Book review: Gooseberry Patch Christmas book 9

 

Today's post is a book review of a Gooseberry Patch Christmas  craft and cookbook titled Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 9.  It's an older book, but a  hardcover version in very good condition may be found at ThriftBooks.com for less than $5.  Here's the link: Christmas Book 9.

Most of my readers know how much I love Gooseberry Patch books.  I have gotten many of them for free in return for recipes, memories,  or craft ideas.  The larger format Christmas books like this one are simply filled with wonderful ideas, but I like to review one now and then so readers will know what to expect if they buy these as used books. 

 This particular book, Christmas Book 9, was published in 2007 by Oxmoor House and it is a nice addition to my collection of Christmas books.  My copy is a paperback and I'm pretty sure I bought it at Walmart.  There are dozens of good recipes and craft ideas and some glorious photography, plus the patterns for many of the craft projects.

There are 15 chapters:

1.  Sweet Memories
 This chapter is filled with ideas for hosting a cookie decorating party and for decorating with cookies and candy.  The sweet ideas are absolutely gorgeous.  Graham cracker houses (displayed under a cloche) are one project.

2.  Welcome Home
This chapter is filled with lovely ideas for using vintage linens and fabrics, along with vintage ornaments. 

3.  Polka-Dot Christmas
This chapter shares ideas for applying festive red and green polka dots on everything in sight -- stockings, candle holders, a table runner, tags and gift boxes.  Very cute. 

4.  Simply Stenciled
Here are many ideas for stenciling old-fashioned designs of snowflakes, Santas and sleighs on windows and more -- like felt banners, tree skirts, ornaments, and stockings.

5.  Game Night
Ideas here for all sorts of table-game accessories, along with some recipes for game night snacks.

6.  All the Creatures Were Stirring
Gifts for pets and a special pet-themed Christmas tree that uses a shiny new dog bowl as a tree stand.

7.  Christmas Paper Fun ... Cards, Tags & More
This is one of the largest chapters, with directions for ornaments, tags, gift wrap and gift tag holders, photo albums and even a shadow box, all paper crafted.  The paper bag album is a craft I want to try.

8.  From Hand to Heart
Lots of lovely handcrafted gifts here, including a scrap afghan which I have actually started making.  (Sample motifs in photo below.)  Also things like pajamas, a knitting tote, a gift wrap organizer and more.

9.  Just-Right Gifts from the Kitchen
Recipes for all sorts of mixes and other kitchen gifts, plus great and innovative ways to package and present them.  The cranberry cider mix, packaged in red fabric bags with green ribbon "leaves" and cinnamon stick stems, is a case in point.

10.  A Farmhouse Dinner
Cider Baked Ham, Spinach-Pecan Salad, Homestyle Green Beans, Corn Pudding and more -- and of course a nice selection of desserts here.

11.  Christmas Brunch
Country Breakfast Skillet, Pecan French Toast, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Spiced Fruit, and many more wonderful looking recipes to help you with your Christmas breakfast or brunch!

12.  Cooking Ahead for the Holidays
Comfort food to make ahead and freeze for when you have a houseful of Christmas guests.

13. Cookie Exchange
Nice recipes for Christmas cookies -- Jolly Lime Thumbprints, Vanilla-Dipped Gingersnaps, Chocolate Swirl Cookies and much more.

14.  Kate's Chocolate Cure-Alls
All things chocolate to cure what ails you!  Everything from Buckeye Brownies to White Hot Chocolate and a Pan O'Fudge.  Lots of chocolate therapy in this section.

15.  A Club Christmas
This chapter includes ideas and recipes for entertaining groups like your book club, knitting group, and more.

All in all, I find this to be a useful, inspiring, and beautiful book.  Why not check ThriftBooks, Amazon, or another used-book venue for a copy of Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 9?  I don't think you will be disappointed!