Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree: A Festive Guide to Celebrating the Holidays, a Review

 

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree: A Festive Guide to Celebrating the Holidays is a heartwarming, full-color treasure that transforms the holiday season into a joyous, nostalgic celebration. Set for release on September 23, 2025, this book takes inspiration from Brenda Lee’s timeless 1958 hit, weaving together over 30 recipes, creative crafts, and party ideas with a mid-century flair that’s impossible to resist. 

 

Even if you’re someone like me—typically reluctant to embrace Christmas before the leaves fall—this charming guide will have you planning festive gatherings in no time.The recipes alone are worth the price of admission: from Pull-Apart Pastry Puffs to Gingerbread House Cookies, Brioche Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Sauce, Winter Wassail, Brenda Lee’s Praline Pumpkin Pie, and a Gingerbread Espresso Martini (that I guarantee you I will be trying long before Christmas), there’s something for every holiday mood. Beyond the kitchen, the book offers clever decor tips—like sprucing up your door or wrapping gifts with style—alongside fun party games and a curated soundtrack to keep the festivities rocking. The real magic, though, lies in its nostalgic dive into Christmas traditions and the fascinating backstory of Brenda Lee’s recording at age 13, complemented by Johnny Marks’ songwriting legacy.With its vibrant retro-look illustrations, stunning photos, and a sprinkle of holiday trivia, this book is more than a guide—it’s a mood-lifter, a memory-maker, and a perfect gift. Whether it’s for your Christmas-obsessed bestie, a family keepsake, or a treat for yourself, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" delivers all the sentimental feels and practical inspiration you need to make the season merry and bright. I’m already planning to grab copies for my loved ones—and yes, one for me too!

 

Trust me when I tell you that you are going to absolutely love it! You can pre-order your copy here. 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Holly & Berries Tablescape

 

Christmas isn’t Christmas without the traditional colors of red and green. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Nothing says Christmas more than this table. Not only because of the color combination, but because these beautiful bone china dishes in the “Yuletide” pattern by Rosina-Queens once belonged to my mother. I’m not entirely sure when she bought this set, but she bought service for 12, with all of the completer pieces, and used those to serve her Christmas brunch every year after she made that purchase. They go back to at least the 80s, maybe earlier. When she passed away, it was such an honor to bring these to my home.In addition to the dinnerware, the adorable little ceramic baskets with Holly leaves and red berries were hers as well.

She used to place a truffle, or other delicious bit of chocolate in each one at each place setting.The mercury glass ornament place card holders belonged to her too, as well as the gold flatware; the woman set a beautiful table.

My contributions to this table besides the hunter green tablecloth and gauzy runner are the wonderful placemats that I bought from Pier 1 years ago. Just setting them on the table makes it feel like Christmas.

 

The napkins are from Pottery Barn, as are the little reindeer votives.

 

The red goblets are from Villeroy and Boch. 

The centerpiece is a simple hurricane with a candle and a small wreath. When you have such beautiful dinnerware, a simple centerpiece is all that you need.I’ll be thinking of my mother, and her legendary brunches, when I dine at this table during the coming week.

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 This post is linked to: Tablescape Thursday