Product Description
* Includes photos and more than 500 new ideas for beautiful crafts, foods, and decorating projects. * Everything needed for the best Christmas ever-soups to cookies, centerpieces to lighting.* Doable projects offer novice and expert crafters detailed instructions and patterns for guaranteed success.* Ideas for making one-of-a-kind projects to give away, decorate the house, and entertain guests. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Just a bit thin on directions and weak on real world sensibilities.
`Christmas sweets & treats' is a `Better Homes and Gardens' collection of recipes and craft projects selected, I'm sure, from the pages of past `Better Homes and Gardens' Christmas issues.

I got off on the wrong foot with this book when I opened it to the first project which was for `minty topiaries' which involved gluing round peppermint candies and other edible candies to a plastic foam cone, thereby making them inedible. No matter how pretty they look, this adulterating of food simply rubbed me the wrong way, and while I have seen edible glues used, of course, on `Iron Chef America', there is no mention of such a product or option in this writing. Staying with this same project, one of the `supplies' is `Ornate silver candlestick holders'. My guess from the photograph of the finished product is that this little item can easily run to several dollars per unit, and the photograph suggests one per table setting.

This brings to mind the kind of project you can find in `Martha Stewart Living' and not `Better Homes and Gardens'. But my experience with `...Living' is that their instructions for projects are generally much more complete and their photographic spreads are better done.

The second craft project involves several very specialized materials, tools, and skills and since I am not an experienced craft person, I found the explanation of the techniques required to be just a bit sparse. They were akin to a cooking recipe's telling you to turn your mixture into quenelles. While I have never done this, I know I can run to my Jacques Pepin `Complete Techniques' to get the correct procedure. On the other hand, I have never used a sewing machine and the need for one will damp my spirits for this project.

A third objection I found with the craft projects is exemplified in the third project for `tussie-mussies' that create Christmas tree ornaments out of live `dainty fresh flowers'. My first concern is that while my Christmas tree is usually up for about six weeks, these decorations have practically no chance of lasting a week. And, the cost of such flowers in December at the average florist is likely to be pretty dear.

Since I know a lot more about cooking and baking than I do about craft projects, the baking recipes, mostly cookies were a lot less mysterious, but I had at least three objections to them. First, the book presents a few very ambitious projects for gingerbread constructions, yet the instructions for these are pretty thin. I know one could do a lot better with these since Rose Levy Beranbaum has done just that in her excellent book, `Rose's Christmas Cookies'. Another great source for Christmas cookie recipes is Dede Wilson's `A Baker's Field Guide to Christmas Cookies'.

My second objection to the recipes is that I know some of the recipes are not `best in breed'. For example, the snickerdoodle recipe here uses shortening, while my very best recipe uses butter plus a bit of corn syrup.

My third objection to the recipes is that some instructions do not follow genuine cooking practice. For example, one recipe calls for using a ¼ cup ice cream scoop, yet ice cream scoops are not rated by cup, but by what fraction of an ounce they scoop.

While there are many good things in this book, there are also many things that are half-baked, too expensive, or impractical. In place of this book, get one of the two cookie books I suggest, plus a good book on only Christmas crafts.

Cookbook
Mostly a cookbook. If you are looking for a decorating book, this may not be it.

great recipes
wonderful recipes .beautiful pictures inspire decorating ideas and get you in the festive mood. i'm not really into crafts, but some of them look interesting. ... Read more

Product Description
Explains how to celebrate Christmas with a collection of more than one hundred classic and modern home decorations, fifty delicious recipes from around the world, festive gift wrappings, tree trimming, crafts, and menu planning, in an essential guide to a stylish Christmas. 60,000 first printing. BOMC Alt.Amazon.com Review
Filled with stunning photographs of countless ideas, thisvolume seems to cover all aspects of decorating for the big day:choosing and trimming the tree, making wreaths and garlands, designinglighting effects, adorning the mantelpiece, producing handmadewrapping and cards, and setting a spectacular table. In addition,there are complete recipes for four international meals plusappetizers, and a large selection of desserts. Whether you'repreparing to host a horde or just have a few friends over, this bookwill satisfy the creative holiday impulse. ... Read more

Customer 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

Product Description
In one convenient volume, readers discover find fresh ideas for high-quality designs and recipes reflecting a variety of styles and moods of the Christmas celebration as well as general guidelines for completing projects. 100+ color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not that impressive.
This book has ideas for crafters of all tastes.The projects in this book range anywhere from victorian to country.Although this book doesn't stand-out as a favorite among my collection of craft books, it is wellorganized with nice pictures of all the completed projects. If it wasn'tfor all the clever ideas in the children's chapter (and a few good dessertrecipes too), I probably would not keep this book.

Variety and diversity of ideas
Impressive to find in one book so many different, easy to make and fun to do, ideas.My children had fun making the painted shirts.Continue with books this fun.Hope you introduce Leisure Arts for The Spirit ofHalloween too!!!!

