Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings―Plus Entertaining Inspiration, Tips, and 100+ Recipes

by Kelsey Barnard Clark, Antonis Achilleos (photographer)

Genres: Cookbooks

288 pages, Hardcover

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

Kelsey Barnard Clark is a born and raised Gulf Southerner from Dothan, Alabama. She has developed an impressionable resume including being the fifth woman and first southerner to win the title of Top Chef. Kelsey was also voted Fan Favorite following her Season 16 win. Kelsey got her start in the food industry in middle school where she worked for a local high-end caterer, and even catered her first solo wedding at the age of 15. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, she worked savory and pastry in New York City Michelin-star restaurants, Cafe Boulud under Chef Gavin Kaysen and Dovetail under Chef John Fraser. Her signature Southern-French cuisine is inspired by family recipes and classic French techniques. In 2012 Kelsey moved back home to open her catering company, Kelsey Barnard Catering. Today, she runs her catering company, bakery and restaurant- KBC- in historic downtown Dothan while also taking her chef talents on the road, appearing and cooking at events as often as possible. She has a book coming out this fall- Southern Grit- as well as a new restaurant concept in the works. Kelsey is also an avid gardener and bee keeper with 15 chickens, 3 bunnies and 2 dogs (currently). She lives in Dothan with her husband, Deavours, and two children- Monroe and Evelyn June.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelsey Barnard Clark’s Southern Get-Togethers is the kind of cookbook that makes hosting feel less stressful and way more fun. With over a hundred recipes and advice, she formats the book like you have a friend walking you through how to throw a great party with great food, whether it’s a casual hangout or a holiday dinner.

I’ve already tried a few recipes at home, and they were a hit. Th Barbecue Shrimp came together so easily, I think it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels special. The Hot Honey Chicken and the Bananas Foster are both fantastic. It felt fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make on the stovetop.

What I really like is how approachable the book is. Kelsey’s tips for setting the table, planning a menu, or figuring out how much food and drinks you need make the whole process feel doable. The recipes are versatile, like they are great for hosting but just as easy to make for a regular weeknight meal.

The photography is gorgeous, if you love Southern food or just need a little help getting confident in the kitchen and hosting, Southern Get-Togethers is perfect. It’s a great addition to my library and has already become a go-to resource.

[EJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Southern Get-Togethers is a combination of so many things I believe in, with the author's belief that there is celebration to be had in the every day and always room for more at the table (bonus points for her reference to "Crowded Table" by The Highwomen!). This cookbook is full of absolutely *gorgeous* photography and layouts with stunning use of color. There are a lot of solid "common-sense" tips for hosts AND for guests that are seemingly not always common-sense these days (I was raised by 80's church ladies in the Midwest so some things us Yankees and Southern entertainers can definitely come together on here! :)). This makes for a fantastic primer for people just starting to entertain (or wanting to level up), helping take the guesswork--and some of the stress!--out of experiences and avoiding some of the more awkward or "AITA" situations that could pop up. Not "just" a home chef and host, Clark offers a lot of advice and tables from her personal catering experience as well.

Many recipes are not personally my taste, or won't do for allergies in our family/framily, but are *beautifully* presented and accessible. I really appreciate the variety in skill level and from-scratch recipes or recipes with shortcuts, and the recipes definitely don't skimp on flavor at all. I'll be keeping this one in mind for housewarming or wedding gifts in the future.

My thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest review!

Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess, and make lots of wishes
--"How You Live" by Point of Grace

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really neat book! There are tips and tricks about hosting parties with advice for all aspects of the planning. There are also lots of recipes in this book that look delicious and seem easy to make. The photos are beautiful throughout this book. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Kelsey Barnard  Clark, Chronicle Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tonya | The Cultivated Library Co · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the layout of this! Southern Get-Togethers would be the perfect housewarming gift!

Not only does the author include a ton of recipes, but she also gives tips for hosting, party decor, and entertaining in general. Entire menus are included with various types of get-togethers completely planned for you.

