Book Description
If the words “classic Christmas” make images of Christmas cactus, fruitcake, and roast turkey dance in your head, then Classic Crafts and Recipes for the Holidays will make all of your yuletide dreams come true.

Arranged in ten chapters with such names as “Cranberries,” “Nuts,” “Citrus,” “Leaves,” and “Pinecones,” this festive compendium of holiday ideas and recipes is certain to show you how to make every Christmas one to remember. In “Winter Berries,” berries are used to make wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces. In its own chapter, fruitcake has been reinterpreted so it will never run the risk of being left uneaten. “Leaves” shows how to make keepsake gifts out of embossed leaves and cards, and throughout the book there are clever packaging and wrapping ideas to suit every taste and budget.

From now on, when you think of a classic Christmas, you’ll think of Classic Crafts and Recipes for the Holidays.
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Customer Reviews (4)

Paper FUN
Martha Stewart does it right!!We joke and smile when it comes to Martha...AND we have to admit once we buy one of her products, she does it right every time...this book is an excellent example with ideas and patterns for crafting with papers..

A Very Beautiful Book
The photographs in this book are absolutely stunning.You could set it on your coffee table for guests to look through, and even if they don't know a Meyer lemon from a tangelo, they'll take great pleasure in looking through this book (they'll learn something, too).Everything is lovingly laid out, photographed and eloquently described.Buy the hardcover edition, because you'll want to keep it for a long time.

A great Holiday Treasure - and gift
Martha's Holiday book this really touched my heart. My mom has always grown Amaryllis and Christmas Cactus, chapters 4 & 5 really were a delightful surprise. I now know the Christmas Cactus the I have is called "White Christmas". When I told my mom about the charts, she was so interested in the book (she lives in Ohio and we live in Fl.) that I am immediately sending her one for Christmas. My son is a personal chef - so we all love to cook and I love to decorate. The pictures are great as usual, but I think I like the charts about the topic in each chapter. They are beautiful and informative. It was great to see the different types of pine cones and citrus. The best part is that even if you don't use these ideas during the holidays - the things you have learned will be useful all year and will be great to share with friends and family.
Some items may have been in Martha Stewart Living - that's great that the special ideas have been put in this holiday book to keep and treasure. (I don't keep every magazine - I will treasure this book).Thanks again to Martha!!!!

Lotsof reprints from the magazine
You know this going in, but there arent' as many really neat "new" things as the last books. More biscotti, and a lot of good uses for the endless bags of cranberries in the back of my freezer.I'll start on those for Christmas about November 1, I think.If you like Martha, this is the fifth in the series, but there wasn't anything besides the cranberry stuff that really "grabbed" me.Still, it's great to continue your collection. ... Read more

Book Description
For many people, the best part of the winter holidays is the anticipation: planning the perfect gifts, decorating the house, looking forward to seeing family and friends. Holidays can be particularly special for knitters, whose preparations often start months in advance and involve their own creations. In Handknit Holidays best-selling knitting author Melanie Falick presents an eclectic collection of more than 50 original gifts, decorations, and clothing pieces for Christmas, Hanukkah, and the winter solstice, providing year-round inspiration for knitters of all levels.

Created by top knitwear designers, the projects include colorful ornaments; funky and classic Christmas stockings; a wire-and-bead menorah; sparkly ribbon scarves; a poncho and matching dog sweater; and a range of super-quick projects for that last-minute holiday rush, from a Santa hat, to elf caps, to flower pins. Rounding out the volume are a few grand projects-an Aran tree skirt, a patchwork afghan, a lace shawl-destined to become family heirlooms, plus features on such topics as the origin of the Christmas stocking, the meaning of the winter solstice, knitting for charities, strategies for finishing holiday knitting (on schedule!), and even a delicious recipe for festive crescent cookies.

Beautifully photographed by Susan Pittard, Handknit Holidays is a creative celebration of the holiday season and a treasure for all knitters who seek to bring more of their own handwork-and artistry-into their daily lives and their holiday festivities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

Wonderful book
I got this book as a gift and I absolutely love it.It includes many inspiring projects through many knitting levels with beautiful photography.A word of caution: there are patterns that need clarification or corrections.I would recommend doing a search on a knitting site (like ravelry.com) to see if the project you are thinking about contains errors.

