The Spirit of Christmas: Creative Holiday Ideas - Hardcover

With more than 80 projects and nearly 80 recipes, The Spirit of Christmas: Creative Holiday Ideas overflows with ideas for bringing the excitement of the season into your home. Organized by style, the decorating section of this lavishly illustrated volume offers a nice choice of varied looks for wreaths, garlands, ornaments, mantelpiece toppers, and more. "Noble Estate," for instance, evokes the genteel splendor of a grand country home; "Dreamy White Christmas" focuses on snowy and silvery shades; and "Reindeer Games" fills the room with charming renditions of Santa's herd.

The gift chapter includes a lovely decoupaged clock and etched goblets. The extensive food section features a Yuletide feast, breakfast with Santa, a progressive dinner, a cookie swap, and many other delectable recipes. Directions are good, although their placement at book's end, far from the finished photographs, means frequent flipping back and forth. Most projects are relatively easy, and all relevant patterns are included. Whatever your style or skill level, you'll find Christmas inspiration aplenty here. --Amy Handy