I can't wait to put some of Clark's plans into practice and report back with the winning recipes!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I'd been given this book at fifteen, the age the author catered a wedding event for the first time. Twenty years later, she's written a spectacular guide to hosting, with 100 recipes and hosting tips graced with a Southern touch. An author, a Top Chef winner, and a beloved TV personality, Kelsey Barnard Clark lays out the entire process so a hosting phobic dweeb like me can prepare, cook, and give a party like a pro. The color photos are gorgeous and I was immediately taken by recipes such as hot honey chicken, jambalaya, beignets, and bananas foster. Yum! Highly recommended for both new and seasoned party throwers.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked Clark's previous cookbook, Southern Grit, better than this one. I did know by the subtitle, "a guide to hosting unforgettable gatherings," that it was focused on entertaining but I still thought it would be more recipes that entertaining. There were a few recipes I'd like to try but the book was organized by type of entertaining event with menus. I don't have enough friends to have a fraction of the gatherings she has covered in this book. If entertaining is your jam, then this is the book for you. If you just love Southern food, check out her previous cookbook.

[Carla Bruns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Food Network, and that’s where I first discovered Kelsey Barnard Clark—not on Top Chef, but through her various appearances, especially on Bobby’s Triple Threat. I knew she had my foodie soul when I saw her on that show. Her cookbook, Southern Get-Togethers, is a true reflection of her personality on every page. While it’s a guide for hosting unforgettable gatherings, even if you’re not a regular hostess, you’ll learn so much from it, like how to smoke a brisket without a grill—something I’m definitely trying at home. The photography is beautiful and thoughtfully laid out, showing recipes as they might appear at a well-decorated party. The book’s Southern hospitality shines through, with sections divided by different types of get-togethers. My favorite chapter, “Formal Affairs & Slow Food Socials,” focuses on relaxed gatherings rather than formal events. The recipes are well-organized, with detailed instructions and easily accessible ingredients, making it easy to envision mastering dishes like Mrs. Susan’s Animal House Chex Mix, KBC’s Smoked Brisket, and more.

[Lauryn Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cookbook was what my grandma liked to call “the whole kitchen sink!” It was so well thoughtfully put together to include any type of life event get together whether it be as a host or a guest. Kelsey Barnard Clark, made southern cooking and hosting as easy as pie!

Onto the breakdown of the book though:

The photos were EXCELLENT, they captured the dishes perfectly, the table settings were gorgeous, and the thing I love the most in a good ‘ole cookbook is, honestly the flowers (I know kinda silly), but it’s so simple to fix your table up with a pop of something like flowers that if you mess that up then we have a problem! Barnard Clark, has the answer to that though with a step by step in the front, of all the dos and don’ts of hosting/being a guest and guess what? How to throw together a center piece of flowers is one of them!

Is this cookbook tastefully divided:
YES! The reader could definitely find a recipe for any get together whether it be a casual pop in, a potluck meal, or even a good ‘ole get together to watch the game.
The book was divided into 5 parts, 1 of those parts being how to throw together something for different occasions and all the P’s and Q’s you need to not only be a great host, but a respectful guest! The other 4 sections are food based on, daytime get togethers, all day affairs, potlucks/supper clubs, and formal affairs/ social gatherings.

Things I liked the most:
1. The do’s and don’t’s! - I have grown up in the south my whole life and the biggest rule my mom made us swear to follow were minding our P’s and Q’s (please and thank you’s). Bernard Clark really gained my whole hearted respect when she put this “trash” and “keep” concept for hosts and guests! Nothing like a stressed out snippy host or a wild guest to sour the night and she makes it possible to show people you can follow rules and still have all the fun!

2. The checklists! - I love nothing more than a checklist. Especially ones broken up the way Bernard Clark had hers. Very organized and there is even a shared hosting check list that had my heart swooning!

3. Pictures of all the food! - I think something that makes cookbooks stand out is the way they show off their recipes. It needs to look absolutely delicious to appeal to the reader, but also not so complicating looking that the reader skips over it with doubts in their head that they’d never be able to pull it off. This cookbook not only made my mouth water, but it made everything look like I could accomplish that, no problem!