A worthy buy
I love this book!Not only do the patterns represent several winter holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, etc.), almost all (and there are a ton) are really nice.I have yet to knit very much from the book, but I have big plans for this next year.

The Menorah pillow alone makes the book worth buying; some of my other favorite patterns in the book are the Santa hat, some delicate embroidered gloves, flip-top mittens, a fabulous tree skirt, and, for the kids, three patterns for knit dolls (Mrs. Claus, a dog, and a cat).

THIS BOOK ROCKS!!!
I love this book. The variety of patterns in this book are great. I can't wait to start knitting Christmas presents. I plan on making the ruffle scarf first.

BUY THIS BOOK
For some reason the cover of this book just turns me off.I wasn't interested in it forever.Until of course, I was at a bookstore thumbing through it.I had to buy it.There are some fantastic knits in there.The Santa hat is a MUST make.I plan to do it for this holiday.There are also lovely, strange and totally enticing sweaters, socks and such.The patterns also seem to pass the gamut of easy to quiet difficult and there is a section on gifts, knitted gift packaging and bows.

Superstar book!
This is a beautiful book, more than a useful book. I haven't made anything from it yet, and I don't know whether the patterns are faulty or unclear -- but the photographs sure are gorgeous!! Some of the patterns I am sure I will never make (like some of the hats, specifically), but the inspiration is wonderful! It makes me eager for the holiday season. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Food Good Ideas
I have most of the books in this series and each one is a delight. Full of ideas for making the gifts you give really stand out. When I make something from one of these books I always take the recipe with me.. I know I will beasked for it! The only draw back is that some of the recipes call forseveral ingredients and unless you have a well stocked pantry it can be atad costly. However do not let that stop you. These books are a greatsource of inspitation and ideas. ... Read more

Book Description
Enrich Your Family Christmas with Time-honored Traditions

Explore bountiful pages of Christmas crafts, decorating ideas, and delicious recipes, colorfully photographed and carefully detailed to help you create lasting Christmas memories.

Huddled with loved ones around a cozy kitchen table, the aromas of pine and gingerbread filling your senses, you share the cookie-baking, handcrafting, and gift-wrapping pleasures you have come to cherish. These are the traditions that warm your heart; the traditions you hope will build lasting memories for your children and theirs for many years to come.

Recapture those precious holiday moments and make your Christmas even more memorable with the many inspiring ideas in Traditional Christmas Two. Browse through page after page of Christmas crafting and decorating projects to lavish your home with festive holiday spirit. Enjoy tantalizing recipes for Christmas treats, photographed with such lifelike clarity you can taste them with your eyes. See how easily you can:

- Make handcrafted ornaments and gifts to delight your loved ones. Enjoy being creative, and show them how much you care.
- Set a festive holiday table, featuring table linens and stunning floral arrangements you make yourself.
- Craft unique Christmas accessories to decorate your home.
- Make a skirt for the tree, stockings for the mantel or an elf for the table.

Treat your family and friends to delicious appetizers, cookies, and desserts. They will beg you for the recipes.Traditional Christmas Two is packed with exciting projects and recipes, all explained with step-by-step simplicity to turn holiday crafting and cooking into traditions you will love to keep. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

the recipes are scrumptious!
I highly reccomend this book to the Mom on the go, busy working peoplelike myself, and people who love great christmas treats and beautifuldecorations!Its fun, easy and even good for the kids!

Excellent Buy-Unbelievable Ideas
This book provides the reader with so many wonderful ideas that can beused at Christmas and many other times throughout the year.It iscomprehensive and covers Tree Decorations, House Decorations, The HolidayTable, Appetizers, Beverages, Snacks, Cookies, Desserts and Gifts from theKitchen.All that in one book.It is a great buy!!!

