Story by Lyda Kay Ferree, The Southern Lifestyles Lady.Photography courtesy of Hoffman Media.

Brimming with holiday ideas from delicious menus and decorating inspiration to easy hostess hints and gifts made by hand, “Christmas Cottage Cookbook” is sure to make your season enchanting.

When the “Christmas Cottage Cookbook” arrived at my cottage, I interrupted my long Christmas to-do list, prepared a cup of Mocha Mint coffee with White Chocolate Mocha creamer, and plopped down in a comfortable chair by a cozy fire. You will want to do the same thing when you read this book.

I spoke to Cindy Smith Cooper, Editorial Director of “The Cottage Journal Magazine” for Hoffman Media, the company that publishes the lovely “Southern Lady,” “Victoria”, “Victoria Bliss,” and “Teatime” magazines among other publications.

Here’s what Cindy has to say about Hoffman’s first companion book to the popular “Cottage Journal Magazine”: “Make special memories with a season of delicious recipes, easy decorating ideas, and festive decorations. Whether you’re looking for welcoming ideas for your doorway, a brunch or a dinner menu, you’re sure to find the perfect recipe for every occasion throughout the holiday season.”

“Beautiful homes have all the charming details needed for a cozy, warm and inviting Christmas,” stated Cindy. “Gifts for the home and family provide new inspiration to share with others and add a warm, personal handmade touch.”

This book, which has lovely photographs, has been described as “the ultimate holiday guide.”

“Make the most wonderful time of the year more magical with exceptional entertaining. This book continues to be a popular cookbook with holiday ideas, delicious menus and easy inspiration for the hostess,” said Cindy. “There are also gift ideas to make your season enchanting!”

The book title plays off the title “The Cottage Journal” and it refers to a more relaxed, welcoming attitude toward family and friends for the holidays. Cindy describes it as “a comfortable, cozy, relaxed lifestyle.” Many times it involves purchased or inherited antiques or vintage items that you have used to decorate your dwelling and memorabilia from trips. “It’s a personal style more than anything,” added Cindy.

The 240-page “Christmas Cottage Cookbook” appeals to the reader who is attracted to the cottage lifestyle. The contents of the book include great holiday inspirations, gift-giving ideas, over 150 crowd-pleasing recipes, and complete dinner menus, flavorful appetizers, and delicious desserts.

As I scanned the book, I tabbed several holiday recipes including the following: Spinach, Prosciutto, and Roasted Red Pepper Quiche served with Parmesan DiIl Rolls and Cranberry Apple Tea; Beef Tenderloin with Creole Mustard Sauce (Cindy says this is “divine”!); consider Gingerbread Fingers with Orange Crème Filling for afternoon tea; Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake; Black-Eyed Pea Salsa (perfect for New Years Day); Hazelnut Meringue Torte and Creamy Cranberry-White Chocolate Delight. (The last two recipes may be found in this article.)

Treasure Box of Recipes

There are too many recipes to name, but some other recipes that caught my eye are as follows: Spice Cake with Fluffy White Frosting (book cover), Hazelnut Meringue Torte, Chocolate Toffee Trifle (I adore trifles.), Frozen German Chocolate Pie, Tangerine Pie, Gingerbread Scones (I can’t resist gingerbread anything!), Candy Cane Cocoa Coffee, Spirited Eggnog Coffee Punch, and Butterscotch Cider.

Decorating Ideas

Curb Appeal: For curb appeal and warm welcome to your holiday guests, consider the symmetry of wreaths, trees, topiaries, and sconces that create a subtle stylish curb appeal.

Tablescapes: I love the elegant tablescape that is versatile enough for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It utilizes silver and gold and creates a sparkling palette. Heirloom laces and linen are a perfect backdrop for a snow-white scene, while mirrors on a mantel reflect twinkling silvers and golds in a vignette of tiny trees (Remember the little trees and reindeer some of us loved as children?).

Centerpieces: They take the spotlight on a holiday table. One simple, yet stunning idea is to fill a footed bowl with a bouquet of colorful mistletoe, berries, holly, and even fragrant rosemary. Then, up the elegance ante with showy ruby roses.

Dazzling Display: When setting up a cake station, keep in mind the cakes themselves will serve as the primary decoration. Seasonal greenery, lengths of ribbon, a few fresh flowers, and perhaps a festive runner for the sideboard or display table are all that is required for an elegant yet dazzling presentation.

Homemade Gift Suggestions: Orange Curd, Pineapple-Coconut Mini Loaves, Coconut Tarts, Gingerbread Men, Cranberry-Raspberry Liqueur in a pretty corked bottle, and Herbed Cheese Log. Piled-high stacks of sweets (Lemon Squares and Red Velvet Cupcakes under glass domes) are a divine sight at any party. Wrap them in a lovely to-go package for friends to take home or bring a variety to the office or school for a delicious way to treat co-workers and teachers.