Things I wish I had seen more of:
1. The time it takes to prepare and make. - As someone who cooks a lot I can kinda gauge how long things will take based on the ingredients and what the dish is. For those that don’t cook often though, this maybe the make or break they face when attempting some of these recipes. Some recipes require careful care to prepare and others not as much, but some readers may find it helpful to know a time if they are cooking something in a pinch.
Do I ever suggest attempting a recipe you have never done before in a rush? ABSOLUTELY NOT! My Mimi always said, “when you are in a hurry, stick with what you know and don’t get too fancy on little time.” I still live by this rule with my whole being, so if you want to attempt a meal from this cookbook, but are running short on time, my best suggestion would be to stick with what you know best and what you know people enjoy!

All in all this book was an easy 5 stars for me and I look forward to reading more from Kelsey Bernard Clark in the future! Now off to try some of these amazing recipes!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all.
I love a good cookbook. I pour over the pages of recipes and glossy photos like I’m reading a novel. While I love to read cookbooks cover to cover, not all make the cut of taking up precious room in my kitchen for days on end let alone become a permanent addition. From the moment I read through the table of contents I knew this book needed to be added to my kitchen library. And the results of these recipes did not disappoint. Kelsey Barnard Clark has put together a masterful collection of menus, recipes, tips & tricks that will make even the staunchest introvert decide to host a party. Even if you are only cooking for your own household, this recipe collection is a must have. I received an advance copy of this Ebook to review and I can whole heartedly say, buy this book! I have already pre-ordered a hardback copy for myself and few to use as gifts.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a rich people's Get-Together. Book. Most Alabamians don't have money for this. We have get-togethers, sure. But this book is not a cultural book reflecting the majority of people in the South.
Looking at the cookbook itself, I love all the pictures. They help me understand what the food, setting, and flowers should look like. The pages are gorgeously colored giving it the festive vibe the author is going for. The majority of the cooking has nothing to do with the South. When it does it's a new twist or fancy version of our classic meals or elements.
I would not recommend this to my friends nor to my review audience. This book isn't for us,'

I received an ARC through NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

You may know Kelsey Barnard Clark best from the season she won Top Chef, but it’s entertaining that is her love language. She created a catering company to spend time creating events that would bring together her skills as a chef and her ability to create a sense of place and celebration that she could share with others. And now she’s written a book that can help anyone bring that sense of celebration into the big moments of their lives, and also into the everyday family meals that bring us together at the end of each day.

If you’re wanting to plan a perfect brunch or a neighborhood cookout, she has a plan for you. From stocking your pantry and setting the table to planning the menu and creating a unique centerpiece, KBC has you covered. She has been hosting events for over 20 years, so she knows all the mistakes. She’s recovered from them, and she helps her readers prepare for what they can and roll with the ones you can’t prepare for. With a few simple hosting rules (like communicating with your guests what’s going on, even when it’s all going wrong), then having people over just gets easier.

As a chef trained in mise in place (a term for getting all the ingredients for a dish ready before you start cooking it), Clark starts by getting everything in place for hosting. She talks about the place settings, silverware, and linens you’ll need. It’s not about spending a lot of money but creating a collection of essentials that feel right for you. Then she helps you stock your pantry so you can be ready for surprises. Then she helps you stock your bar and gives a few pointers to be a better host (or a better guest, the next time you get the invitation), and then it’s on to the party ideas.

For each party, she comes up with an entire menu and the recipes you can use to create her perfect party. There is the All-Day Bash that calls for a Low Country Boil, where she suggests also having Hot Dogs with Chili and all the Fixings. There’s the BYO Steak Night, where you can fire up the grill and furnish the sides while the guests bring their own steaks and grill them to the temperature that makes them happy. She suggests Twice-Baked Potatoes, Compound Butters for the steaks, a Grilled Southern Caesar Salad and a Carnegie Deli-Inspired Cheesecake. For more formal dinners, there is the Paella Night or the Fearless French Dinner with Boeuf Bourguinon, French Potato and Green Bean Salad, Chocolate Souffles, and a Big Batch French 75.

