This month I will be reviewing three Christmas books from illustrated lifestyle publishers, Ryland Peters & Small and CICO Books. So, for today here is my review of the first book, Home-made Christmas by Tessa Evelegh.
Tessa Evelegh is a journalist, creative stylist and writer specializing in craft, interiors, and gardens, and already has other book titles as Lavender, Quick and Easy Container Gardening and Sheer Delights under her belt.
In my opinion this is a delightful hardbound book full of inspirational ideas on how to reduce, re-use and recycle to create immensely satisfying Christmas decorations, table settings and gifts. It combines beautiful photography with simple practical crafts and baking in 35 easy-to-make fun Christmas projects. The hardback book is split into sections covering a Seasonal Welcome, Deck the Halls, Dress the Tree, Christmas Entertaining and Christmas Gifts. From pine and cinnamon wreaths to cross stitch reindeer cushions, each project is styled in wonderful settings and expertly photographed by Caroline Arber.
Not only is it a delight to look at, but as you leaf through the pages it is full of original practical ideas with clear step-by-step photographed instructions. The author suggests using recycled, organic and natural materials, like the stair garland laced with dried apple or pleasing cranberry heart. The book finishes with charming ideas on wrapping your gifts and templates for making the kissing doves garland, Victorian Christmas stocking boot and more.
At a recommended price of £14.99, I think it is good value for money as it contains a varied selection of ideas from pretty packaged peppermint creams, indulgent chocolate truffles to fresh evergreen mantle decorations and charming paper tree decorations. A beautiful gift for the creative beginner, inspiration for a pro or just for ideas for Christmas projects for you and your children. A book that can be treasured for a long time with the possibility of adapting some of the projects for other seasonal occasions like the knitted pets for Easter.
Some of the delightful projects I'd like to have a go at are:
Some beaded snowflakes in green hues that would look great amongst the pine cones in my door wreath.
The prettiest of tea lights, where I could use brown paper instead of red and tie them up with sage green yarn to fit in with my colour theme.
I also would love to make some bunting, perhaps saving that project for Kate & Wills' wedding celebrations. Bunting is the epitome of British Royal Wedding street parties after all!
To summarize, Home-made Christmas is a wonderful book full of quick and easy delights to welcome your guests, add interest to your tree, make your dinner table sparkle, and gratifying sweet treats to make your friends smile.
Please note that my opinions are my own and I am not paid for these reviews (apart from receiving a free book, of course!)
Have a sweet day!