Hi there! Happy Monday!

Whenever someone asks me, “What is your favorite season?” I always answer a little cheekily, “Christmas!”

The Gingerbread Party Book Review: Christmas Baking, Decorating and Holiday Traditions

Many years ago, a dear friend and I started what would become one of my favorite holiday traditions. We hosted a gingerbread house party for our children and some of their friends. Together, through A LOT of trial and error, we constructed the gingerbread houses ahead of time, purchased the candy and supplies, and then let the kids have fun decorating them during the party.

What started as a simple holiday gathering quickly became something special. My friend and I continued the tradition for three years, and even though we no longer live near one another, it’s a tradition I’ve continued every year. I’ve made gingerbread houses with another friend, and I’ve even done it on my own. Each year, it brings our family so much joy.

So, when I was approached about reviewing a copy of The Gingerbread Party by Courtney Dial Whitmore, with Phronsie Dial and photographs by Cameron Wilder, I knew I wanted to read it.

And what a beautiful book it is!

The Gingerbread Party is a stunning collection filled with creative ideas for gingerbread houses, holiday décor, and delicious gingerbread desserts (the Apple Gingerbread Loaf is on my list to try this season!). It would make a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys holiday entertaining, baking, crafting, or simply making Christmas memories with family and friends.

I especially love the templates and decorating ideas. The book is filled with inspiration, and there are so many yummy gingerbread décor and dessert recipes that I immediately started marking pages.

One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is creating traditions that bring people together, and gingerbread houses have certainly become one of those traditions for our family. Whether you’re an experienced gingerbread-house builder or someone who has never attempted one before, this book is sure to inspire you to gather some candy, invite your favorite people, and get creative.

I can’t wait to try some of the ideas from The Gingerbread Party this Christmas and see what we create together!

Disclosure: I received a copy of The Gingerbread Party for review. All opinions are my own.

Alpine Cocktails edited by Allyson Reedy

I love having simple, beautiful things on hand that I can gift to friends, especially once Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the holiday party season arrive. A gorgeous cocktail recipe book feels a little more thoughtful than the standard bottle of wine, but it is still an easy hostess gift to grab, wrap, and bring along.

Alpine Cocktails is such a fun pick for holiday gifting. The whole book has that cozy après-ski, fireside feel that is perfect for this time of year, with cocktails, warm drinks, and recipes to pair with them.

I am especially excited to try Sunburnt Skier and Sugar on the Snow, and I love that the book goes beyond drinks with recipes for cozy bites to serve alongside them, including cheese fondue. It is basically everything I want for a winter night at home. A fun drink, something warm and delicious to eat, and an excuse to gather around the table. I love the idea of making a cocktail for a fun night-in with my husband or a holiday sleepover or DIY with my girlfriends.

This would make such a cute Thanksgiving hostess gift, Christmas party gift, holiday housewarming gift, or an easy gift for a friend, neighbor, teacher, or anyone who loves entertaining. Pair it with a bottle of something from one of the recipes, a couple of pretty cocktail glasses, cocktail napkins, or even fondue forks if you want to turn it into a larger gift.

It is festive without being overly Christmas-specific, too, so it works throughout the entire holiday and winter season.

I already know Sunburnt Skier, Sugar on the Snow, and cheese fondue are going on my winter must-try list!