Throughout the book are beautiful photos of the tables, the foods, and the Southern parties that KBC gets to host all the time. The photos of the food make everything look delectable, and the grace and polish of the table settings conjure up ideas for barbecues, brunches, and dinner parties. And while Clark throws around y’alls like a good Southerner and talks about tailgating, know that her recipes are based not just on her Southern food she grew up on but from the Michelin-starred restaurants she once worked in. Her flavors are sophisticated and borrow from world cuisines, so when she talks about her favorite Ramen Sundays, know that she is basing her recipes on flavors she picked up in Asia, not just the International aisle of the Piggly Wiggly.

I am a big fan of Top Chef, and I watched the season that featured Clark, of course. It was in Kentucky, and I loved watching the chefs learn about the region and seeing how fierce the native Southern chefs were. I was excited to get a chance to read her cookbook, and while it is inspiring to see her host events large and small, I’m not sure I’m cut out to be a great hostess. But still, I learned a lot from this book and came away with some ideas on how to celebrate life’s smaller moments more and being a better guest. You don’t have to want to plan a formal dinner party to get something out of this book, but if you do want to host more parties, this a good place to learn how to make that game plan.

Egalleys for Southern Get-Togethers were provided by Chronicle Books through Edelweiss, with many thanks.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Southern Get-Togethers is an accessible and *useful* guide to putting together inviting tables from the smallest gatherings to feasts, with a southern (USA) aesthetic and featuring southern cuisine written and curated by Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark. Due out 17th Sept 2024 from Chronicle Books, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a complete guide from the planning phase (what, how many, season, where, resources) through to completion for beautiful, timely, appropriate, inviting, and tastefully presented spreads - from the simplest nibbles with friends, to a lush extravaganza.

There are so many practical takeaways here - everything from choosing flavors and balancing flavors and textures, to serving utensils, containers, glassware, dinnerware, and more. This is the stuff which those of us who grew up without a subscription to Southern Living and Town & Country probably missed out on.

The presentations are divided thematically: daytime gatherings (brunches, lunches, happy hours/stop-by gatherings), all-day parties (game/playoff days, cookouts, family reunion type things), potlucks & supper club gatherings, and formal affairs and slow food socials. Each type of gathering is given solid reflection and the attention to detail is impressive and reassuring.

The recipes are included in each individual gathering and range from very simple casual friend type dishes to showstoppers.

Ingredient measurements are supplied in imperial (American) standard measurements with metric measures in parentheses (yay!). The nutritional information is not included. Each gathering includes a header with a short description of the recipes and approximate servings. Extra tips or recipe alternatives are listed in text boxes in the recipes. The recipes themselves are fairly straightforward and are made for the most part with easily sourced ingredients.

The photography is abundant and clear and the recipes are illustrated simply and clearly. The photography by Antonis Achilleos is one of the highlights of this book.

This would make a great choice for the cook's home library. It's a really good solid volume on entertaining and it also includes quite a good selection of finger-foods, appetizers, small bites, and brunch dishes. Holiday dinners aren't a focus in this volume, but it would be easy to incorporate modifications.

Five stars. Beautifully presented and accessible for regular (non-professional) cooks.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

#CampNetGalley #BookishScavengerHunt #BookishPhotoChallenge #NetGalley #SummerPhotoChallenge

[Whitney Pergram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BIG THANK YOU to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the ARC of Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings by Kelsey Barnard Clark. This is a wealth of information and an indispensable resource for anyone looking to infuse their gatherings with Southern charm and hospitality.

As a Top Chef winner and hospitality-industry expert, Clark brings her lifetime of experience and expertise to the table, offering readers practical advice, expert tips, and over 100 recipes that are sure to impress any crowd. From casual cookouts to formal feasts, this book has everything you need to host unforgettable gatherings with ease and confidence.

With her infectious enthusiasm, Clark makes hosting feel like a breeze, providing invaluable insights and encouragement for both novice and experienced hosts alike. Whether you're planning a small get-together or a large-scale event, her wide-ranging and accessible recipes, paired with helpful tips on tablescaping, flower arranging, and menu planning, ensure that every aspect of your gathering is a resounding success.

