and I still don't fully understand the obsession! 🙂 Again, this isn't a deep dive on the subject, but a few chapters and anecdotes, so I'm not sure if someone with a Southern background will love it or find it lacking.
Other things I enjoyed:
- There are a few playlists throughout the book that were an unexpected addition.
- A chapter dedicated to Dolly Parton!
- Gorgeous pictures throughout!
Summary: This is an easy read and a perfect coffee table book. It's a little bit of everything, so it stays pretty light on all topics. And since the holidays are coming up, I'd also say this book would make a wonderful gift for any Reese-fan or Southern Belle in your life.
(If you haven't seen all the spoilers already, check out our spoilers post to get caught up!)
New subscribers can sign up here and use coupon code MSA20 to save $20 off of the Winter POPSUGAR Must Have box, too! (Regularly $75 a box.)
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