Excellent, very creative.
This book is full of inspiring decorations and recipes.Several decorative ideas/creations would be easyfor children to do and yet still be appealing to adults.There are decorative ideas that would be approprate for the "country" look or a more "formal" atmosphere.I think it's great! ... Read more

Product Description
. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A crafting genius!!
Wow!!I picked up this book at the library.By the time I flipped through all the pages, then looked at each adorable little project more closely, I knew I had to own the book!!!The characters are drawn with such care for esthetics and wonderment.I give this book and "5 star" rating and just hope that I get around to doing even half of the projects!!

Wonderful crafting reference
This large size hardbound book features a wonderful collection of sewing projects that will truly add a homemade touch to your Christmas decorations. It has detailed (yet easy to follow) text, illustrations, photos and diagrams and was authored by renowned crafter Sandy Foose and published by Oxmoor House (who always see to produce such lovely books). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Quilter's Country Christmas
I received this book within 2 days of ordering and didn't have to pay extra for that!The book was advertised as "new" and it was.I am very pleased with the product and the service and would recommend it to anyone.I will definitely use this company again. ... Read more

Product Description
The talented staff of a favorite American magazine has condensed everything they know about Christmas into one handy book to help make the holidays extra special for families everywhere. A comprehensive guide to creating your own fabulous Christmas, the Big Book of Christmas contains over 100 craft, gifting, and decorating projects as well as more than 80 tested, proven, and scrumptious holiday recipes. With clear and concise instructions, it`s easy for readers to create the stunning patchwork star tree topper as well as king-sized candlesticks to set the mood. Handmade gifts help them send the love of the season to family and friends, while table treats like the Rocky Road Clusters make the holidays extra sweet. Organized in carefully planned sections such as `Red White and True Christmas,` `Merry Mini-Trees,` and `Gifts Galore,` this is the one book to get and to give for those who hold the holidays dear.Amazon.com Review
Ornaments, edibles, and gifts fill the pages of Family Circle Big Book of Christmas, some in fairly traditional style with Victorian flavor, others with a bit more of a country orientation. Projects include a mantel full of elegant stockings, a wreath heavily encrusted with buttons, folk-art treasure boxes adorned with felt hearts, and a pair of host and hostess vests boasting sporty red and gold stripes.

Directions are somewhat brief but generally adequate; the materials sections, however, are hard to decipher at a glance because all the items are run together in a paragraph instead of separated into a list. Although not terribly inspired, the photos are reasonably clear, and most projects are relatively easy. The bulk of the book is devoted to recipes, such as a full brunch, a complete Christmas dinner, a round-robin dinner party, and lots and lots of desserts. --Amy Handy ... Read more

Product Description
Author Judith Blahnik offers ideas to make Christmas a unique and special holiday--with or without Dad, turkey, or winking lights. Readers can determine how they want to celebrate Christmas--with family, alone, as a couple, or traveling. The book provides checklists to help readers plan everything from shopping and cooking to buying a tree. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great guide to reducing hassle!
I picked up this book on a whim, and loved every minute of it. It is a nifty little guide to help make Christmas less stressful, if not simpler. I loved her day-by-day lists and homemade goodie recipies! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

10 star Holiday favorite
This has become one of my favorite holiday books with many ideas we have actually used. Like making the Orange and cloves pomanders, elegant truffles, various garlands made of gum drops, braided ribbon, bells on ribbon, or small pine cones on ribbon.Something for just about anyone, who like us, celebrates a country or mountain Christmas. Great recipes and information on heirloom collectibles.
... Read more

Product Description
For the first time, Southern Living has collected in one volume all the inspiration, advice and instruction you need for the best of Christmas decorating, entertaining, and gift giving.Building on 30 years of Southern Living Christmas creativity, you'll find glimmering table settings, beautiful room decorations, charming gifts, and the most filling and fulfilling Christmas meals ever. Southern Living 's signature approach supplies readers with no-fail instructions, tips, and illustrations that, working together, create a Christmas season beyond compare. Whether a guide or a gift, The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Book is one book that will keep on giving Christmas after Christmas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I've seen better
Don't get me wrong - the photos in this book are gorgeous and there are some lovely ideas, and some fabulous recipes.However, when it comes to Southern Living books, this just isn't as spectacular as others I've purchased.It certainly isn't a total waste of money or anything that drastic, I just think there are other Southern Living Christmas books out there that are better.

Great Gift
Great gift for my daughter, Brandie.She loves to cook and this book is loaded with fantastic recipes and beautiful photographs.I have sampled several scrumptious delights thus far and look forward to the delights to come. "Southern Living" seems to never to let you down with recipes or decorating for the Holidays.

Wonderful Christmas Book
I checked this book out from the library.Fell in love with it! I had to have my own.I immeditately ordered one from an Amazon seller.

Excellent
This is a beautiful book with lots of decorating ideas and recipes. It will inspire you to get ready for Christmas.

