A Few Of My Favorite Entertaining/Cookbooks (and great gifts too) 🎁

I’ve collected cookbooks & entertaining books for YEARS! I love turning to them just like old friends whenever I’m planning a family or friends get together. Even if I have a pretty clear idea of what my menu & theme will be (OH…I DO LOVE A GOOD THEME PARTY), I still like flipping through for inspiration and to see if there are any ideas or recipes I can mix in.

Whether it’s a girlfriend luncheon, a couples weekend BBQ, a birthday bash or a holiday gathering…planning is such a huge part of it all for me. I love thinking about what everyone would enjoy eating, what beverages to serve, what flowers will be needed to pull it all together and so much more. I just love planning it all!

When I say theme, I basically mean making sure the food & beverages coordinate with the table scapes and flowers as well as the table linens and even the candles used (if they are). ALTHOUGH, I do love a good costume dinner party too! SO much fun (like a good New Year’s Eve costume party or even a birthday costume party and of course for Halloween but it can be anytime really).

Here are just a few of my go-to favorite books that help me create my menu & inspire my “theme”. These books make excellent gifts for the person in your life who loves entertaining and/or discovering new recipes.

*The links below are affiliate links for your shopping convenience. If you decide to make a purchase through one or more of my affiliate links, I’ll be paid a small fee which helps me to continue to be able to include great finds on my blog & social posts. These links are offered at no additional cost to you. Enjoy!

Cheese boards are always a hit at any party. This book does a great job of breaking down the world of CHEESE for appetizers before dinner or for serving during a wonderful cocktail party.

*I’m including a few extra links below to make serving cheese a bit easier and prettier. These items also make great gifts for the holidays or a shower or a wedding, anniversary, or a housewarming or birthday or…just because. These items would make an exceptional gift if given with a book all about cheese (just saying). Who doesn’t love a great cheese/charcuterie board? They are perfect for entertaining no matter the size of your gathering!

*This last particular board does not come w/the 3 bowls shown but is still a great board, especially for the price. The tools are included just not the bowls. Add your own bowls or use those areas for more food or to rest the 4 tools included.

The boards above are of varying sizes and prices. Hopefully you’ll find one that fits your personal or GIFTING needs. OR both!

*BE SURE TO READ CAREFULLY IN THE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION WHAT COMES WITH EACH BOARD. A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL ITEMS INCLUDED ARE LISTED IN THE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION**

‘The Craft Cocktail Party’ not only has a beautiful cover (which I’m a sucker for) but it also has SO many wonderful cocktail recipes, a cocktail tool guide and so much more! Having a signature cocktail at a party is great fun for sure. This is a wonderful choice for any host AND also for anyone who has their own home bar set up who could use a great guide or two for reference.

Williams Sonoma has some of the best entertaining & cookbooks out there for sure. This is an oldie but goodie that I turn to often. They have published several over the years. This is merely one of my favorities.

Southern Living publishes an annual book of recipes which I always make sure to get my hands on! It never disappoints. Makes for a wonderful gift for anyone who loves yummy recipes, entertaining and beautiful books.

Hill House Living is such an inspirational book full of great entertaining tips, recipes, gardening, antique collecting & generally joyful living tips! A new favorite for me for sure. Just love Paula! I believe you will too. This is her first book but I'm sure it won’t be her last.

Julia’s books never disappoint! Her books have great recipes, entertaining tips and stories. I have several of Julia’s books (entertaining & otherwise). Such a Southern talent & treasure for sure. I have all of her books in hardback but just know, some of her books are available in paperback if you’d prefer.

I ALWAYS suggest gifting hardbacks instead of paperbacks UNLESS the HB is out of print OR you are also gifting with the PB other items that tie into the book. For instance, Julia’s ‘But Mama Always Put Vodka in her Sangria’ is a bit hard to find in HB therefore, a bit pricey when you can find it.

If it’s a book you’d like to gift, buy the PB and add a pretty pitcher (like shown on the cover), maybe a couple of Sangria glasses & add all into a pretty basket presentation. OR stay with the basket presentation idea and add all of the ingredients for her Sangria recipe too (may take a BIG basket but what an awesome gift!). Go as big or as small as you’d like but just add something that ties in with the book if giving a PB edition. A THEME GIFT BASKET! Told you I love a theme.

I hope these suggestions help and you find something that will make your entertaining easier & more fun. If you’re new to entertaining, just know that anyone can do it. You don’t have to throw a big ole’ party to entertain! Having one friend over counts as entertaining and with these tips & recipes…you’re sure to make a great impression and have a wonderful time too.

If you need more suggestions, just send me an email or connect on Instagram or Pinterest. I’m happy to offer more options if needed. I have quite the entertaining & cookbook collection so I can for sure share more if needed.

Happy Sprucing (and Bon Appetit Y’all-another great book BTW if you can find a copy)!

~Scarlett