Easy crafts and home decorating
'Twas the month before Christmas and all through my house not a decoration was hanging not even a ...wreath.And I at my craft magazines thumbing madly through, I picked up this book wiped my brow and said, "whew!" Then what to my craft making eyes should appear but a cute little stocking with an appliqued deer... happy crafting to all and to all a good night! ... Read more

Book Description
Making Hanukkah candles is a perfect way to introduce or strengthen the family holiday tradition. This new addition to our popular line of book-plus kits comes complete with enough beeswax sheets and wicks needed to create 44 candles for the eight nights of Hanukkah, plus glitter to decorate the candles, and a beautiful box to hold them. The 48-page book contains a history of Hanukkah, directions for making and lighting the candles, prayers in Hebrew and English, and recipes, songs, and crafts to celebrate the Festival of Lights ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Not enough supplies to complete the project
My family of five sat down with this kit for a fun afternoon of candle-making.We were very disappointed to discover that, despite the package's claim of "everything you need to make eight nights of lights," there was only enough string to make wicks for about 12 candles! (You need 44 candles for all 8 nights of Hanukkah.) My three children (ages 4,6,and 8) and my husband and I were really looking forward to this activity.Because of the lack of adequate supplies, as well as the brittleness of the wax, it turned out to be a huge waste of money and expectations.Until the company fixes the supply problem, I would not recommend this product.Good potential, so that's why I gave it 2 stars and not 1.

Hanukkah Candle Kit a Hit with my Kids!
We celebrated the first night of Hanukkah using Mr. Abramson's Hanukkah Candle Kit with our 11, 7 and 5 year old sons. Our boys thoroughly enjoyed making their own Hanukkah candles supplied in the kit. The instructions were easy to follow and the materials were fun for them to work with. I was concerned that there might not be enough wick material for 44 candles (based off of another reviewer). I e-mailed the publisher (www.runningpress.com) and was told they would send me additional wick material if I needed it. Our kids could not wait to light their just made candles and recite the Hanukkah prayer. It was truly a fun and creative way for our kids to celebrate Hanukkah. Thank you Mr Abramson for putting together this wonderful kit and book!

Not enough supplies
This is a charming idea and is a great project to do with kids (you do have to take care with the beeswax and soften it between your hands before you roll the candles). I did it at school with my daughter's 2nd grade class but was so disappointed to find that there was not nearly enough wick to make 44 candles! For nearly 20 dollars this was a serious shortcoming, as the labeling says in several places it has "everything you need!"

Good book but horrible craft
The book had interesting information but the wax was brittle and there was not nearly enough wick material to make 44 candles my children almost 5 and 3 were incredibly disappointed as was I - be sure to buy candles from elsewhere because these are miserable! ... Read more

Amazon.com
Countless books detail holiday projects for the dedicated crafter, but here's a title that encourages the whole family to get involved in Christmastime baking and decorating. Helpful tips on cooking and crafting with kids make it easy to get started, and many of the craft projects require only minimal adult supervision. Whip up a whole host of ornaments, garlands, cards, and wrappings using such easy-to-use items as salt dough, aluminum foil, and bright magazine clippings. Delight little Santa's helpers with kid-friendly nibbles like chocolate crispy bears or smiley-face pancakes, and surprise grown-up guests with a Yule log cake or chocolate-peppermint swizzle sticks. Full directions are given for all craft and food items, including enough recipes for a full Christmas dinner. One minor drawback, especially for children: most of the crafts are not pictured, so crafters may have difficulty visualizing the finished product. But there are enough color photos to give a general impression of the projects, making Christmastime Treats fun for everyone. --Amy Handy Book Description
In the same winning format as the popular Halloween Treats, Christmastime Treats offers a magical array of recipes and craft projects for the whole family. Fun decorations such as Little Keepsake Ornaments and a Starry Night Luminaria help little ones and grownups get in the spirit of things, while Advent Surprises and a Kissing Bouquet put a new twist on traditional holiday customs. Here are recipes for scrumptious treats like Snow White Bunnies and Hot Chocolate Heaven, plus menus for an array of holiday meals. With Christmastime Treats, families can create new holiday traditions and memories to last for many Christmastimes to come. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

reader from New York City
I've bought a couple of the other books in this series and I have to say that this one was a total diappointment. The crafts in this book were just so ordinary. I was hoping for some unique crafting ideas but only got some projects that I probably did as a Brownie or Girl Scout. Not worth the money.

