Reviews (7)

WOW!!!This is an AWESOME book to add to your collection!!!
I'd definately give this book six stars if they had the option!!!The descriptions on each item are incredibly detailed making it so ANYONE can follow the directions and have it turn out as nice as the pictures.The book takes what looks INCREDIBLY complicated and makes it so even the novice could recreate it.Definately a must have in any Christmas or baker's collection!!

Christmas Feast
If you're a Christmas junkie like me you'll *love* this book. The author manages to make breathtaking edibles that capture the season and will have you trying them out regardless of the time of year. Truly inspirational!!

Sumptuous photographs, great ideas, clear directions
I treated myself to "Colette's Christmas" by baker extraordinaire Colette Peters while on vacation.It seemed a strange thing to read while at the beach, but I was absolutely captivated.What a fevered imagination Ms. Peters has!The showstoppingly gorgeous desserts and projects she shows within include a layer cake covered with fondant that has been pieced and quilted to resemble and antique quilt (and it surely does); a chocolate bowl filled to overflowing with spectacular chocolate spheres (the cover photograph); hinged, jointed cookies which really move and make splendid Christmas ornaments (all in human forms, like Santa, Raggedy Ann, and so on); gift boxes made entirely of decorated cookie dough; a shimmering "stained glass" cake; and a three-dimensional Christmas gazebo constructed around a towering decorated Christmas tree made of piped icing.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas cooking    3. Confectionery    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Courses & Dishes - Desserts    7. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    8. Cakes, baking, icing & sugarcraft    9. Christmas books    10. Cooking / Desserts   

Reviews (7)

Don't waste your money!
What a disappointment!This book contains a few basic recipes, which are padded with recipes for everything from yeast bread to quick bread (with no explanation of what they're doing in a cookie book) and cookie recipes from various marketing boards.There are awesome cookie books on the market (and available from Amazon); even Betty Crocker's would be better than this -- and, for about the same price, you can get Judy Rosenberg's wonderful, detailed, book of awesome TNT cookies.Don't waste your money on this one!

A mouth-watering collection of holiday cookies
The collaborative effort of Kristin Johnson and Mimi Cummins, Christmas Cookies Are For Giving: Recipes, Stories And Tips For Making Heartwarming Gifts is the perfect Christmas season cookie compendium that will prove to be a family favorite all the year round. A mouth-watering collection of holiday cookies, Christmas candies, and yuletide snacks, each cookie is enhanced with a full-color photo. In addition to the easy-to-make recipes, kitchen cooks are also provided with tips for baking, storing, giving, and shipping these fragile and delicious treats. From Buttery Pecan Tartletts; Zinger Lemon Bars; and Scottish Shortbread; to Cranberry Decadent Cookies; Hazelnut Cappuccino Cookies; and Butterball Santas, Christmas Cookies Are For Giving is an enthusiastically recommended addition to any family-friendly cookbook collection.
Let it Snow, I'm Baking Cookies
"Like many of you, we want to stay connected to our loved ones and to our friends and family around the world. Christmas cookies are more than just baked goods. They are a tangible and tasty link to our past, our traditions, and our memories. They are gifts hand-made with love especially for their recipient."

Subjects:  1. Baking - Confectionery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - Cookies    5. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    6. Seasonal   

Editorial Review

If you're one-stop shopping for great trimming, gift-giving, and cooking ideas, it's hard to do better than Read more

Reviews (11)

A must have for the Christmas perfectionist!
I'm an admitted Christmas fanatic. I love decorating the house, baking everyday in the month of December & decking out the tree. This book has so many great ideas & recipes, especially the planned menus for breakfast, lunch & dinner! You can never go wrong buying a Southern Living book.

Timeliness Treats and Decorations for Christmas
Even though it's now a couple of years old, the ideas in this book are truly timeless. The Toasted Coconut Nog is going to taste as sweet now as they did in 2003. And Turkey Hash is going to just as good a leftover this year as it was then. And their Triple Chocolate Clusters -- well what can I say.
Fabulous, absolutely the BEST!
Okay, probably the best way to describe these Christmas books is once you buy one, you'll want them ALL!I first purchased the 2001 edition and used the planned menu for my baby's baptism party.That had to be some of the most delicious food I'd ever prepared and the compliments!I passed out that cranberry appetizer to a zillion people, I think!This year's is no different.I love all the new decorating ideas that are quite simple, but the recipes are just out of this world.If you entertain large during the holidays, this book goes out of its way to help you plan the perfect party.It even includes a calender and tells you what to do in the days preceeding your event.It's definitely a book you'll get hooked on - especially after you try the delectable recipes.You'll want more! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas decorations    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    8. Seasonal   

Reviews (9)

Dont you just LOVE Susan? I do!
This little book is a great addition to your Susan Branch collection.I enjoy the little recipes and as always her beautiful watercolor drawings!Beautiful!

