Triumphant Southern Tables: A How To In Hosting A Party For Orlandoans

Courtesy Kelsey Barnard Clark

A CELEBRATION OF family, friends and community, James Beard-nominated Chef Kelsey Barnard Clark’s latest book introduces readers to her love language—entertaining—and the most important ingredient for a successful and fun party: feeling happy and relaxed so your guests follow suit. “I am a planner. I like charts, foolproof calculations, outlines and lists,” she says in “Southern Get-Togethers,” which off ers more than 100 recipes for entertaining any size group, and inspiration for putting your best table forward. The winner and fan-favorite of “Top Chef 16,” Clark is known as the “queen of Southern hospitality” and catered her first wedding at age 15. She is behind the restaurant and catering business KBC in Dothan, Alabama.

Kelsey Barnard Clark

“I live in a conservative town in south Alabama where I grew up celebrating holidays in a bubble,” says Clark. “When I moved to New York for cooking school, that little bubble popped, and I realized how much I’d been missing out on! I know that calendar celebrations feel gimmicky to some—but for me, these dates can provide a glimpse into another culture through food and celebration.” Clark’s calendar celebrations, however, are more seasonal, featuring KBC’s Game-Day Brisket, Hunting Season Cassoulet or Ramen Sundays. A tried-and-true choice for any gath- ering, however, is the Low Country Boil—pair it with Clark’s Big Batch Pineapple Rum Punch for the ultimate relaxed get-together.

In beginning your planning, Clark focuses on the who, why, when and where to narrow down the focus of the celebration. Who are you inviting to the event, and what are the age groups? Why are you gathering—is it for business or fun? Is it an indoor or outdoor event? What time of day will it take place? Not only will these questions help you plan the menu, but they will influence how you serve and arrange the seating.

She also identifies four practical approaches to table settings and gives guidance on laying out tables for formal, semiformal and casual affairs, in addition to a modern approach to potlucks and buffets; for example, Clark asks potluck guests to bring dishes in white, silver or glass (common conveyances) to ensure the spread is cohesive.

Find “Southern Get-Togethers” at Barnes & Noble, Amazon or Chronicle Books, chroniclebooks.com