Entertaining with Southern Style - Hardcover

In a perfect world, all social events would be as elegant and gracious as the parties on display in Entertaining with Southern Style. Alas, not many of us have the ways and means of transporting embroidered pillows and tapestries to provide a backdrop for a riverside curried picnic, and if we do manage to have friends over for cocktails, a professional bartender may be a bit out of the price range. But for those hosts and hostesses willing to put forth the effort to have "the mostest," this glossy and gorgeous tome will provide inspiration for genteel living. Divided into six basic chapters, everything from furniture to flowers is covered, with specific attention paid to themed parties and a variety of special occasions. Lush photos cover every page--this is not a "less is more" mentality, and attention is paid to the tiniest detail. Tables are decorated with antique linens and lace, and party favors are included at every place setting. A charming idea for a summertime favor is a small herb plant in a terracotta pot; less ideal are the antique gardening implements tucked into napkins--this seems to present an opportunity for painful injury. Those who do not hail from the South may find a few small details a bit unusual--there is no mention of tequila in the "fully stocked bar" list, and Christmas scenes display a notable lack of the snow we expect in cooler climes. These differences aside, those who take their entertaining seriously will develop a fond attachment for this book. The stylists and editors have achieved a unique and glamorous style with little of the intense "do it yourself" mentality presented by popular New Englanders, and the book is resplendent with the unique charms and possibilities of "southern style." --Jill Lightner