A wonderful Christmas gift book !
This book has it all and is delightful. I bought this as a gift for my sister-in- law and am I ever glad I also got one for myself. Itis beautifully illustrated and is filled with recipes, decorating ideas and special thoughts. Its one of those books that you get out each year at Christmas time and you read itagain and again.

Great gift.
Purchased this as a Christmas gift for my nephew's wife. She loved it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas decorations    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Holiday - General    8. Cooking / Holiday   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful Book
This book has amazing illustrations, and simple instructions which ake it a pleasure to use. I made a few dishes the first day I got it, they came out as beautifual and delicious as they looked in the pictures! The collection of dishes is AMAZING many are dishes I had in great restaurants and couldnt find the recipe for anywhere. I love this book!

Feast your heart out!
There are a number of recipes that I love in theory and usually only like in practice. These recipes involve ingredients and concepts that I find very appealing, but there's just something about the way the individual recipes get executed that leaves something to be desired. Stuffed mushrooms fall into this category. Recipes like this make great test recipes when I'm evaluating a cookbook because usually their quality is highly dependent on a careful balance of flavors, good technique, and adequate kitchen-testing. So, naturally, one of the recipes we made from this cookbook was the stuffed mushroom recipe. It turned out to be the best stuffed mushroom recipe I've ever had--everything that I've always felt stuffed mushrooms ought to be but rarely were. They were buttery, slightly crispy, flavorful, easy-to-make, and absolutely delightful.
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Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas cooking    3. Cookery    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Seasonal    8. Cooking / General   

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    5. Seasonal   

Reviews (2)

I love boxwood
Since I love boxwood growing in the yard and using the beautiful greens at Christmas, I found this book to be one of the most informative books I own about Christmas greens.The instructions on how to create many decorations for the inside and outside the home are very clear.The pictures are gorgeous.I have learned to make garlands, wreaths, centerpieces, swags, boxwood trees, and other lovely items. The book features many different types of greens to use for creating holiday decorations. I have taught many others how to make holiday decorations that are featured in this book.

Has a lot of good ideas.
This book has lovely ideas for decoarting using natural materials.I found many of the ideas could be done very inexpensively. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Art    3. Christmas decorations    4. Design - General    5. General    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. Nature craft    9. Residential Interior Design    10. Seasonal    11. Virginia    12. Williamsburg    13. Christmas books    14. Handicrafts   

Editorial Review

Filled with stunning photographs of countless ideas, this volume seems to cover all aspects of decorating for the big day: choosing and trimming the tree, making wreaths and garlands, designing lighting effects, adorning the mantelpiece, producing handmade wrapping and cards, and setting a spectacular table. In addition, there are complete recipes for four international meals plus appetizers, and a large selection of desserts. Whether you're preparing to host a horde or just have a few friends over, this book will satisfy the creative holiday impulse. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Elegant crafts
The crafts projects in this book are classy -- no "loving hands at home" look here.I would make 90% if I had the time.

Elegant crafts
The crafts projects in this book are classy -- no "loving hands at home" look here.I would make 90% if I had the time.

Excellent book for beginning crafty people.
Wonderful book for beginning crafty people.Excellent illustrations and color photographs.No "way -out" material that you can't purchase in any crafts store.Projects range from making your own wrappingpaper,boxes. cards and tags to elegant place settings and Christmas treedecorations. In addition to crafts the book has several easy to makeholiday feast recipies. Everyone I know who is crafty loves this book!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas decorations    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Seasonal   

Editorial Review

Martha Stewart's fans look to her to provide a sense of what's possible with unlimited taste and plenty of decorating funds, and certainly no one else does Christmas with such flair.Martha's Christmas feast may seem a bit over the top, with silver-leaved fruit at each place setting, crystal decanters of French dessert wines, and cake stands holding more decorations, but it photographs nicely--and, of course, the food looks great. There's also an easier New Year's Day party suggestion that will appeal to more casual party-givers. Martha's signature is the elegant simplicity of her decorative concepts, and this book's strength is its easy instructions for making wonderful wreaths, tree ornaments, and gift wrappings. The instructions for making aluminum snowflakes may alone be worth the price of the book. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

What's with the pastels?
I am a Martha Stewart fan, but this book disturbed me with its creepy pastels and white motif that pervaded the book.This sucked the Christmas spirit right out of me.I do yearn for the deep rich colors and and oldmoney feel that were the Martha of yore.Now everything is post-divorcebright minimalist.

