Holiday Giveaway!

I should have written a celebratory post about my 100th blog post. Or my 150th. But stuff happens. Life gets away from you like that, especially this time of year. But to make it up to my readers, I’ve got a giveaway now to celebrate my 156th post. Yay me. I’ve really come to love blogging over the past 18 months or so. Maybe it’s the recovering journalist in me, or maybe it’s my pathetic need for instant gratification. You may not know this, but when I finish a book it’s at least nine months before it comes out. Nine months without knowing how I’m doing. But with the blog, I know immediately how I’m doing. Or not. Sometimes I wonder if there’s anybody out there reading this stuff that comes streaming out of my fingertips. So here’s the thing. If you’re a reader, let me know. Leave me a comment. The crackerjack staff here at MaryKayAndrews Global Industries will assign everybody a number, and we’ll pick from the hat. Offer ends Sunday Dec. 14.The winner will get this swell book, GRACIOUS TABLES by Phyllis Hoffman, graciously donated by my gracious publisher HarperCollins. Here’s how Publisher’s Weekly described the book:
Entertaining doyenne Phyllis Hoffman shows how to prepare a stunning table for any occasion.
So many of the events of our lives, from the formal to the informal, are celebrated by gathering around a table. Whatever the occasion—whether it’s a holiday dinner, Sunday brunch, or a casual lunch with friends—the table is the place where we relax and enjoy each other’s company while savoring a great meal.
No one knows how to dress a table with elegance and flair better than Phyllis Hoffman, publisher of Southern Lady magazine, the quintessential resource for entertaining the gracious Southern way. Now, Hoffman draws upon her years of expertise to create Southern Lady Gracious Tables, the definitive guide to creating gorgeous “tablescapes” for every occasion.
Starting with the basics, Hoffman presents a series of breathtaking spreads for a whole range of occasions, from formal settings to casual get-togethers, and describes how to achieve each look, right down to the recipes—55 in total—for her mouthwatering specialties. Enjoy a lovely outdoor lunch of tasty Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab and Green Chile Cream Sauce, or finish off a dinner party with delectable Praline Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce.
Hoffman then builds a “wardrobe for the table,” navigating through the complex world of dinnerware, fine linens, and serving pieces. Each and every element of the table—from fruit saucer to lemon fork to water goblet—is covered in a friendly, helpful way.
Finally, there’s advice on adding that all-important personal touch, with instructions on how to craft flowers, family heirlooms, collectibles, and other unexpected treasures into the perfect centerpiece, place marker, or accent. All along, her advice includes refreshingly simple techniques for presentation and encourages the reader’s own creativity in playing with colors, patterns, and styles.
Complemented by lush photography and told in Hoffman’s accessible, encouraging, and deliciously Southern voice, Southern Lady Gracious Tables is a must-have for every aspiring hostess, south or north of the Mason Dixon. The perfect gift for any woman who loves to entertain, it has all the tools, tips, and inspiration you need to elevate the ordinary to the unforgettable.
Ya’ll come play, okay? Contest ends midnight, Sun. Dec. 14

47 thoughts on “Holiday Giveaway!”

  1. I love your blog. And I’m all about instant gratification too. I want you to post every day so I’ll have something new to read. Thanks for the holiday giveaway!

  2. I check your blog every day for a new post. I love your writing so much. I have to keep up with all of your junking trips and love seeing what you “scored”. You should do a give away to win a junking trip to Atlanta with you. I think that would be the best!!

  3. I am both a fan and a lover of your blog. I read it while at work when I need a break from running a crazy office. Please put me in the contest to win the book. Merry Christmas too!!

  4. Please add me to your list of “contenders”….love your wit and energy! Want to visit Tybee Island mucho.
    Merry Christmas,
    Cathy in NC

  5. YES I read your blog!!! All the time and I LOVE it!! And I love your books! And I love YOU!! I feel like you are one of my best friends! Does that make me sound pathetic? Well so be it!!!

    You don’t even have to put my name in the pot for the book. Just wanted you to know that I’m a BIG fan.