With its stunning food and lifestyle photography and mouthwatering recipes, this is more than just a cookbook—it's a celebration of Southern hospitality and a testament to the joy of bringing people together over delicious food. Whether you're a seasoned entertainer or a first-time host, this book is sure to become your go-to guide for creating memorable and meaningful gatherings that will leave your guests wondering when they’ll be visiting again.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 10 September 2024
#SouthernGetTogethers #NetGalley

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the idea of having people over, but maybe aren’t sure where to start with planning? What type of get-together to have? What do you want the table and flowers to look like? What are good Hosting Guidelines? How about the actual menu planning and recipes? Fear not, Top Chef winner Kelsey Barnard Clark has all the deets and then some in her new book!

The book starts off with entertaining advice and some excellent tutorials for table settings and floral arranging that will have you putting together centerpieces and accent vases with confidence. The recipes in the book are organized by event types: Daytime Delights, All-Day Bashes, Potlucks & Supper Clubs, and Formal Affairs & Slow Food Socials.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first part of the book and the headnotes throughout as the Chef’s energetic and gracious personality shined. For the food, I tried out two recipes:

Lemon-Poppy Seed Couscous and Cabbage Salad: This recipe is from a brilliantly named section called “Dab” Salads (“A dab of this, A dab of that”) from The KBC Standard Lunch Menu section. Pearl couscous, green cabbage, and cauliflower in a herby lemon-poppy seed dressing. It’s one of those salads that is even better the next day as the flavors really meld together.

Cajun Pickled Okra Pimento Cheese: You can’t really get more southern in feeling than having some pimento cheese on your next grazing board. I loved the addition of pickled okra and Old Bay seasoning. Great with crackers and also stuffed into celery sticks for a fun snack or sandwich go-to.

The photography throughout the book is beautiful and the notes definitely inspire confidence in party planning.

Chronicle Books provided me with a copy of this cookbook; the opinions shared are my unbiased review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Confessions: I am a Top Chef fan and have watched every episode including the year that Kelsey Barnard Clark won. I loved her home style cooking, her love of family and her plans for her restaurant. I was prepared to love this cookbook. I wasn’t prepared for how much.

Getting Started, the first section, is full of ideas and suggestions. For instance, add to your glass and dinnerware collections at thrift stores. The Prep chapters give you a shopping list of necessary items to keep in your pantry and..I would buy the book just for this…how much food ( meat, starch, vegetable) you need per person! No more wondering if you have enough!

The recipes are organized into four sections: Daytime Delights (Tarragon Chicken Salad sounds yummy), All Day Bashes ( Coconut Tempura Shrimp is my pick here), Potlucks and Supper Clubs (Crunchy Chickpeas for a snack) and Formal Affairs and Slow Food Socials (French Potato and Green Bean Salad) and have so many other delicious recipes.

This cookbook belongs in every kitchen. It’s full of information and Kelsey Barnard Clark makes you feel like you can make all the recipes here. I don’t usually feel that way about recipes either. So 5 stars for the cookbook and another 5 stars for the gorgeous photographs taken by Antonis Achilleos. The old pickup truck full of flowers on the country road is amazing!

Thank you to NetGalley, Chronicle Books and Kelsey Barnard Clark for this ARC.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings –– Plus Entertaining Inspiration, Tips, and 100 + Recipes by Kelsey Barnard Clark is a 290 page book. A more upscale collection of recipes is included in this recipe book. It's not one of those church-gathered recipe books. Below you will find some of my favorite recipes from each section of the book.

