Biographical note:
ASHLEY ENGLISH has degrees in holistic nutrition and sociology. She has worked over the years with a number of nonprofit organizations committed to social and agricultural issues, is a member of Slow Food USA, and writes a regular column for the popular blog Design*Sponge, as well as a column for the quarterly publication Taproot. She is the author of four books in the Homemade Living series (Canning and Preserving, Keeping Chickens, Keeping Bees, Home Dairy), as well as A Year of Pies, all from Lark Crafts. Ashley and her family live in Candler, North Carolina, where they are converting their land into a thriving homestead. Follow their adventures at www.smallmeasure.com.
Country of final manufacture:
US
Main description:
Celebrate the seasons and connect with your community through sixteen parties to throw in collaboration with your friends.
From the décor, to the entertainment, on down to the recipes themselves, Handmade Gatherings presents inspired suggestions for thoughtful, flavorful, festive communal dining. Here you'll find sixteen parties built around the rhythm of the seasons. Frosty winter fetes, lush springtime soirees, sultry summer get-togethers, and crisp autumn affairs--it's all here. Food, décor, crafts, and more are part of each event, all collectively assembled and executed. Throw memorable gatherings with your loved ones, enjoy the food, connect with your community, and get caught up in the splendor of it all.
Review quote:
“There are few things more intimate and meaningful than welcoming guests into your home. The time and love that goes into planning a shared meal makes guests feel welcomed and loved and Ashley English knows how to do that better than anyone. Handmade Gatherings is a celebration of simple but special ways to create an environment, from food to decor, that will make any friend, family member or guest feel like they are the guests of honor.”—Grace Bonney, founder of Design*Sponge
"Handmade Gatherings brings together Ashley's seasonal recipes, crafts, and entertaining ideas, which I have been following for years now. From tips on how to make the most out of your market experience to how to get children involved in the activities, this book is filled with inspiration for parties, potlucks, and the like. Beautifully styled and photographed. Lovely all around."—Aran Goyoaga, author of Small Plates and Sweet Treats and creator of Cannelle et Vanille
“While I wish I could say I whip up a multi-course meal on the regular for twenty of my closest friends and family, it simply doesn't happen that way. So, potlucks are one of ways I most enjoy having people over. I cook one or two things, and guests bring their own dish to add to the shared meal. I love the way that Handmade Gatherings encourages collaborative potlucks and also provides so much inspiration for each season—from the recipe to ideas for the décor—my potlucks are instantly so much better (and tastier).”—Joy D. Cho, creator of Oh Joy!
“As someone who often hosts gatherings, I appreciate Ashley’s approach to communal, potluck meals. I particularly value her approach to slowing down, appreciating the process of creating an experience, and noticing the changing of the seasons. Ashley has created a framework for celebrating friends and family, creating a community experience, and enjoying the beauty of the growing seasons and the changing calendar year.”—Natalie Chanin, founder and creative director of Alabama Chanin
Table of contents:
Introduction
Gathering the Essentials
Spring
Spring to Life
Wild Things
The Good Egg
Pollinating Ideas
Summer
Like a Rolling Stone (Fruit)
Southern Comfort
Ice Cream Social
In a Pickle
Autumn
To Market, To Make It
Apple to Apples
The Great Pumpkin
In Touch with Your Roots
Winter
Winter Wonderland
Cookie Exchange &#
