Customer Reviews

Christmas with Southern Living 2007

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First, let me say that I collect these books. I have every book for more than the last 15 years, and I've always loved going through them. But whoever is in charge of these books for the last few years needs to go back to college.

What a waste of my time and money. 99% of the this is a COOKBOOK, and yet very few were even something creative. Nothing "new", just recycled ideas, and recipes. No homemade one-of-a-kind gift ideas or crafts, instead they filled the pages (that weren't recipes) with pictures of decorated fireplaces and tabletops. Could they at least use mantles of people that aren't in million dollar houses? How about showing a NORMAL mantle decorated? How about showing SOMETHING USEFUL?

I wouldn't buy this book, just check it out that the library, flip through it for 5 minutes and never need to look at it again.

I've collected these books since the early 1990's and I do not think this edition is a nice or has as many helpful ideas as the past few recent years books. The recipies are not ones that I will make, and always before I could hardly wait to make several of them.

I have been collecting these books for over 10 years and 2007 is not their best. I was disappointed.

I am so, so sad about this book, it's taken me a day to write this. I have come to depend on what I call my 'secret weapon' i.e. Southern Living for surprisingly innovative and always reliable recipes over the years. Their other Christmas editions and even the Homemade Holidays book are my stand bys this time of year.

I can't even believe they put their name on this. For one - where are all the recipes? It seemed decorating (and I'm sorry - I just don't see the need for 200 'tablescape' options...) took precedence over the food this year. And even worse - of the recipes there, two chapters were dedicated to my LEAST favorite topics involving food at this time of year - "Healthy" and "Express." Honestly to see a cake recipe using already made store bought cheesecake almost brought tears (of sorrow, not joy) to my eyes. Any other time of year, maybe (although that's not what I look to Southern Living for) but NOT the holidays! It's the time to dazzle and forget about all our normal worries and restrictions.

I had read the other reviews stating it wasn't up to par, but just couldn't believe them. If only I had... This copy will probably be headed to my local resale shop.

Each year I look forward to the release of the annual "Christmas With Southern Living" book with great anticipation. It really gets me "in the mood" for the holidays with excellent recipes for everything from Christmas dinner to holiday snacks. Then there are the ideas for holiday decorations for indoors and out. Unlike the ideas in some books, these ideas can be replicated in my own home. Each year I think surely they will run out of new ideas, but they don't! This is a holiday tradition I intend to continue!

I use this book less for decorating ideas then for recipes. Many of the decorating tips, though lovely, are a bit too impractical and time consuming for my house full of kids and pets. But I find I use the recipes not only at Christmas, but other times of the year, too. It's a great source of inspiration when friends come over for dinner, offering complete menus for various occasions. The menus even have "game plans" that tell you which dishes can be prepped in advance. Very handy for getting things done with young kids!

I was pleased to find the healthy menu options in this book. A good friend became diabetic about the time I got this, and it was wonderful to be able to prepare elegant, tasty meals that she could eat without worry. AND she's asked me for the recipes every time!

I love Southern Living Christmas Books. They are so full of wonderful ideas for decorating and special holiday foods.

I purchased this edition in late spring 2008, so I received a great, low price on the book. I did the same with the 2006 edition last year and have been pleased with each. There are numerous recipes that are worthwhile and I primarily use the Christmas edition for the baked goods and candy recipes and give them away as gifts. So far no complaints from any recipients!! Decorating tips spark enough interest to try and adapt one or two of the ideas for the holidays. Will continue to purchase yearly.

Year after year Southern Living produced fantastic Christmas books... until this year. The decorations were gaudy and the Cowboy Christmas section was ghastly.

My daughter checked this book out from our local library. I think is so good I am ordering 4 copies, one for myself and one for each of my sister and sisters-in-laws. This book is full of EASY adorable, doable Christmas decorating and presentation ideas. The wrapped boxes are at my front door, and the cookies on a stick were a hit with the children at their Christmas party.