A rehash of past magazines
If you subscribe to the magazine you will be very disappointed.Most ofthe projects are articles directly out of the past couple years' Winterissues.If you don't subscribe, you will enjoy the book.It's a scam fortrue Martha devotees.

Why is the cover so ugly?
ALl I have to say about this book is one thing:It's a shame an art-driven publisher like Clarkson Potter would allow an ugly cover like this to bear their logo.Obvious last-minute slap job of magazine scrap pieces.What a waste of money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas cooking    3. Christmas decorations    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Handicraft    7. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    8. Seasonal    9. Christmas books    10. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal   

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas decorations    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Ethics & Morals    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Holiday - General    8. Seasonal    9. Cooking / General    10. Main courses   

Reviews (7)

The best ideas for happy holidays
I have recently started to collect Christmas decorating/gift making books and this series is by far the best I've come across! The instructions in these books are clear and easy and they show a picture so you can see how it will look. They include many gift mixes and food gifts, which I love and friends and family have always appreciated. Most of the ideas in this book can be accomplished in an afternoon, except for some of the cross stitch and crochet patterns. I am not a huge fan of country decorating; in fact my house is very contemporary. But most of the decorating tips in this book can easily be worked into any d�cor. If you want to find easy, fun, quick and wonderful ideas for the holidays buy these books, you won't be disappointed. Books 1, 2 and 3 are my personal favorite. The fourth book is great to have, but I found that the recipes in that book were better than the decorating, it was a little more country and old fashioned than the other books!

Beginner to seasoned crafters
This was my first purchase of Goose Berry Patch books ,there are so many ideas fromthe begginer to the experienced crafter . Craft ideas you can personalizeto your own taste, these craft projects are easy to follow and most could be family holiday projects orcharity fundraisers .For the frugal crafter , projects arenot expensive to create , many ingredientsyou may already have in supply , as an added bonus great holiday recipe book .This book would be perfect as a gift!

Love this book!
I enjoy crafting as well as cooking and this book has both.I have made 5 or 6 of the recipes in the book and have alwasy gotten raves! I use this book for making many of my handmade holiday gifts and I think their instructions could not be more simple. If you love handmade items and good food idea, this is the book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas cookery    3. Christmas decorations    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    8. Needlework - General    9. Seasonal    10. Christmas books    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Reviews (1)

Unique Christmas Craft & Recipe Book
The Spirit of Christmas: Creative Holiday Ideas, Book 7, is a fun and unique idea book geared toward the craft enthusiast. In it are full-colored pictures and easy to follow instructions on a variety of themed crafts suchas Christmas tree ornaments, wreaths, trims, and related holidaydecorations.And, not to mention, a variety of holiday recipes for dinnersand different 'desserts'.Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas decorations    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Handicraft    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    8. Seasonal    9. Handicrafts   

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah   

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Courses & Dishes - Chocolate    4. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    5. Seasonal   

Reviews (2)

Funny Stuff from the Queen of the Trailer Park!
Whether or not you actually execute any of Ruby Ann's kitschy krafts, this book will amuse you and put you in the campy Christmas spirit.
THE BEST ONE FROM RUBY ANN SO FAR
Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed all of Ruby Ann Boxcar's books, but this one I ended up reading twice already and I just got it at the first of the month.She is one of the funniest writers in today's market and she even exceeds that if possible with Move Over Santa.This is a must regardless of who you are.And the photos are as funny as the writing.Thanks Ruby Ann for another winner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas cookery    3. Christmas decorations    4. Cooking / Wine    5. General    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Humor    8. United States   

Reviews (1)

A good book to use in families with young children.
The book is divided into daily devotions for each day of the four weeks of Advent.Each day has a passage from the Bible already included.The devotions for Sunday inculde songs, prayers, a family activity, a passagefrom the Bible, and a short story written by one of the contributingauthors.We have used the book in our family for a few years.It helps tobring the true meaning of Christmas alive for children.I would recommendthe book especially for families with children who are 5 years of age andolder. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Advent    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Devotional    4. English    5. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    6. Prayer-books and devotions    7. Religion    8. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality   

