Reese Witherspoon’s first book Whiskey in a Teacup hit the shelves in September. The beloved actress, producer, mother and more details her life as a Southern woman and all its style, manners and fun. With bright, colorful pages showing her recommendation for interior design and delectable recipes, Witherspoon’s book is a delightful read and adds a feminine touch to your coffee table.
The greatest inspiration for Whiskey in a Teacup is in the form of Witherspoon’s grandmother, Dorothea. On the back of the book, Witherspoon reminisces: “My grandmother Dorothea always said that it was a combination of beauty and strength that made southern women ‘whiskey in a teacup.’” If that doesn’t make you want to ride in the car with rollers in your hair while listening to Dolly Parton, I’m not sure what will. Throughout her book, Witherspoon provides recipes and tips for style and design, while also reflecting on her life as a young girl in Tennessee—admiring her grandmother as the beacon of Southern hospitality.
If you love Reese Witherspoon, then you can get more of her sunny smiles and thoughtful intellect at her online book club “Hello Sunshine.” You can find it on Apple Podcasts, on YouTube as “Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine” and on Instagram at @hellosunshine. Witherspoon endeavors to cast the limelight on female storytellers and provide an inclusive space for women authors and poets.
Not only is Reese Witherspoon host of a book club and new author, but she is also the creator of fashion line Draper James. Yet again, Witherspoon’s grandmother (pictured) shows her influence in her life as she bases the clothing line on the simple, elegant femininity of Dorothea:
“My grandparents taught me everything I know about gracious Southern living. From them I learned to dress and act like a lady, to take pride in my home, to reach out to help a neighbor, and to always invite everyone in for a visit.”
Her fashion line consists of gorgeous florals and simple cuts that flatter any shape. Draper James also features accessories such as handbags and totes (one highlights her adorable phrase from Whiskey in a Teacup: “What Would Dolly Do?”), as well as Southern-inspired home accents.
Reese Witherspoon is a busy woman with a big heart; her mission to spread Southern love, hospitality and feminine grace shines in every aspect of her work. Like she said in the opening chapter of her book, “It’s become sort of an obsession of mine, spreading the gospel of southern living. My southern heritage informs my whole life—how I value generosity, how I decorate my house, and how I made holidays special for my kids—not to mention how I talk, dance, and do my hair … you’ll see how easy it is for you to bring a little bit of the South home, no matter where you live. After all, there’s a southern side of everywhere in the world, right?”
Whiskey in a Teacup is one of our 2018 Fall/Winter Reads and would make a great Christmas gift. View the full reading list here.
