Books of the Month: November 2012

A must have for anyone cooking for Christmas. Delia guides you through all you need to know, from early preparation in November, recipes to freeze, shopping lists, timed guides even last minute panics are all covered with recipes to see you all through Christmas and in to the New Year.

Covering winter warmers, festive cocktails, party drinks and even hot toddies for Christmas sniffles! Victoria shares which wines work best with Christmas dinner, great cocktails to warm up with after a winter walk, and classic cocktails for parties.

Many of the Christmas traditions we follow today, like Christmas cards and carols were invented by the Victorians, then, the traditional Christmas was centred more around the family, home and cooking rather than computer games and televisions! This lovely book is a reminder of the true spirit of Christmas and shows how to recreate traditions and recapture the magic.

Homemade gifts are always extra special to receive, and can be a great way to save money at an expensive time of year. Georgeanne's book is full of ideas to make and present sweets for gifts as well as decorating your home and table over the Christmas holiday.

No only a great way to get your children involved in Christmas preparation, but also a perfect answer to filling the days during the school holidays. Annie's recipes are easy for under 11's to follow with minimum help, and range from cookies and truffles to Christmas morning pancakes.

This audio cd is a collection of Christmas poems read by various artists including Alec Guinness and Basil Rathbone. Great for playing while you are wrapping presents or cooking to get you in the Christmas mood, the 26 poems include In the Bleak Midwinter, The Night Before Christmas and Ring Out, Wild Bells

This practical, fully illustrated book is packed full of ideas and plans to ensure any Christmas gathering goes smoothly. It guides readers through the planning stages to the events themselves, from Christmas to a show-stopping New Year's Eve. It also covers the whole year of celebrations including Easter, family birthday parties and picnics