    Vicki in Birmingham

  6. I love your books and your Blog! Everyday I log onto the net, check my mail then head right to your front door to see what you’ve written today.Can’t wait to see the finished cottage, hear about the newest book, or ride along with you on your jaunts around the country. I would have loved to have been with you for South Pacific too!
    Merry Christmas Mary Kay and Mr. big guy!

  7. Hi There! I love your blog. I check it every day for updates. It keeps me going in between your books. I love your sense of humor. It is the same in your books and on your blog. That’s great. Keep writing. You are well loved by all.

  8. Hi There! I love your blog. I check it every day for updates. It keeps me going in between your books. I love your sense of humor. It is the same in your books and on your blog. That’s great. Keep writing. You are well loved by all.

  9. I love all your books and I love reading your blog. Gives me something to do between cakes and books! Thanks so much for keeping us in the know and for giving away free stuff!

  10. Me too! Love the blog and the books. Have read all the Callahan mysteries and the stand-alones. Started those w/ Hissy Fit–still think it’s my favorite! Happy/Merry…

  11. Mary Kay (or Kathy) your blogs are most definately read with great anticipation. Reading about your latest book to junking adventures in Atlanta are always a delight! As a southern belle who grew up right off LaVista Road it’s no wonder why you’re my favorite author. Thanks for your
    sensational books. The giveaway book looks fabulous, a neccesity for every southern hostess! Hope you do another book signing when your latest and greatest book hits the shelves! ~Carly

  12. OMG….I check your blog several times a day…I know I have a sad little life. I have read all your books under all your names. And have come to hear you speak. I am also a junkie of antiques,live in a old house, done a major remodel. Remodeling my last bathroom now. So YES we are out in cyberspace reading your Blog and loving your pictures. So sign me up for the giveaway. Happy Holidays. From a Gator to a Bulldog…

  13. Mary Kay-
    I can honestly say that growing up in Tucker (a suburb of Atlanta), I am a true “southern girl! From Savannah to Atlanta, I am familiar with every place you mention in your books! The book you are giving away looks like a must have for every southern girl, such as myself. I am anxiously anticipating your next book to hit the shelves!!! I have read every book under your name as Mary Kay Andrews, as well as your Callahan Garrity series.

    Rachael

  14. Mary Kay,

    Your blog is just like a short story that takes us on a wonderful trip! I check daily to see what is new. Please keep it up!!

    Thanks!!!!!

  15. Yes, we are here and reading your blog. I should be wrapping gifts, packing school lunch for tomorrow or something. Wait, those dang kids are old enough to pack their own lunch! But here I sit, cruising my google reader list. Late to bed again no doubt. Just finished Blue Christmas, perfect timing. I just love a book character that makes me fantasize about being them. Escape right? xo, suzy

  16. MK you can add me to the every day list too. I have to admit I have read all of your books and have given them as gifts to my friends and family. I find you entertaining and your blog is often informative.

    Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.

  17. I didn’t know about your blog! I love, love, love your books and will be a regular visitor here. Thank you for visiting my blog. I’m honored.

    I know exactly what you mean about wondering if anyone is reading sometimes. Then I’ll look at the counter and see that they’re actually visiting, just not saying anything. Hmmm… Is that good or bad?

  18. Oh My! I LOVE your books. Even though I live in the northern border of the Mason/Dixon line, I’m such a southern girl. With a mom that was born and raised near Smithfield, NC, I couldn’t be anything else.

    Thanks so much and have a Terrific Christmas!

  19. Not only do I read each entry in your blog, I have them sent through Amazon to my Google Reader page. I have read all of your books with the exception of Deep Dish. I have it but can’t face knowing that once I read it, there won’t be another one out there.

  20. Isn’t it pathetic you have to offer a book to get people to admit they’re lurking every day?

    No need to pay me to check in on a regular basis. My tongue hangs out when you write about those Mermaid cottages–and especially about your new beach house and all the wonderful things you’ve collected to put in it. (I expect LOTS of pictures when it’s finished.) I’m a sucker for HGTV and all their make-over shows, so I’m really looking forward to Fixer Upper.

