Is it just Wednesday? I feel like it should be Friday already! I spent a fun weekend in northern Virginia visiting my sister Maria and her husband Peter, and cooking for my good friend Kelly d'Amboise's 40th birthday. She invited 50 people over for dinner in her backyard and I cooked a Provencal feast. It was such a great weekend (especially because I'm finally getting over my horrible cough/cold!), and I was thrilled to get a chance to be a part of Kelly's bday festivities. I'll share more details about the party soon - it really deserves it's own post, as Kelly created the outdoor dinner party of my dreams. It was so beautiful.

This week, aside from recipe-developing for Delish, I'm turning my attention back to my cookbook because guess what?! The second edition of The Yellow Table cookbook comes out in just ONE WEEK!!! Next Tuedsay, August 4, to be exact.

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THANK YOU to all of you who pre-ordered books! You guys have been absolutely amazing – helping me spread the word to friends and family via social media and word of mouth. Thanks to you all, The Yellow Table is the #1 Best Seller in the Tablesetting & Cooking category on Amazon!! Woot woot! Keep up the good work! AND in case you didn't know – it's currently on sale for just $12.79! That's a total steal, so stock up on Christmas presents now...

This week, I'm running a giveaway for a free signed copy of my book + a box of rosemary pecan bars made by yours truly! Share my book's Amazon link on social media (Twitter, FB, Instagram, or Pinterest) and tag a friend, and comment below to let me know that you did! Many of you have already done this on Instagram, but I wanted to extend the contest to blog readers as well. The winner will be announced this Friday! Stay tuned...

I have an exciting announcement I'll be making either at the end of this week or early next. I'm wrapping up final details, but can't wait to share. It's something I hope you'll ALL want to be a part of. (Let's just say it involves all of my favorite things: cooking, dinner parties, and good friends...!) If that sounds fun to you, keep checking back on the blog for the announcement.

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Finally, I have a few book tour dates to share with you! I'll be heading first to Nashville in August, then Seattle, Portland (my first time!), possibly San Francisco, Chicago, and NYC in October, and Pittsburgh in October. Check out the dates/events below and add them to your calendar - I hope some of you can come! I'd love to meet you and give you a big hug! And if you see I'm coming to your city and have ideas for other events, send me an email at [email protected].

Book Tour Dates:

NASHVILLE

August 13:

Parnassus Books // 6:30 pm // Book-signing + tasty treats from the book!

SEATTLE

September 9:

Hot Stove Society // 12 - 2 p.m. // Cooking Class (Demo)

"How to Throw a Casual Dinner Party"

The Book Larder // 6:30 p.m. Book-signing + tasty treats from the book!

PORTLAND

September 10-11:

I'll be doing some TV/radio appearances, but I'd LOVE to collaborate with some of you all on a dinner party or other fun event! Please email me at [email protected] if you have ideas...

SAN FRANCISCO

Working on dates/ideas – if you want to help host something, send me an email!

CHICAGO

September 17:

Read It & Eat // 6:30 - 8 p.m. Cooking demo, book-signing + tasting of appetizers from the book!

NYC

Still T.B.A...but some fun stuff is in the works!

PITTSBURGH

October 9:

Thinkers & Makers Series: "Courage & Hospitality" // 7 p.m. // Northway Church

Thanks so much for your enthusiasm for the re-relasese of the book! I am so thrilled to get a chance to share this labor of love with a wider audience.

XO, Anna

P.S. If you're looking for some insanely easy (and delicious weeknight dinner ideas, check out my newest recipes this week on Delish.com! (Hint hint: there's a summery Cobb salad, grilled shrimp tostadas, and fontina, basil, and sausage-stuffed tomatoes...and more!)

(Black & white photos by Brandon Carl; book photo by Nate Poekert)