Christmas with Southern Living: Inspired Ideas for Holiday Cooking and Decorating, Reviewed

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Lifestyle magazine Southern Living came into existence in 1966; when you are still in circulation after 50 years, you know that you’re doing something right. In addition to their wildly successful periodical, they have also published a series of lifestyle books including a Christmas annual. This year’s Christmas with Southern Living: Inspired Ideas for Holiday Cooking and Decorating is a real winner!

There is much to like about this book — the wonderful decorating styles, the beautifully photographed, mouthwatering recipes, the overall feeling of Christmas joy as well as one of my favorite parts, the included holiday planner.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have trouble getting it together over the holidays. If I’m honest, sometimes I have trouble getting it together, period. This book will help you if you’re anything like me because not only does it provide you with a calendar, it even tells you what to do! I love that! There’s also plenty of room for note taking, a special planning section strictly for decorating, a party planner, guest list, party to do list, Christmas dinner planner, gift and card log, and a guided section to help you highlight the successes of this year.

  If you are familiar with SL’s Christmas books, you’re going to want to get your hands on this one; if you’re unfamiliar, ditto. You will begin a long and happy tradition and eagerly await new ones year after year.

Now to the recipes! The recipes in this book are all doable no matter the level of culinary experience. Some take a little more time than others, but I have read through each and every one of them, and even a novice in the kitchen will be able to serve a fabulous dinner over the holidays. Each recipe is written in a clear and concise fashion. In many cases recipes have tips to help you through the process, swapping suggestions in case you don’t have all of the called-for ingredients; the photographs will help you plate your excellent meal in fine fashion.

Whether you are interested in preparing a classic Christmas dinner, or something more modern, all of your answers are in this book. I cannot recommend it enough.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Abrams Books as a member of their Abrams Dinner Party 2021-2022.