  21. I can truly say that while living in Germany Savannah Blues and Savannah Breeze kept me in touch with my true southern self. I check you blog almost every day and enjoy it so very much. Please enter me for the book giveaway!

  22. Love your blog, love hearing about your”junkin” I have all your books and love all of them, but I do hope there are more adventures for Weezie and Bebe. I miss them! Can’t wait to get FixerUpper.
    Becky in Illinois

  23. We cannot wait for the release of the book in June. We have started a book club here and have read all of your books you as Kathy Trocheck. You are a great writer and your fan club here in Kentucky loves your books. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

  24. I love your blog and your books. I have PURCHASED and read all of your books including the Callahan Garrity Mysteries (notice the emphasis on purchased)! I especially enjoy your “boomarang boy” blog posts as I can so relate.

  25. Please enter me for the book – I am extremely hostess-challenged but am trying to reform. Met you at the Cobb County Library luncheon last month, a real high-light for a little ole soccer/gymnastics/drums/guitar chauffeur mom – I actually put hose/heels on for you! (That means something in my book.) Keep up those blogs – it helps sustain me between your books.
    Merry Christmas!
    Susan J.

  26. I check every day for a new blog. I laugh out loud sometimes at work reading them, I do get funny looks. Please enter me in the contest to get the book. Thansk

  27. I check your blogs every day and am disapointed when there isn;t a new one. Please keep posting. I too love to junk and love hearing about your excursions. I love the beach and am so jealous of your beach house. Alas, my husband loves the mountains.

  28. Well here i go again. I do read your blog every week. I look forward to hearing all about your junk! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Met you last year in Columbia, S.C., at the Friends of the Library and had my picture took with ya! Wish we could of had time for you to see my antique mall junk space the next day. I moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in May..and can’t find a thing yet…now I’ve lost my Christmas tree lights! Keep the blog blowing! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
    Alyce A. in Jacksonville..I think!

  29. I love your blog! You are very funny and an extremely talented author.
    I share your love of junkin. I would love to go to Brimfield with you sometime. It is a junk lover’s paradise!!
    Have a great holiday!!

  30. I do read your blog regularly but like a lot of the posters before me, don’t take the time to comment. Your streams of consciousness are always entertaining. Looking forward to the new book. Cheers.

  31. check in occasionally – am really looking forward to any new books from you! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to listen to Good Georgia Belle Humor.

    from up on the frozen Tundra, guess I’m a Belle Wannabe 😉

  32. I always check to see if there are any new blogs everytime I turn on my computer. I will really miss Savannah Breeze in January. Had a blast at the last one. I can’t wait for The Fixer Upper!!!

  33. Hi Mary Kay/Kathy and Mr. Mary Kay-
    Enter me in the contest. Yes, I check your blog almost every day. Also enjoy Mermaid Cottages blog. From your Tybee friend and REALTOR (buy your beach house on Tybee) – can not wait to see the finished Breeze Inn…. Sue at Tybee….

  34. I have read all of your books and can’t wait for the next one. I’ve just starting reading the blog. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

  35. I check your site everyday to see if the blog has been updated. I live in New Zealand but love reading about your trips to Tybee Island and whats happening with the beach house. Love your style of writing, your blog and all your books. Keep them coming. Have a very happy Christmas and New Year. (Any chance of 2 books a year!!!)

  36. Hello from another Georgia girl and antiquing aficionado!! 🙂

    I love your books and have read all of them ~ am EAGERLY, EAGERLY, EAGERLY (did I say eagerly?) looking forward to your new book out next year!! I really liked Savannah Blues and Savannah Breeze because of all the antiquing Weezie and Bebe did! You write so well and with much humor!!

    Please pick me for the winner, but if I don’t win, that’s okay ~ this was a great excuse to tell you what a big fan I am of your work! Keep Writing, girl!!

    Hugs,
    Bebe 🙂 (yes, that’s really my name and I really do live south of Savannah!)

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