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Whiskey in a Teacup
What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits
Table of Contents
About The Book
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, 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’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?
Why We Love It
Reese doesn’t take on anything unless (a) she thinks she’s going to have fun and (b) she’s going to do an excellent job. Reese participated in four days of dawn-to-dusk photo shoots, and her text is so personal and fun that when you finish it, you’ll feel like she’s your best friend. —Trish T., VP, Executive Editor on Whiskey in a Teacup
Product Details
- Publisher: Atria Books (October 1, 2018)
- Length: 304 pages
- ISBN13: 9781501166273
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Raves and Reviews
"A must-read for Southerners and Southerners-at-heart come fall."
– Southern Living
"A lavish lifestyle guide and cookbook that’s a paean to her native Dixie."
– USA Today
“Peppered with tales from her own Nashville, Tenn., upbringing, Reese Witherspoon’s first book features mouthwatering recipes, tried-and-true style tips, and entertaining expertise. Come for the best advice she received from Dolly Parton, and stay for her hot-roller hair tutorial, y’all.”
– InStyle
“You may not have known you needed a charming lifestyle guide from Reese Witherspoon, but, trust us on this one, you do. Out this month, Whiskey in a Teacup is part etiquette primer, part cookbook, and part hot-roller how-to, all told in the actress/producer’s sharp, exuberant voice.”
– Marie Claire
In Whiskey in a Teacup, Reese shares deeply personal stories about her life in the South and offers up her best advice on entertaining and life in general (yes, there's even a detailed description on how to hot roller your hair, Reese Witherspoon style!). It contains nearly 50 recipes, making it the perfect book to buy for yourself, and also a friend.”
– PopSugar
“OK, so you can’t party with Reese Witherspoon, but you can party like Reese Witherspoon—thanks to this part memoir, part guide to southern living from Elle Woods herself. The gorgeously shot book features tips on entertaining, as well as recipes, beauty hacks, and totally random but necessary lessons like how to catch a frog with your bare hands.”
– Cosmopolitan
"Reese Witherspoon, resident ray of sunshine, wrote a book that’s as charming as she is. In Whiskey in a Teacup she shares everything from how she does her hair to her grandmother Dorothea’s best recipes. If you love Reese, you’ll love her book."
– HelloGiggles
"Whiskey In A Teacup, as the title suggests, is a dose of sweet medicine with a kick, and it's a wonderful guide to entertaining, decorating, and celebrating, in the style of one of the nation's most beloved actresses."
– Bustle
"Buy two copies—this will be the go-to hostess gift of the season."
– Apartment Therapy
“It is hard not to respond to actor-producer-writer-entrepreneur Witherspoon’s southern cooking and lifestyle guide, presented with warmth and no small amount of wit. Many features attract, such as sidebars on everything from valuable tips for hosting to the specifics of hot-rolling hair. Nearly 50 recipes and 8-plus menus will suit almost any celebration, gathering, and occasion… Connecting it all is Witherspoon's very hospitable narrative, sharing stories of growing up, family, and traditions that many will relate to.”
– Booklist
“Actress and book club host Witherspoon pays tribute to her Southern roots in this charming collection of recipes, how-to’s, and personal stories… Fried chicken, ribs (in her brother’s Tennessee barbecue sauce), and pulled pork sliders with bourbon sauce are highlights among the many enticing dishes… Readers looking to make a foray into Southern cooking and etiquette will find Witherspoon an enthusiastic guide.”
– Publishers Weekly
“Proud of her Southern heritage, actress Witherspoon, founder of the retail brand Draper James and media company Hello Sunshine, unabashedly spreads the Southern women's ethos of graciousness and hospitality… Her sense of humor and ability to poke fun at herself shine in childhood anecdotes (and photos of her hot-roller technique)… Sure to be popular with Witherspoon's fans, this pleasant book could have wider appeal to anyone interested in modern Southern living and style.”
– Library Journal
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