Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Book Review: Whiskey in a Teacup by Reese Witherspoon

Pages: 299
Genre: Nonfiction
Pub. Date: September 18, 2018
Publisher: Touchstone
Source: Library
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Goodreads says, "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, 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?

Reese Witherspoon has always been one of my favorite actresses and I absolutely love her style, so when she wrote Whiskey in a Teacup, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy.  Reese covers a lot interesting topics like decorating, holidays, and entertaining, all while sharing personal stories about her family as well as her much loved grandmother.  You don't have to be Southern to appreciate Reese's stories and her advice in Whiskey in a Teacup.

The best part of Whiskey in a Teacup are the gorgeous full page photographs of Reese's home and her decorating style. You can get a lot of great ideas, especially if you like fun wallpaper, traditional homes with vintage touches.  I love antiques, wallpaper, books (obviously!) and all of that, so this was right up my alley. Reese also shares recipes from her grandmother and there were a few that I definitely took note of.  Who doesn't need a good sweet tea recipe in their life or applesauce cake? Yes, please!

I also loved her discussion on manners, etiquette, as well as her decorating style and her love for porches and a good book.  I love that Reese has this old soul vibe to her and she makes it hip and modern in a sense.  I completely agree with her sentiments regarding the importance of a thank you notes, which seem to have sadly lost their popularity in this digital age.  Also, Reese reminds us of the importance of a timely RSVP.  Can I get an AMEN? She's like this cool southern aunt that you've always wanted reminding you to do the right thing.

Some of her advice and recommendations were a bit over the top in Whiskey in a Teacup. I'm looking at you hot rollers as well as her strong opinions about never wearing workout clothes unless she's at the the gym. Yeah, that's not practical for most of us. I'm sure a few of the sections were meant to be strictly entertaining, but let's be honest.....I would love to roll up to my kid's school and take my hot rollers out and apply my lipstick all while in an adorable dress. However, in reality, I am wearing something causal and my hair is in a bun. A girl can dream though, right?

Whiskey in a Teacup isn't a read that is going to change your life, but it's a gorgeous coffee table book filled with some delectable southern recipes, some southern adages, and it's simply fun. If you are a fan of Reese or just the southern way of life, definitely check out this book. It would make a great gift this holiday season along with some sweet tea!

Are you a fan of Reese? Have you read Whiskey in a Teacup? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.


4 comments:

  1. I think I would pick up this book just for the gorgeous photos! But it sounds like she has some great stories. I feel like if I were a more put-together person, this is what I would want to be like.

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    1. I know, right? She totally put together, but I'm sure has a ton of help. I mean when she started on not wearing workout clothes all day, I was like UMM. That's my mom uniform! haha. I do love her though. I can't wait to try some of the recipes. Thanks for visiting, Angela!

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  2. I listened to this on audiobook and now I am sad that I missed out on the beautiful photos!

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    1. The photos of her decorating and the food, etc, were fantastic....definitely a nice coffee table book to peruse. Thanks for visiting, Michele.

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