Getting Started

Party Ready Closet

Party Ready Pantry

Party Ready Bar

The Who, Why, When, and Where

The Table

The Florals

How to Plan Any Menu, Anytime

The Charts

Hosting Guidelines

Mind Your P's and Q's but Break Some Rules

Daytime Delights

Tarragon Chicken Salad on Croissants

Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Spinach Frittata

Berry Clafoutis

All-Day Bashes

Beignets

Hot Honey Chicken

Shortbread Crumble Banana Pudding

Potlucks & Supper Clubs

Tandoori Wings

Carnegie Deli-Inspired Cheesecake

Homemade Pita

Lamb Kofta Kebabs

Tiramisu

Formal Affairs & Slow Food Socials

Fennel and Citrus Roast Chicken

Jollof Rice

Whole Artichokes

Bananas Foster

Paella

Flan de Leche

Southern-Style Ramen

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern Get-Togethers
A Guide To Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings
Plus Entertaining Inspiration, Tips, and 100+ Recipes
Kelsey Barnard Clark with Emily Heersink
Photographs by Antonis Achilleos
“If you like to entertain you should begin by stocking your pantry with items you will need for a party: glassware, chargers, dishware, silverware, cloth napkins, tablecloths, place cards, napkin rings, flowers and candles. An impromptu get together doesn’t have to be fancy and the food doesn’t have to be homemade. “ There is a list of items you should keep on hand. Like the author I enjoy making a list. I have been accused of making a list of my lists. In this instance you might want a list explaining Who is coming to the party, When the party takes place, Why are you having the party and last but not least Where are you having a party.
This is the ultimate party planning book, there is a chapter for everything. How to Plan Any Menu, Its alright to bring some rules. There are suggested menus along with recipes.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a review copy.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the reviews of this as much as the book itself, LOL!

Yeah--it's definitely written for a higher-end clientele on many levels. Ingredients, lifestyle, alcohol consumption, etc.

I was a little bummed at two (by my count) unnecessary instances of swearing, and the emphasis on alcohol. Clark referenced mocktails at one point near the beginning of the book, but every beverage recipe in the book was alcoholic; disappointing for me as I quit drinking 5 years ago and would have really enjoyed seeing some mocktail versions or curated zero-proof drinks.

But the pictures were great, and the menu ideas look fab. Like Clark, I really appreciate checklists, and this book provides that--along with (albeit bougie) inspiration in spades. Having recently moved to the South, I enjoyed learning more about the topic from her perspective.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings
Author: Kelsey Barnard Clark
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Pub date: 9/10/2024

I’m drooling!

Once I finished this book, I was left trying to decide which recipe I want to master first and when can I share these recipes with my family and friends!

The recipes combined with all the entertaining tips have given me confidence to put all of it together without all of the stress.

This cookbook has advice on how to throw a southern style get-together wherever you are and over 100 mouth watering recipes. There are beautiful photos of the recipes along with some gorgeous tablescapes.

The recipes seem like anyone willing to try something new will be able to handle. No need to feel intimidated by all you learn from these pages.

Thank you #NetGalley and #ChronicleBooks for the opportunity to read this book.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything related to planning and gathering friends and family in one place! Recipes, expert tips based on experience, gorgeous pictures, and easy to follow directions and suggestions. Casual, fancy, brunch, lunch, dinner, and special occasions are all covered. I love the relaxed approach and the reminder to keep calm and enjoy yourself. Having southern roots myself, I appreciate the homage to traditional southern dishes, drinks, and desserts. There are plenty of international flavors to experiment with as well for those looking for more than southern fare. I feel the contributions are definitely that of a creative professional, but the inspiration and reminder to focus on the most important things made this a guide I would turn to for my own planning.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Shira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern Get-Togethers by Kelsey Barnard Clark is a beautiful manual for the want-to-be host, the host-in-training and the host-in-charge. The want-to-be host will find this book to be a great base to show how easy you can start with one meal and move up to host-in-training who has a few meals and get togethers under their belt. The host-in-charge will find this book a handy tool to reference in their toolbox.

Everyone from a beginner to an expert will think this book is a keeper with everything from recipies, meal plans, tablescapes and storage.

Southern Get-Togethers has tons of great ideas and informative bits.

I would like to thank you Chronicle Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

#SouthernGetTogethers #NetGalley #ChronicleBooks

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Southern Gets-Togethers is a recipe and hosting book that is broken down into five sections (getting started, daytime delights, all-day bashes, potlucks/supper clubs, and formal affairs/slow food socials). It is full of useful information, recipes, beautiful photos, and great party ideas. My favorite recipes are for butter bean hummus, the milkshake bar, salsa three ways, and roasted apple, peanut streusel, and chili crunch ice cream sandwiches.

