Around the Table: Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year

by Martina McBride, Katherine Cobbs

The widely acclaimed country music megastar Martina McBride invites fans into her home, her kitchen, and her family’s traditions in this, her first-ever book—a beautiful full-color illustrated collection of culinary celebrations, complete with cherished recipes and menus for cooking and entertaining at home.

One of country music’s most beloved singers, Martina McBride enjoys entertaining her millions of fans on the road. But at home she loves entertaining a different way, hosting her famous gatherings for friends and family. Beneath the glam, glitter, and wild success, Martina remains a farm girl true to her roots and the country hospitality with which she was raised.

Now, in her first ever book, Martina shares the inventive party ideas for all seasons that have made her a beloved entertainer at home. Each celebration is accompanied by Martina’s mouthwatering recipes, tips and tricks, practical menu planning advice, décor inspiration, and fun ideas for keeping guests entertained. A busy mom of three, Martina understands that hosting needs to be easy to be enjoyable, and all of her recipes come with cooking gameplans.

Dozens of stunning color photos invite readers into Martina’s home and around her table all through the year. With this delightful entertaining cookbook, fans everywhere can join in the fun, whether it’s a Red, White, and Blue Backyard Cookout, a Retro Valentine’s Day Supper Club or a night of Mistletoe and Martinis. Chock full of personal anecdotes and memories, this delightful keepsake is infused with Martina’s girl-next-door spirit and irresistible charm.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction

450 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

Reviews

[S.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great menus and stellar party ideas- not just another celebrity cookbook. She gives descriptions on how to complete even the minute details to each thematic event planned. Enjoyed her family’s stories and traditions as well. Never knew this fellow Nashvillian had a flair to entertain in this way.

[Mrs. Dunwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's really positive about this book: very handy for party planning and recipes that are appealing, not too fancy and accessible. Ingredients are easy to access and I think would generally be enjoyed. The intros are good (I know a lot of people don't like those little blurbs before recipes, but I actually love them). It's a very down-to-earth cookbook.

What I'm saying is negative, really isn't negative. This cookbook is really more for people who don't have a ton of cooking experience and perhaps a more run-of-the-mill palate.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved trying new recipes by my favorite female singer!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I would consider this more of an entertaining book rather than a cookbook. It has tons of super delicious recipes, but they are all simple to execute and can mostly be prepped beforehand, making them perfect for parties. Martina walks you through a number of different themed parties that she has hosted, touching on invitations, decor, menu and even favors. She doesn't spend more than a page or two on anything other than food, and encourages you to make each one your own.

As someone who rarely does any sort of formal entertaining (I'm more of a last minute "y'all come on over" type) I found these parties to be approachable and loved how she laid out the execution of them from top to bottom. Martina takes care of all the heavy lifting, you just have to follow instructions, tweak to your own taste, and enjoy your guests. Perfect solution for those of us who shy away from hosting duties.

Highly recommend this for anyone who wants to start, streamline, or just add a few more tricks to their party throwing.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite singers who packs a powerful voice into a petite body. Martina McBride also manages a marriage and family with 3 daughters. She understands trying to cram family dinners and occasional entertaining into whatever free time you can manage. These are some of her favorite recipes.

She lays them out for different occasions but makes it clear you can mix and match. I like the game plan that sets out a timetable for getting things done. I really like her playlists where she suggests the music to keep the party lively.

I'm ready to get started with several of the salad dressings and moving on from there.

Would love to get on her guest list and always enjoy hearing her sing.

[Theresa Jehlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be a great gift for anyone new to entertaining. McBride provides a step-by-step planning guide for 10 seasonal parties. Each party has a menu, music playlist, decoration and favor suggestions, a cooking game plan, and recipes. Beautiful illustrations round out the book. The author always encourages the reader to use as little or as much of the menu as needed.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an awesome little cookbook for the entertainer! Not only easy to prepare recipes, but music and designing ideas to boot. I was able to grab this book while on sale and one of the best $1.99 purchases I have made.

[Amy Brack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to trying some of these recipes. More than any of the recipes though, I really enjoyed how she organizes and plans events. My biggest reservation with entertaining is how to prepare everything to be ready on time, while still spending time with my guests.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect party cookbook! I love Martina!

[Ambur Taft · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Drink Recipes & Party Planning*

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked it, especially the narratives more so than the recipes.

[Roberta]

The book was good, and I am glad that I didn't pay full price for it.
Some of the tips are great, and the recipes seems nice, but didn't really attract my attention for long.

[Jamie Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely cookbook

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

cinnamon ice cream & cinnamon sugar tortilla chips