"Christmas With Southern Lady: Holiday Decorating, Recipes & Table Ideas From Southern Lady Magazine- Volume 1; Editor: Andrea Fanning; Publisher: Hoffman Media, September 1st, 2013.

12/20/2021

This book not only fed my eyes with a plethora of lush, holiday visions, it romanced my heart in ways that it will forever be imprinted upon my bookish memory. Page after page, the magic of the holidays filled my vision but I must admit, it is the exquisite front and back hardcovers that commenced this love affair. It boasts a bold, red backdrop adorned with gorgeous florals, fruits all immortalized in a smooth, matte texture that feels like soft velvet under your fingertips. It is expertly designed and easily merits an above-average rating to the most discerning eye.

The back cover blurb eloquently sums up the contents of the book, instantly engaging the reader:

"Celebrate Christmas the Southern Lady way! Within these pages you'll find hundreds of ideas to make the season merry and bright. Decorations for every room in the house, fabulous and festive table settings, delicious holiday recipes to make, take, and share- all the makings for your best Christmas ever is waiting inside."

The book sports a warm introduction and contents detailing what to expect as you flip through the pages. The mix of gorgeous Christmas decorations, how-tos in crafting the perfect wreath, festive ribbons on chairs, advice on creating the perfect table settings; et al, and exquisite recipes with accompanying photos were nothing less than a king's feast for the eyes.

I am usually pretty good with words but somehow, I feel like I cannot adequately convey the magnitude of the positive impression I had exploring this book. It offered all that is mentioned- and more... I obtained a few ideas in decorating for the season and it affirmed my love affair with gold accents. It would be remiss of me not mention that I picked out some scrumptious recipes to try such as the "winter vegetable chowder," "vegetable cobbler," hazelnut cake," and "chocolate peanut butter bars."

It is quite obvious that I have a very high opinion of this book. From the beginning to the end, I was deeply engrossed and it is now a part of my priceless, "book vault." An oldie but "goodie."

In addition to volume 1, I purchased volume 2 and I am looking forward to exploring that book in the near future.

5/5.... would give in 10/5 if it was permissible.

Merry Christmas! Wishing you the best for 2022!

Special Notes

You can find out more about Hoffmann Media by visiting the following website: Hoffman Media - Women's interest and lifestyle publisher

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Book Reviewed: "Christmas With Southern Lady: Holiday Decorating, Recipes & Table Ideas From Southern Lady Magazine- Volume 1; Editor: Andrea Fanning; Publisher: Hoffman Media, September 1st, 2013.

Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021 Mary-Lisa Russo

Author

You have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book to be released in 2022. She recently created an e-book, namely, "Voices From the Universe," for her subscribers which is available for download via BookFunnel. She is a university graduate having majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups.