Academy Award-winning actress, producer, and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon invites you into her world, where she infuses the southern style, parties, and traditions she loves with contemporary flair and charm. Reese Witherspoon’s grandmother Dorothea always said that a combination of beauty and strength made southern women “whiskey in a teacup.” We may be delicate and ornamental on the outside, … ornamental on the outside, she said, but inside we’re strong and fiery.
Reese’s southern heritage informs her whole life, and she loves sharing the joys of southern living with practically everyone she meets. She takes the South wherever she goes with bluegrass, big holiday parties, and plenty of Dorothea’s fried chicken. It’s reflected in how she entertains, decorates her home, and makes holidays special for her kids–not to mention how she talks, dances, and does her hair (in these pages, you will learn Reese’s fail-proof, only slightly insane hot-roller technique). Reese loves sharing Dorothea’s most delicious recipes as well as her favorite southern traditions, from midnight barn parties to backyard bridal showers, magical Christmas mornings to rollicking honky-tonks.
It’s easy to bring a little bit of Reese’s world into your home, no matter where you live. After all, there’s a southern side to every place in the world, right?
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2019 has been a year of cookbooks for me – I think it came with having a new kitchen to decorate and cook in, but I wanted to stock up on some beautiful, hardcover cookbooks that would look stunning when displayed. Reese Witherspoon’s book does that in spades, and it also goes a step further in that it is a truly wonderful read in addition to a collection of recipes. I grew up in Virginia, which is not quite the deep South, but many of my childhood memories echo in the stories Reese tells, and I loved how familiar some of her traditions and recipes were. I highly recommend this book for the stories, and can’t wait to try making my own biscuits and gumbo!
Reese Witherspoon has a witty way with words and draws you into her story. Her grandmother told her that a combination of beauty and strength made southern women. “We may be delicate on the outside, but inside we’re strong and firey.”
I enjoyed her stories of how she incorporates this wisdom in her everyday life and the stories of Christmas morning with her kids.
If you like her movies, you’ll love this book.
This was such an enjoyable book and what a fast read. Had me laughing, too. Enjoyed the recipes that Reese Witherspoon has included in her book, too. A wonderful book about growing up in the south and how that upbringing remains with Ms. Witherspoon to this day.
I absolutely know I would’ve enjoyed this book even MORE had I been able to read it, and snagged the PDF. But I listened to it on the free Libby app, and it was wonderful, because Reese Witherspoon of course has a lovely voice, and so many interesting facts and tidbits of friendliness, encouragement and inspiration to share. I just got a little sad and wistful for her because I wish she was saved, like that she could fully experience the joy and meaning behind the holidays she’s so excited about and so I was sad that she was missing that part. {Hugest relationship ever to be missing, having Jesus as Savior and guide and best friend. Per chance you ever read this, Reese, that’s my advice to you about life and love. I want that so much for you too, but it’s not my decision. Ask Jesus!} She is so friendly and helpful and funny and beautiful inside and out that it makes you want to experience some of these things, like a dinner party, which I’ve never really been to and live in a world where I probably won’t ever go to one either, let alone host one. And I don’t wear makeup or curl my hair or dress up in dresses, but she does, and it’s fun to hear about and learn about and understand better. She is one of my favorite actresses to watch, and it was wonderful to hear about her life and upbringing and family, and I didn’t know anything about Draper James or anything, so that was interesting and I want to cheer her on in those ventures. Oh, and as soon as I can now that I’ve just finished this book, it’s time to watch “Sweet Home Alabama,” and I want to watch “Steel Magnolias,” which is mentioned a lot in life and I still have never seen. This was a really fun book. Thanks. Glad I got to take you around with me and listen.
As a huge Reese fan of course I had to get my hands on this when it came out even if I had no intention of cooking any of the actual recipes (though I will admit they all made me hungry). The chapter intros are just so her and I was enjoying every minute of it. Provides a great look into the Southern lifestyle while giving us a peak at Reese as well. Perfect for fans of hers or just people that really like cookbooks. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
This is a cute book, though not necessarily amazing. It has some fun Southern anecdotes and recipes, and some of the ways of a “quintessential Southern woman” were enjoyable to read about. There isn’t a lot of specific information. Some things could have gone into much greater depth and detail, so in that aspect, it was a slight disappointment. The recipes sound fun to try and there is a part of me that wishes I was Southern. Especially so I could say things like “bless your heart” or “did done” and wear big hats to parties and be normal. I’m pretty sure my Mountain West friends wouldn’t understand.
Loved this book. A nice view into Reese Witherspoon’s life.
Reese shares wonderful stories about growing up in the South, some family recipes, and talks about what she loves about all things Southern. Even though this is not my usual read, it was highly enjoyable and the recipes are amazing. Totally worth the time.
Grab your sweet tea or mint julep and let Reese entertain you. Not knowing quite what to expect, this was a cute book, steeped in family values and southern traditions. The storytelling is pleasant, casual and entertaining. Topics covered include holidays, table settings, music, parties and gatherings, recipes and family memories. Charming, enjoyable, not too lengthy; just a delightful little taste of Nashville and the south.
This book is more of a cookbook/proper southern etiquette book. It is filled with recipes, advice on how to throw perfect parties and a little reminiscing by Reese on the perfect manners she learned from her grandparents. I have always been a fan of Reese Witherspoon, I did finish the book, it wasn’t bad, I guess it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
Sassy, savvy, and a hoot! Southern life at its greatest with life, food, family, and everything in-between. Made me long for the days of shelling peas, snapping beans, and baking biscuits with my southern grandma.
Just the cutest dang thing! I saw her live and got the book at the stage interview. Love this woman.
I love Reese Witherspoon and just had to check this book out. In this book Reese talks about growing up in the south, family, and traditions. It also has recipes that sound and look delicious. There’s great pictures in the book also.
Part memoir, part cookbook, part family tribute, part southern lifestyle guide…Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love & Baking Biscuits has a little bit of everything for those who enjoy the culture of Southern living and/or fans of the actress Reese Witherspoon. In my personal opinion, it’s not a super regrettable experience if you can’t get your hands on it right away but it was indeed interesting to explore. Enjoy!