Editorial Review

Those who yearn for spiritual meaning but aren't strongly affiliatedwith a specific religion sometimes feel left out of winter holidays. Read more

Reviews (39)

Save your money!
This book offers more information about Santa Claus than it does the gods/godesses associated with the Winter Soltice.The craft projects are cheesey and the recipes terrible.Save your money and do a little research yourself and if you want recipes or craft projects pick up one of those special Christmas magazines for ideas you can adapt for a pagan holiday theme.

It Could Have Been So Much Better
First off, let me point out that I have high standards when it comes to pagan books.I expect for my faith to be presented to the general public as something that should be taken seriously, not poked fun at.I realize that these may be high expectations, but nonetheless...The first chapter was funny to me because although I could understand where Dorothy was coming from in her explanation of the history of how Yule came to be I could almost hear the right-wing Christians raging on their pews.It was the way she explained it that seemed a bit of a stretch.On the other hand, I liked the way she presented the symbols of the season and where they originated.There were some good prayers.Also helpful to me were the recipes for the Yule Log Rolls and how to make a real Yule Log.Other than that I decided against purchasing this book.I'm hoping to find a concise book on Yule that digs deeper into the history and gives me a clearer picture of how people practiced Yule.(A NOTE TO EDITORS:If you are expecting to sell more pagan themed books of this kind, you need to start including full-color photos.If I am going to pay money for a book like this I want to see photos that go along with the recipes-what would a typical Yule table from 2006 look like for example?- and photos that go along with the craft projects.You cannot expect people to try the craft projects without knowing what they will look like.)This book is helpful for beginner pagans or nonpagans who just want a look at some fun history facts.

Put Martha & Wicca in a Blender - More Crap Fluff
Put Martha & Wicca in a Blender - More Llewellyn Crap Fluff
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Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Christmas    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    5. Holidays - General    6. New Age    7. Seasonal    8. Winter festivals    9. Winter solstice    10. Witchcraft & Wicca    11. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Customs    13. Paganism    14. Wicca   

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Courses & Dishes - Cookies    3. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah   

Reviews (2)

Another Great Book wtih all the Holiday Trimmings!
Farmhouse Christmas is another great Gooseberry Patch Book filled with charming memories and excellent recipes sure to warm your heart and feed your tummy! Great Ideas to Make a Christmas You'll Remember
This book is wonderful....reading it is like talking to a good friend about holiday traditions.There are ideas for homemade gifts such as pancake mix, cookies in a jar, ornaments, and keepsakes.The recipes sounddelicious and include items like an edible cookie bowl, Granny's Pot Roast,Caramel Apple Crisp, and Snickerdoodles.Build a fire, grab some hotcocoa, make some homemade gifts, and cook up some warm food for yourfamily....this one is a hit! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas cookery    2. Christmas decorations    3. Cookery, American    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Seasonal    6. Cooking / Wine    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    10. Holiday - General    11. Seasonal    12. Cookbooks    13. Cookery    14. Cooking / Holiday    15. Crafts / Hobbies    16. Recipes   

Reviews (3)

Best Christmas Book Ever!!
I have several of the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks but I have to admit that this is one of my favorites!Mainly because I like reading about the traditions and I will read it all throughout the year.One of the best hints is to help defray the cost of a Christmas tree during the holiday season, we decorate an old coffee container and tape it around the top and throw in all of our loose change all year round and believe me by December you will have enough money to buy a very nice tree and it doesn't seem to hurt the pocket book so much.

Creative food presented in a graphic style I love ---Buy it!
Every one of this series is read and enjoyed both for the tasty, homemade, loving recipes but equally for the hand drawn country illustraions. the spiral binding is handy in the kitchen and the cover makes it a cuteaddition to a shelf or table set up for the holidays.. No I don't work forthe company I'm just a long time fan! Great for gifts, too. They are WELLreceived !

A one of a kind book
This book was definitely not a waste of money.It gives ideas for family traditions, homemade gifts, and lots of good recipes.This Gooseberry book would make a good holiday gift for any family member or friend who enjoyshomemade items or craft activities. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas cookery    3. Christmas decorations    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    7. Holiday - General    8. Seasonal    9. Cooking / Holiday