Best Southern Living in 2026

The All-New Official SEC Tailgating Cookbook serves as the ultimate culinary playbook for every dedicated college football fan. Southern Living has captured the true spirit of Saturday afternoons by blending legendary team pride with the deeply cherished traditions of game day dining. This isn't just a collection of recipes. It is a tribute to the culture surrounding the SEC, focusing on the kind of hearty, crowd-pleasing food that defines a perfect tailgate. Whether you are hosting a massive pre-game bash or a small gathering of alumni, the recipes feel authentic to the region's flavors. It is a fantastic addition to any sports enthusiast's kitchen, offering a way to celebrate football season through much more than just the scoreboard.

Dull, uninspiring garden borders often lack the vibrant color needed to make a landscape truly pop. The Southern Living Sunshine Ligustrum solves this by providing a constant burst of golden foliage that thrives even in intense, full sunlight. I found that this specific variety maintains a tidy, compact presence, reaching a manageable height and width of about three to four feet. Because it comes in a sturdy 2-gallon container, it is ready to transition into your garden beds without much fuss. It is a reliable choice for anyone living in hardiness zones 6 through 9 who wants a low-maintenance shrub that acts as a natural highlighter for their outdoor living spaces.

Sun-drenched porches and long, linen-draped tables come to life through the pages of this vibrant culinary manual. The Southern Living Party Cookbook serves as a sophisticated roadmap for anyone looking to elevate their hosting game from casual snacks to polished, memorable events. Instead of just offering a list of recipes, this guide focuses on the actual art of gathering, making the process of planning a celebration feel intuitive rather than overwhelming. It captures that specific, warm hospitality that the brand is famous for, blending traditional charm with a fresh, modern sensibility. Whether you are prepping for a small brunch or a large festive dinner, the instructions provide a reliable foundation for creating a welcoming atmosphere that lingers long after the last guest departs.

Can a single cookbook truly capture the profound transition from traditional roots to modern culinary mastery? SOUL: A Chef's Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes serves as more than just a collection of instructions. It is a deeply personal narrative from James Beard Award-nominated Chef Todd Richards. He navigates the complex, flavorful landscape of soul food, offering a curated exploration that feels both intimate and professional. Instead of a dry list of ingredients, you get a guided journey through his personal evolution in the kitchen. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a home cook looking to deepen your understanding of these essential flavors, this book provides a rich, textured look at a vital culinary tradition that stays with you long after the meal is finished.

Imagine stepping onto your porch on a warm May evening and being greeted by a thick, sweet perfume drifting from your garden beds. This Jubilation Gardenia is a game-changer for anyone in USDA zones 7 through 10 looking to add sensory depth to their landscape. Unlike many flowering shrubs that go dormant, this evergreen beauty provides year-round visual interest with its lush foliage. During the spring and summer, it erupts into stunning white, fragrant blooms that anchor your garden design. It plays well with different light conditions, thriving in everything from full sun to partial shade. At a mature size of roughly 36 inches wide and up to 48 inches tall, it is the perfect scale for creating structured borders or adding a sophisticated pop of white to your patio containers.

Most gardeners assume a landscape needs a complete overhaul to achieve seasonal depth, but this duo proves that strategic pairing does the heavy lifting for you. The Jublilation Gardenia provides that essential, reliable backbone. It stays evergreen year-round and thrives in full sun to partial shade, eventually reaching a tidy 36-inch spread. Pairing it with the Summer Crush Hydrangea injects a sudden burst of high-octane color into your yard. While the gardenia offers steady greenery, the hydrangea brings the drama with reblooming raspberry red and neon purple flowers. You just have to keep your hardiness zones in mind, as the gardenia prefers warmer climates while the hydrangea handles much cooler temperatures, making this a versatile duo for many southern landscapes.

Imagine stepping onto your patio on a warm summer evening and being greeted by a heavy, intoxicating perfume drifting from your garden beds. The Southern Living Jubilation Gardenia transforms a standard landscape into a sensory experience, offering those sought-after white blooms and lustrous green foliage that stay vibrant through every season. Because this is an evergreen, you aren't just waiting for a brief spring show. You get consistent year-round visual interest. Whether you plant it in a spot that catches the morning sun or a dappled shade corner, this shrub fills out beautifully to a mature width of about three feet. It is a reliable choice for gardeners in USDA zones 7 through 10 looking to add both structure and incredible fragrance to their outdoor living spaces.

Most pantry staples feel like a compromise between convenience and real flavor, but this Southern Living mix actually delivers on the promise of a homemade taste. I was initially wary of a dry packet doing the heavy lifting, yet the result is a remarkably creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup that tastes like it simmered for hours. It is essentially a fool-proof shortcut for anyone needing to whip up a comforting meal or a quick casserole without the stress of measuring individual spices. The ingredients feel clean and intentional, avoiding that overly processed aftertaste often found in quick-fix mixes. It is the kind of reliable, high-quality pantry essential that makes hosting friends feel effortless rather than overwhelming.