Christmastime Treats: by Sara Perry
Another winner from Sara Perry! I'm giving this to all my young friends with children, and to the grandparent set as well. The crafts are easy to make, and the recipes are rewarding in every way. Fun to make, fun to eat!Sara's well thought out recipes, and step by step craft instructions setthis book apart from the rest.

Help arrived just in the nick of time!
This book was so helpful to me as a full time working mother with a 7 year old daughter. The crafts were simple to do, yet looked like we had spent days in the making.What more could a mother want! My daughter lovedmaking the easy decoupage christmas balls almost as much as my in-lawsloved receiving them. The candy land house was our schools answer to thedreded gingerbread house (the frame is made from a six pack carboardcontainer) I cheer the author who can put together such a well written& workable book. In closing I am off to the kitchen to whip up one ofthe fabulous recipes! I would say wish me luck, but I have confidence inthe Snow White Bunnies being the perfect answer. ... Read more

Book Description
A nostalgic trip through the holidays from the start of the Christmas season all the way through New Year's Day! Chock-full of tasty, tried & true recipes like Christmas morning muffins, glazed raspberry-orange turkey and hugs & chips cheesecake, Jolly Holidays Cookbook is also brimming with fun and festive crafts, glorious gift mixes, simple treats to make & give, cheery tips and heartfelt memories of holidays past.

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Customer Reviews (2)

Unless You Are Lucky Enough To Get To Live Under
a rock during the holiday season--you are probably going to have to be involved in some kind of festivities.Whether the whole family shindig or the mandatory office potluck, let's face it we all have to grow up and face the music sometime.Sometimes that music is "Jingle Bells" and we're stuck.This book of the series I really like when I am too tired during the season.It has good "mixes" that can be created, packaged and make lovely hostess or office pal presents.It has a lot of good beverage ideas in general that are easy.Sometimes if you just break down and buy that 30 cup coffee maker for $, you can be the king/queen of the holiday potlucks with the delicious Wassail and hot beverages recipes
located here.This is the kind of book even old Scrooge should have for backup during the mandatory holidays at the end of the year.

One of the best of the Gooseberry patch
I usually like to tab the pages of the recipes that I would like to try, but I would have to tab this entire book! I recently made the apple cinnamon bars for my daughters 5 k class and they were such a hit! ( They were for Johnny Appleseed Day 9-26)
I just cant say enough good things about this particular book! So many different ideas & recipes, so little time! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best holiday classroom projects
As a teacher, I can use every one of these projects in the classroom! In particular, the projects for Kwanzaa are a rare find. GREAT BOOK ... Read more

Book Description
Here's a remedy for what ails the modern Christmas. Just 24 Days Till Christmas, a book for all ages which delivers what today's Santa's can't-the directions and fun to be found in celebrating Christmas as a family with a smorgasbord of activities for everyone, young and old, children and adults. Popular with busy families who want to find ways to build traditions with their children.Individuals who want to find new ways to celebrate the holiday.Teachers for all the stories and activities they can use in their classrooms. Heartland Reviews says, "It is more than a recipe book or a storybook or even a activity book to keep the kids occupied.It is all three wrapped into one.With stories, activities and recipes for each of the 24 days leading to Christmas.An advent calendar with a twist. Destined to be a Perennial Favorite!" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Filled with things to do and make
Just 24 Days Till Christmas is a combination recipe, story, and activities book filled with things to do and make for each of the twenty-four days leading up to Christmas. MyLinda Butterworth has created a kind of 212-page advent calendar that parents can use to create Christmas traditions with their children, individuals can share seasonal comraderies with friends, and teachers can draw upon for classroom activities. From Cinnamon Crunch Nuts and German Chocolate Pie, the recipes are nutritious and delicious. From holiday banner decorations to Christmas ornaments for birds, the crafts-based activities are totally entertaining. The stories are inspiring and engaging. Just 24 Days Till Christmas is a welcome addition to any family, school or community library Christmas celebration ideas and references collection.

