Porch Parties: Cocktail Recipes and Easy Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining

by Denise Gee, Robert M. Peacock (Photographer)

With this charming guide to casual outdoor entertaining by Denise Gee, belle-of-the-ball author of Southern Cocktails , party and decorating ideas have never been more simple or inspiring. Gee and acclaimed photographer Bobby Peacock crisscrossed the U.S. photographing their favorite porches and dreaming up fresh, summery spins on classic Southern drinks, resulting in 50 recipes for everything from punches to cocktailsincluding several nonalcoholic sippers and 10 uncomplicated snacks. Grab a bottle, whip up some Tipsy Tea or Prosecco Martinis, and take the party outside!

Genres: Cookbooks, Cocktails, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a cute, well-photographed book, it would make a better series of magazine articles than a book (which I'd bet is how it got started). It's a nice idea, but you could get the drinks recipes almost anywhere else and there isn't anything really 'different' about the appetizers. I gave this three rather than two stars because I did appreciate the extensive punch chapter, and there is a very big section of creative non-alcoholic drinks, which I think a lot of people overlook when throwing parties. And while I overall liked the layout, the # of servings for each recipe is very hard to find - it's hidden in the lower corner of the page, in slightly smaller type than the rest of the page.

Sweet, but probably not worth the time.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such fun this summer testing these drink recipes. The book has great summer porch photos that welcome entertaining friends. The recipes are tasty and eye appealing. When I ordered my copy, I did not realize, and I was a little disappointed, to discover many do include alcohol. It was easy enough to leave out, but many guests commented that a particular drink might be better with a little Rum! So hey, leave it in....keep it out...either way, enjoy your guests, friendships, and summer time!

[Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This "cookbook" is cute more than anything else. While small, it does contain a lot of recipes. Mostly drinks, but some appetizers too. I have made the Blueberry Shrub. It was....interesting. This book does contain a lot of classic "front porch sittin'" type drinks, and I know that I'll come back to it again and again over the years for those recipes.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book offers good recipes for summertime drinks and punch. In addition to those recipes, it also includes a short section of appetizer recipes and suggestions for table decoration, drink embellishments, party planning and bar essentials. A very useful book for summertime entertaining!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw the June Bug recipe in Better Homes and Gardens, and it looked good. It referenced this book, and its additional non-alcoholic creations. There were not as many as I hoped, but I do plan to try a few more.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little recipe/party book. Has lovely tips for easy afternoon/evening gatherings featuring both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Plus simple. but yummy appetizers.