Includes index

Introduction -- The recipes -- It's finally spring lunch -- Cold creole supper -- Summer celebration on the lawn -- Dinner on the half shell -- Tomatopalooza -- A Mississippi sandbar picnic -- A full hunt breakfast -- The visiting dignitary dinner -- A Jeffersonian evening -- A Christmas cocktail supper -- Duck dinner at Hollywood Plantation

"No one embodies the rollicking spirit of great Southern party giving more than Julia Reed, the consummate hostess and go-to food and lifestyle expert. Thrown everywhere from lush gardens and gracious interior spaces to a Mississippi River sandbar, Julia Reed's parties capture the celebratory nature of entertaining in her native South. Here, her informative and down-to-earth guide to throwing an unforgettable party includes secrets she has collected over a lifetime of entertaining. For this book, she offers up a feast of options for holiday cocktails, spring lunches, formal dinners, and even a hunt breakfast. Eleven seasonal events feature delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes, ranging from fried chicken to Charlotte Russe and signature cocktails or wine-pairings -- she introduces her talented friends (rum makers, potters, fabric designers, bakers) along the way. Each occasion includes gorgeous photographs showing her original approach to everything -- from invitations and setting a table to arranging flowers and creating the mood. Reed also provides practical considerations and sources. This irresistible book is the ultimate primer for every party-giver."--provided by Amazon.com