24 days of fun and food!
A wealth of information and holiday excitement!This delightful book isstuffed full of wonderful ideas and delicious easy to prepare recipes.Itis a must have for all teachers and mothers of young children.I LOVED IT!Carol Elaine Powell, author of Along the Way ... Read more

Book Description
All too often, preparing for Christmas festivities can take you away from family and friends. Luckily, the Pillsbury Editors have collected 155 delicious, kitchen-tested and totally reliable recipes, plus activities and kid-pleasing crafts so you can spend more time creating special holiday memories together.

There are dishes to suit any kind of holiday get-together, whether you’re expecting three guests or thirty, from a post-shopping party to a Christmas Day feast. Entrées such as Slow-Cooked Beef Burgundy, Party Chicken Cacciatore, Pineapple-Orange Glazed Ham and Italian Roasted Salmon are as simple to make as they are impressive on the holiday table. Seasonal salads, vegetable sides and sweet treats like Cranberry-Walnut White Fudge will help you achieve a multicourse meal everyone will love. Snacks and appetizers, along with an array of breads, will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

You’ll also find strategies for alleviating holiday stress while making memories. Whether it’s inviting a friend over to help with holiday baking or letting others lend a hand at parties, every tip will help you focus on spending quality time with family and friends. And to keep the little ones cabin-fever-free over winter breaks, activities such as making Fido’s Favorite Treats and Santa Grahams are fun and easy boredom busters. Recipes for thoughtful gifts, including Hot Buttered Rum Sauce and Orange-Spice Coffee Mix, add a personal touch to the holiday that can’t be achieved with a harried trip to a store.

From ideas for homemade gifts to recipes for the main entrée at the holiday meal, Pillsbury Family Christmas Cookbook is a one-stop guide to yuletide planning. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Just O.K.
I have a slew of holiday cookbooks and this isn't one of my favorites.It's alright and gives some good eye candy to browse at.Also, I did prepare some of the recipes this Christmas and they were tasty but most of the recipes don't say "Christmas" to me.They seem like regular year-round foods. ... Read more

Book Description
Here is a wonderful, beautifully illustrated book to help inspire Jewish children in celebration of Hanukkah, the festival of lights, while also telling boys and girls of all faiths the fascinating story and traditions connected with this festive holiday. The book’s first part tells the story, taken from The Book of Maccabees and other historical sources, of how Antiochus of Syria invaded the land of Judea and forbade the Jews to perform their religious rites, which included lighting the menorah. The story goes on to tell how the Syrians were ultimately defeated and driven away by the Maccabees, and how the Temple of Jerusalem was restored and its menorah lighted and miraculously kept burning. This book’s remaining pages describe the joyful Hanukkah rituals meant to commemorate the miracle of the menorah. Children read about the special foods for Hanukkah, learn to light Hanukkah candles, make lots of fun, innovative crafts, play dreidel with chocolate Gelt, and generally celebrate this joyous holiday. Includes sidebars with cool facts! (Ages 6–9) ... Read more

Book Description
Williams-Sonoma American Christmas features eight regionally inspired holiday menus with over 60 recipes, highlighting holiday occasions coast-to-coast, from a snowy New England farmhouse to a tranquil California Wine Country kitchen. With gorgeous color photography and a friendly tone, it also provides scores of creative staging and decorating ideas for the busy host, including easy table settings, lovely centerpieces, and gifts from the Christmas kitchen. Williams-Sonoma American Christmas demystifies holiday entertaining with ease and warmth.

Key Features:

* Beautiful full-color photography shows everyrecipe as a finished dish, plus key preparation, cooking, and serving techniques

* Over 60 delicious recipes, including ideas for holiday beverages

* Easy-to-follow timelines for party preparation ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Pleasant... Some recipes not to my taste
Williams-Sonoma makes a quality cookbook, and this is no exception. Food is well photographed and recipes have colored pictures. The layout is nice, featuring sections for every sort of taste.

I am giving this book 4 instead of 5 stars, because the selection of recipes were at times a little "out there."Particularly "Great Lakes Christmas Breakfast" with whose highlights include: beet and apple salad, radish salad, Kugelhopf and Gravlax. Erk.

I admit I'd much rather see more mainstream recipes including turkey, stuffing, and different family-friendly desserts. There were a few...But nothing that was really a keeper.

4 stars ... Read more