You don’t have to be a southerner to appreciate Reese Witherspoon’s new book, Whiskey in a Teacup. But it might help you better understand her love of sweet tea, big hair, and monograms. I have two daughters and I hope I taught them most of what is within these pages.

The book is more than a memoir or a treatise on Reese’s favorite things. It is explores the influences in her life as a girl growing up in the South–food, entertaining, style, family, relationships, and what she calls “do-gooding” (giving back to the community).

The book is also a tender tribute to her grandmother, Dorthea–an ambitious, poised, educated southern woman–as impeccably mannered as she was tough.

“Dorthea always said that it was a combination of beauty and strength that made southern women ‘whiskey in a teacup.’ We may be delicate and ornamental on the outside…but inside we’re strong and fiery. Our famous hospitality isn’t martyrdom; it’s modeling. True southern women treat everyone the way we want to be treated: with grace and respect–no matter where they come from or how different from you they may be.”…Reese Witherspoon

The book contains everything from etiquette, to entertaining, to decorating, to “fixing your hair,” Reese has combined delightful photographs with classic southern recipes, and inspiring style ideas in this 300-page charmer.

I do hope I taught my girls the lessons on manners and grace presented in this book. But, in case they weren’t paying attention, I’m going to give each of them a copy for Christmas.

You know how it is with mothers and daughters–they always take advice better when it comes from someone besides mom.  In this case, I’m counting on Reese to drive it home.

Are you reading this, Becky and Sarah? haha