Book Review: Southern Lady Gracious Tables

I recently received a copy of a beautiful book: Southern Lady: Gracious Tables (the Perfect Setting for any Occasion) by Phyllis Hoffman. The south has long been well known for its gracious hosts and hostesses. This book is filled with beautiful photographs of elegantly set tables.

There are over 55 recipes to choose from and they include mouthwatering dishes such as:

S'mores Brownies A La Mode
Brandied Mushroom Sauce
Blueberry-Pie French Toast
Parmesan and Herb-Stuffed Mushrooms
Fried Asparagus with Creole Mustard Sauce
Praline Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

These recipes are sandwiched in between pictures of beautifully set tables and tips on everything from how to set your table to how to seat your guests. There are tips about how to pick linens, glasses, serving utensils and dishes and how to make them be as enticing as possible. Flowers, gilded fruit and a variety of colors are used in the different settings to create an atmosphere that will have your guests wanting to return again and again.

If you enjoy entertaining or if you want to start and don't know where to begin, this book is a must have! Follow the tips and recipes in this book and your dinner parties will be the most talked about in town!