Ooh, I just couldn't wait for this book!
Well, it finally was released.I was so excited to see that this book was on the way and I certainly haven't been disappointed.I just love all the decorating ideas in this book - my husband grabbed it and off he went to the store to buy the stuff it recommends.Sure was beautiful when he was done.This book makes decorating elegantly so very beautiful for the holidays, and it just gives you so many nice ideas.But, the RECIPES!Yikes!Better buy those elastic waisted pants because you'll need them after these awesome dishes.You know it's bad when you want to start with the first recipe and just make everything else afterwards.That's how it is with this book.It's really that good!You won't be disappointed with this book.I just love it! ... Read more

Product Description

Make this Christmas the most magical ever! Brimming with over 100 delicious recipes and more than 75 delightful gift ideas, Gooseberry Patch Christmas, Book 4 is filled with charming illustrations, beautiful full-color photos, and quick & easy ideas sure to bring holiday cheer.

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Book
This book has a great recipes, unique crafts, and is so cute.I highly recommend it.

Great Book!
What a great book!It's a shame that amazon doesn't have it in.However, if you're missing this one, you can go to gooseberrypatch.com and they have this one online.Plus, they have it in hardback too, which I prefer.Try oxmoorhouse.com too - they may have it as well.The more you order, the more you save! Anyway, this is such a great book and is basically a continuation of the fabulous recipes that are in book three.I use these recipes throughout the year and I just can't tell you how wonderful they are! My husband doesn't like it when I give these as gifts because he wants everyone to think I'm a gourmet cook!You won't be disappointed with these books - the decorating ideas are fabulous as are the gift projects.These make awesome gifts too! ... Read more

Product Description
Christmas devotees begin preparing early and this, the first of three volumes, is just what Santa ordered. On Its Way provides clear and easy instructions for creating heirloom-quality gifts and make-ahead freezer recipes. Includes full-color photos of all the projects and most of the tested recipes, plus patterns and charts, tips and Christmas lore. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

GOOD IDEAS FOR ALL YEAR
I've had this book and the other two in the series for about 3 years and I go to them for ideas for gifts and recipes all the time. This one has ideas for food gifts that are really good. My friends love the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie mix and it's become a tradition every year. I'd give people the books as gifts, but then they'd know where I get my ideas! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Ideas
I loved this book. It has lots of great ideas.
A must have for the holiday season. ... Read more

Product Description
All over the western world, Christmas brings families together to celebrate, worship and indulge in an abundance of eating, drinking and present-giving, yet every country maintains its own traditions. This book presents an international selection of recipes, decorations and customs. ... Read more

Product Description
Transform your house into a winter wonderland with decorative ideas and tempting edible treats. Try a white Christmas tree, raffia balls or gilded glass spheres. Create your own gift wrapping and tags and make chocolate truffles, a gingerbread house or novelty Christmas cakes. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of family-oriented craft ideas, recipes and stories. Each chapter takes an event from the Christmas story as its theme. The craft activities, stories and background, help the readers to get behind the events of the Christmas story to discover its meaning and relevance today. ... Read more

Product Description
Offering a plethora of holiday ideas that are geared towards overcoming commercial hype and saving money, a seasonal guide includes suggestions about homemade gifts, personalized family traditions, and inexpensive entertaining. ... Read more

Product Description
Designing for Christmas is a handbook of instructions,information and illustrations for making decorations for the holidayseasier than ever before.Included are directions for makingtraditional designs in new and easier ways and using materials you maynever have considered.There is a whole section on how to useprofessional design aids.Try this book for the easiest and prettiesholiday ever! ... Read more

Product Description
Overflowing with more than 75 easy-to-make and cleverly designed craft projects, Seasons of Giving is the book readers will turn to again and again for unique gift ideas throughout the year. Clear, simple-to-understand instructions and patterns are given, and are enhanced by over 40 beautiful, four-color photos. ... Read more

Product Description
This beautifully photographed holiday guidebook promises to help today's busy families discover fast and easy ways to restore the spirit of Christmas to their celebrations. With ideas for slowing down the hectic holidays, Leisure Arts editors and readers share their family traditions that make Christmas a time of creativity, camaraderie, and joy. Every page features meaningful ways to enrich your holiday experience. You'll create gifts destined to become treasured keepsakes. Your decorations will evoke tender memories. And your kitchen will turn out irresistible treats! Even party planning is de-mystified, inspiring you to host an open house with confidence or relax with family for brunch or dinner. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Needlecraft Fiend
this is a lovely book of Christmas disigns.There are both very simple designs and more complicated ones so both beginners and seasoned stitchers will find something to chalenge their talents.Beautiful book.

A Christmas let down book!
Christmas Traditions comes on the heels of The Spirit of Christmas which had twenty books in all.This book has fallen short in many ways.Projects were limited as well as the holiday cooking.Am hoping that they do not continue this series.

Getting a head start.
This book will not only spark your new ideas but will give you a starting place.It has a variety of items. ... Read more