Busy weeknight parents and meal-preppers need this Southern Living tortilla soup starter in their pantry immediately to save their sanity without sacrificing flavor. I was impressed by how this kit manages to deliver a rich, authentic Southern profile in just thirty minutes. Since the seasoning is designed to be family-friendly, you don't have to worry about accidental spice overload for the kids, though you can easily toss in extra jalapeños if you want a real kick. Each box contains two packets that yield twelve total servings, making it an incredible value for feeding a crowd or prepping several lunches. It essentially acts as a delicious canvas for whatever protein or veggies you have sitting in your fridge.

Most gardeners settle for monotonous green hedges that blend into the background, but the Southern Living Kaleidoscope Abelia demands attention with its vibrant, variegated foliage. I found that this shrub adds a much-needed layer of texture to any landscape, especially since it transitions beautifully from full sun to partial shade. Once it reaches its mature size of about two feet tall and three feet wide, the small white flowers provide a delicate contrast to the colorful leaves. Maintenance is straightforward. You just need to stay diligent with watering twice a week during the establishment phase before settling into a once-weekly routine. It is a reliable way to inject constant color into your garden beds without needing high-maintenance care.

Every die-hard college football fan hosting a pre-game spread needs this cookbook to transform their parking lot setup from mediocre to legendary. Southern Living has perfectly captured the spirit of Saturday traditions by blending high-energy sports culture with the soulful, reliable recipes the brand is famous for. Instead of guessing which finger foods will hold up in the heat or satisfy a hungry crowd of alumni, you can lean on these tried-and-true classics. It is less about just following instructions and more about embracing the ritual of the tailgate. Whether you are celebrating a massive rivalry or a championship run, this collection ensures your food is just as impactful as the game itself.

Your garden landscape needs a sudden, dramatic pop of color to break up the monotony of endless green shrubs. The Southern Living Orange Rocket Barberry delivers exactly that with its striking coral to ruby red foliage that demands attention. I found that placing this in a full sun spot during the summer really lets those warm tones shine, creating a vibrant focal point that looks intentional and professionally designed. Because it comes in a sturdy 2-gallon container, it arrives ready to establish itself in your flower beds or containers. It is a fantastic way to add texture and high-contrast warmth to your outdoor living space without needing a massive amount of room.

Golden foliage catches the light beautifully, transforming any garden corner into a bright, sunny focal point. This Miss Lemon Abelia is a versatile powerhouse for your landscape, whether you decide to use it as a standalone accent in a container or plant it in masses for a lush border effect. It thrives in everything from full sun to partial shade, making it a forgiving choice for various garden layouts. Once you get it settled in, the maintenance is remarkably low. Just water twice a week during the establishment phase and then settle into a once-weekly routine. Reaching a mature size of about three feet high and four feet wide, it provides just the right amount of structure without overwhelming your outdoor space.

The Southern Living Olive Martini Elaeagnus is a showstopper thanks to its striking yellow-edged green foliage. I was immediately drawn to how this evergreen provides constant visual interest, making it a reliable anchor for any landscape design. It grows into a substantial 10-15 foot spread, which makes it perfect for creating natural privacy screens or adding lush texture to a porch area. Because it thrives in everything from full sun to partial shade, you have a lot of flexibility in where you plant it. It really shines during the autumn months, offering a vibrant pop of color when other plants might be fading. Whether you are using it as a standalone accent or part of a larger garden bed, this shrub brings a sophisticated, polished look to USDA zones 6-9.

Gardeners looking to break away from the monotony of green shrubbery absolutely need the Red Diamond Loropetalum to transform their landscape. This isn't just another hedge. It is a color powerhouse that brings deep, vivid burgundy foliage to your yard all year long. I was particularly impressed by the timing of the red blooms, which arrive in a beautiful burst from late winter to early spring, with unexpected splashes of color appearing again in the summer and fall. Since it stays evergreen, you get consistent visual interest regardless of the season. It handles everything from full sun to partial shade beautifully, making it a versatile choice for USDA zones 7-10. At a mature size of roughly six feet by six feet, it provides the perfect amount of structure without overwhelming your patio space.

The Extremus Portable Camping Stove is a tiny powerhouse for minimalist backpackers that punches far above its weight class. At just 1.5”x 2”x 3.2” when folded, this aircraft aluminum burner disappears into a side pocket without adding bulk to your kit. I found the adjustable cooking surface particularly impressive, as it expands to securely hold pots up to an 8-inch diameter. The burner design optimizes airflow for efficient heating, allowing you to transition from a gentle simmer to a rolling boil with a simple turn of the fuel valve. While you will need to carry your own butane or butane-propane canisters, the inclusion of a drawstring storage bag and compact folding utensils makes this an incredibly complete, budget-friendly solution for any trailhead.

Outdoor cooks who are tired of balancing condiment bottles on uneven picnic tables need the Camco Olympian Deluxe Portable Grill Table in their lives immediately. This setup transforms a cramped cooking area into a fully organized outdoor kitchen in just seconds, requiring absolutely no assembly. I love how the high-strength steel frame and aluminum top provide a sturdy workspace that can hold up to 100 pounds on the main shelf. With dedicated side shelves, a lower storage area, five utensil hooks, and even a paper towel holder, everything stays within arm's reach while you're tailgating or camping. It folds down to a surprisingly compact six inches, making it incredibly easy to toss into a vehicle alongside its included carrying case.

