Whiskey In a Teacup

So, this book has fabulous reviews (don’t buy it) and even jennifer Garner put hot rollers in her hair… What could go wrong? Answer: Almost Everything.

I was reading through trying to be a good sport about the fact that RW calls her Grandmother Dorothea (is that a southern thing?) Then four or five pages about the importance of Sweet Tea with lots of ice. (really?) and then recipes for BBQ Ribs (sooo healthy) But what broke the camels back? Mud Pie Trifle with COOL WHIP and INSTANT PUDDING !!! That is not a recipe anyone Northerner Southerner or any person of value can offer with Pride. GAG ME 🙁

OK – Pros: women should dress in pretty dresses with pretty lipstick and hair. MEN should look their best as well, no? And summer nights on a porch swing with friends is always a win. But did we really need to make RW a lot richer to know that? I am returning mine….quicker than you can say: dagnabbit Reese, cool whip just sucks. Get some whipping cream and beat it.

All those touched up pictures of her are just laughable.

So, I preordered the book months ago and just received it today! I was surprised how well done the book is. There are lots of beautiful pictures and fun topics to read. Seriously, LOTS of great information! This book is NOT another “celebrity” book. Yes, I love Reese Witherspoon, but I really believe you don’t have to be her big fan to enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book for all women!!

I really love this book! It is so, so beautiful. Reese recounts stories from her childhood, of her parents and grandparents, and those closest to her, all mixed in with some really funny anecdotes. Interspersed throughout are menus and recipes, I’ve tried the Summer Squash Casserole and it was SO SO GOOD!!! Also made the Refresher Cocktail (ahem, the alcohol version), also delicious!

There are lots of fun additions, like party playlists, sidebars including a Southern “pronunciation key” (haha!) and even little notes in the recipes that I (an avid cookbook reader) hadn’t heard of before: like an ingenious trick to make perfect biscuits. Who knew?!

If you love Reese’s films, Southern food, a good laugh, beautiful photography, and a to-die-for bright pink spine on your coffee table, then this book is most certainly for you!

Instantly, I was smitten with Whiskey in a Teacup. Reading it is like cheerfully walking down Familiar Lane; pleasant and homey with an emphasis on family and the good times. It reminds me of a single volume of an annual subscription of Southern Living Magazine through the life and eyes of Reese Witherspoon. She gives family recipes (which I always appreciate) and party menu lists for year round celebratory occasions. Do I want to have a Kentucky Derby Party complete with pretty dresses and oversized hats? Yes, I do. And I want to serve Reeses suggested Mint Juleps and Chocolate Derby Pecan Pie. She includes entertaining anecdotes from her childhood and endearing memories of her grandparents, mom, brother, family and friends. She made me want to put on my pearl necklace and get a dog. Reese had me reminiscing about my own grandparents huge garden and my grandpas work habits, from dawn to dusk even after retirement. In such a BFF kind of way, Reese takes her personal sharing even further- by suggesting music play lists for events like a Southern Party and road trips. She gives instructions for how to use hot rollers, and diagrams for how to set casual, as well as, formal table settings (with clever ways to remember). She gives hostess tips, attendee advice, flea market strategies, book reading suggestions, and gift ideas for a variety of occasions. I too love monograms Reese! It is an art under-appreciated in the north, and so is wall paper, soul sister.

I adore this book. I am a fan of Reese so it wasnt a hard decision to buy this book. Ive already read the first two chapters. Its a hodgepodge of things… its almost like youre sitting at a kitchen table with her while she tells you all about her childhood, her family members, her memories, recipes, beauty tips, home decor tips. Its truly like chatting with a friend and shooting the breeze. This is just such a fun book. Ive got my cup of hot coffee and Im ready to dig in and read some more chapters. I think this is a book that I will keep on my bookshelf and refer to from time to time even after Ive read it. Good job Reese!

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