Read this book if you like:
* To host elaborate dinner parties or groups of friends on a hot summer night.
* If you love southern food

Stars: 4/5

Thank you to Kelsey Barnard Clark, Chronicle Books, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most anticipated cookbooks of 2024 and it did not disappoint. I've been a big Kelsey Clark fan since her days on Top Chef. I got an arc of her first cookbook and still use it often. I love that we are getting back to books about cooking for friends and loved ones in groups. Dinner parties are back and better than ever thanks to books like Southern Get Togethers that make it easy and fun. The recipe for Foolproof Caterer's Hollandaise is worth the price of the book alone. I loved that the BYO Protein section focused on the sides and sauces that help make a protein special. The bacon onion jam is stellar. Everyone needs a good tiramisu recipe and Kelsey's turned out just as expected- perfect. Add this cookbook to your shelf.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Southern Get-Togethers is the second book for Kelsey Barnard Clark, Top Chef Season 16 winner. This is more than just a cookbook. It is a primer full of practical tips for entertaining including building a party-ready pantry to knowing the right amount of food and drinks for your gathering. The chapters work through daytime meals, informal pot lucks, sports gatherings, formal dinner parties and everything in between them. Each menu contains flexibility for purchased or made from scratch options to suit all levels of skill and available time. With the focus on Southern cuisine with a French flair, the recipes are familiar with a fresh, unique twist. Great gift for a newlywed or a house warming.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully informative read on not only recipes but for anyone new to hosting a get together. It will definitely help you get through your first party, giving you the help you need to not only stay organized but to also stay on task. It gives different ideas for the type of party you want to throw and how best to do so. You'll find ideas on how to decorate, the best way to plan your menu as well as how to shop for the food. The book also includes more than 100 mouth watering recipes that will please any crowd. I love the twists to classics and am excited about trying as many as I can. It's not only a cookbook but a fun instruction manual on how to plan and throw a fabulous get together. I plan to use several of the recipes next time I host a party!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more a manual than cookbook. This KBC recipes includes the perfect gathering manual which includes food. The book takes the guessing out of putting together a successful gathering from the table scape, menu, conversation and cocktails. For those that imagine how to put together a successful gathering this is perfect. The recipes are exciting, elevated as well as chill and able to be put together successfully by most home cooks. The photos of the food, the recipes, as well as tips are perfect to put together a wonderful intimate or group gathering. Definitely recommend.

Thanks to KBC, the publisher and Netgalley.

[TAYA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this gift. Here is my review of Southern Get Togethers by, Kelsey Barnard Clark.
Fantastic recipes and entertaining tips, southern style.
The recipes are grouped by function…brunch, all day long, potlucks & supper clubs & formal dinners & socials. Let’s not forget the fun cocktails too.
Planning the menu. Hosting guidelines. Tons of helpful tips.
The recipes, from prep to finish are thoroughly written and easy to follow. Most are not for beginners but experienced. It’s nice to have a fresh take on old recipes as well as a bunch of creative new ones, to add to the mix. Kudos for adding the brightly colored photos to the book.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woww!! Love love love this book, so detailed and imaged well! It is so picturesque and the photos make the book. The layout is beautiful and the amount of information about throwing an amazing party is boundless. Place setting, florals, drinks, etc, I can't express how alike this is to my style. This is the lifestyle that is all over my Pinterest page! I had no idea who the author was, but after reading this I will know the name Kelsey Barnard Clark. Safe to say I will be buying this book, I know it will look so great in hardback on my kitchen counter. I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Southern Get Together focuses on hosting inspiration and tips.

The sections are
Getting Together: prep work, the logistics of a group gathering, and decorations.
Daytime Delights
All Day Bashes
Potlucks & Supper Clubs
Formal Affairs and Slow Food Socials

Each recipe has servings, ingredients, and directions with a picture for each recipe. The pictures are very bright and aesthetic. The hosting its were very helpful and in-depth.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot wait to make more recipes out of this cookbook. Kelsey really encompasses the various cultures found in the Southern United States within this cookbook. This book focuses on not only recipes but presentation, and also hosting a party/get together as we call them in the South. I really enjoyed her use and a section on florals, and also just basic ingredients that every cook should have on hand.

I definitely will purchase this book when it releases and I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to review this by the publisher and Netgalley!