You knew Martina McBride was a great entertainer, as in singing to sellout crowds of thousands, but did you know she’s also a knockout entertainer of the dinner-party variety? Tonight, October 13, she joins us in Nashville to present her new book, Around the Table.
Want to meet her? You do need to purchase a ticket package to this Salon@615 Special Edition to get entry to the event. Each ticket package also includes an autographed copy of this gorgeous hardcover first edition. Get your book-ticket combo package from the Salon@615 website or purchase at the door when you arrive a bit early at Harpeth Hall for tonight’s event.
We got the chance to chat with her briefly as she was on her way back into town for the event:
How does a book tour compare to a music tour for you? Is it somewhat similar or does it feel different, speaking to an audience about a book you’ve created versus singing a song you’ve written?
MM: It feels different, but it’s gratifying in a similar way to see people enjoy what you have created and to think of them using it in their homes and in their lives.
Throwing a party can be one of those things that sounds fun in theory, but when it comes right down to it, finding the time and organizing the menu and doing the work starts to get overwhelming. What are a couple of the biggest obstacles to entertaining at home, and how do you recommend people get past those?
MM: The biggest obstacle is not being organized. So I recommend making lists…lists of what dishes you will serve, grocery lists, decorating ideas, timelines, etc. The thing I love about Around The Table is that we took the time to make a cooking game plan that includes things you can do ahead of time to make everything go more smoothly. I also believe that you should start small and simple if you aren’t used to entertaining, and then work up to bigger parties as you get more experienced and comfortable. You don’t have to make everything from scratch and you don’t have to have a four course meal. A big pot of soup and a loaf of crusty bread with a store-bought dessert works just fine. Or if you don’t like to cook, you can get all of it at the store or your favorite restaurant. Or go in with a friend who likes to cook and split the duties… you make the cocktails and bring the flowers and candles and they do the cooking! While there are a lot of amazing recipes in Around The Table, the point is to have people in your home and to spend time together. If that means not cooking, then that’s fine too. There are many ways to throw a party! Find what works for you.
What’s your favorite part of the bookstore experience? What do you think it does for a city to have a thriving independent bookstore?
MM: I could literally spend hours in a bookstore. I’m a browser. I love to just get lost and forget about the world outside. A rainy day spent in a bookstore is my idea of a little slice of heaven! I love independent bookstores. I think it’s important for a city to have and to support them. There is an almost familial feel to them and a sense of community that you don’t get elsewhere.
Gather ’round.
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$29.99
ISBN-13: 9780062323910
Availability: On Our Shelves Now Published: William Morrow & Company, 10/2014 |
Musing 