Christmas Celebrations: The Essential Guide for Festive Gatherings

Susan Cleyle is associate university librarian, QE II Library, Memorial
University of Newfoundland.

Jean Paré is a household name in Canada and so is her Company’s
Coming series. Both books under review are beautifully produced and
filled with the high-gloss pictures we have come to expect from this
series.

Christmas Gifts from the Kitchen covers a variety of ideas from dry
mixes to gifts in a jar, savoury snacks, sweet treats, and unique
sections like Kits for Kids and Wrapping It Up. Each recipe is well laid
out with both imperial and metric measurements listed. Directions are
provided for additional uses of the gift as well as preparation tips.
There is also a recipe index, a gift index, and a measurement table at
the back of the book. The pictures are particularly helpful as they
provide wrapping and presentation suggestions.

Christmas Celebrations features sections on buffets, sit-down meals,
and cocktail parties. There are also measurement tables and an index at
the back of the book. Interspersed throughout the book are entertaining
tips, helpful menu suggestions, and a menu timeline that allows the cook
to plan the preparation several days in advance.

The recipes in both books are classic Paré: simple to follow and
requiring ingredients that are readily available at the local
supermarket.