The GSI Outdoors Javapress is a masterclass in compact brewing, featuring a silicone-ringed plunger that finally solves the annoying problem of muddy coffee blow-by. I was impressed by how much flavor you can squeeze out of a portable setup without the usual sediment issues found in cheaper camping gear. The nesting design is incredibly clever, allowing the mug and press to fit together into a tiny 4.3 x 4.2 x 6.1 inch footprint that disappears into a backpack. To keep things hot, the ballistic nylon-wrapped cozies do a solid job of insulation, and they pop right off when it is time to clean. It is a rugged, thoughtful little kit that feels like it was built to last a lifetime of backcountry mornings.

The All-New Official SEC Tailgating Cookbook serves as the ultimate culinary playbook for every dedicated college football fan. Southern Living has captured the true spirit of Saturday afternoons by blending legendary team pride with the deeply cherished traditions of game day dining. This isn't just a collection of recipes. It is a tribute to the culture surrounding the SEC, focusing on the kind of hearty, crowd-pleasing food that defines a perfect tailgate. Whether you are hosting a massive pre-game bash or a small gathering of alumni, the recipes feel authentic to the region's flavors. It is a fantastic addition to any sports enthusiast's kitchen, offering a way to celebrate football season through much more than just the scoreboard.

The Yukon Glory Universal Portable Grill Table transforms a simple tabletop griddle into a fully functional outdoor kitchen. What really sets this stand apart is the sheer amount of utility packed into the frame. You aren't just getting a surface, you're getting a built-in cigar holder, bottle opener, paper towel holder, and a dedicated griddle caddy. The stainless steel construction feels incredibly sturdy, and the adjustable safety guides make it a versatile choice whether you are rocking a 17-inch or a 22-inch unit. I particularly like the adjustable legs that range from 22 to 30 inches, allowing you to customize your cooking height to your preference. When the meal is done, it folds down compactly with a built-in handle, making it easy to toss in the truck for camping or tailgating trips.

Why settle for a cluttered picnic when you can have a dedicated hub for your refreshments? The Nice C table transforms the typical outdoor setup by integrating a high-capacity insulated cooler directly into the base, keeping your cans and bottles chilled while you relax. I found the layout incredibly clever. You can store ice and drinks below while utilizing the top surface for four more beverages and a handy large pocket for snacks or keys. It is impressively lightweight and folds down into a compact shape that slips right into the included carry bag, making it a breeze to transport to festivals or the beach. Since the canvas is waterproof, cleaning up spilled drinks is effortless, ensuring your gear stays tidy even in rugged outdoor environments.

Finding a flat, reliable surface for cooking or prepping gear while off-roading is a constant headache for outdoor enthusiasts. The Tire Table solves this by turning your vehicle's own wheel into a sturdy workstation. I was impressed by how quickly it mounts to the tire without needing any tools or a hitch, provided you have about two inches of clearance between the rubber and your fender. It weighs under 13 pounds, making it incredibly easy to toss in the trunk, yet the powder-coated steel construction feels substantial enough to hold 50 lbs. The inclusion of a retractable leg is a smart touch, ensuring the 29-inch surface stays level even when you are parked on uneven, rugged terrain during a camping trip.

Tailgaters and camping enthusiasts need this high-output griddle to transform any tabletop into a professional outdoor kitchen. The ADREAK setup delivers a massive 30,000 BTUs of power through three independent burners, giving you precise control over heat zones for everything from delicate eggs to searing steaks. I was particularly impressed by the generous 422.4 square inch cooking surface, which is surprisingly spacious for a portable unit. It features a built-in piezo igniter for quick starts and includes two side tables to keep your prep space organized. Cleanup is surprisingly painless too, thanks to the detachable griddle top and a slide-out grease cup that catches oil residue. It is a robust, efficient solution for anyone who wants serious cooking power without the bulk of a full-sized backyard grill.

Pre-game food often falls into the boring trap of greasy chips or lukewarm deli trays, but Tailgreat changes that narrative entirely. This Ten Speed Press cookbook serves as a tactical manual for anyone tired of uninspired stadium snacks. Instead of settling for the usual fare, you can use these recipes to actually elevate your parking lot spread. It focuses specifically on the logistics of outdoor cooking and crowd-pleasing flavors that hold up well in a tailgate setting. At a very reasonable price point, it is a practical investment for sports fans who want to transition from being mere spectators to being the MVP of the pre-game festivities.

Setting up a campsite in a breezy, open field usually means struggling with inconsistent heat, but this LavoHome butane stove changes the game for outdoor cooking. The 8530 BTU output provides a reliable, strong heat source that holds up much better than propane in drafty environments. I love how the full stainless steel body feels rugged enough for tailgating while remaining incredibly lightweight and compact. Since it uses standard 8oz canisters, you aren't hunting for specialty fuel. In fact, this set arrives with a four-pack of canisters ready to go. Cleaning up after a meal is a breeze thanks to the enamel surface and integrated dripping tray, making it a practical choice for anyone who wants a high-performance cooktop without the heavy lifting.