If you are looking for inspiration, here is a wonderful collection of books for Christmas Presents, or as a special gift for yourself !

SNOWFLAKES & SCHNAPPS
Jane Lawson

Synopsis:Join Jane Lawson as she takes you on a culinary journey through the magnificent cold-climate cuisines of the snow-cloaked regions of northern, central and eastern Europe. From the seaside towns of Scandinavia, to the alpine villages of Austria, from the ski fields of France, to the fairy-tale castles of Germany, and as far afield as the white-blanketed cities of Russia and beyond, comes this enticing collection of traditional recipes with contemporary flair.

Celebrate the season of winter and enjoy this irresistible selection of simmering soups, hearty meals and indulgent desserts that will warm you to the core. From humble and satisfying classics to glamorous feasts worthy of a celebration, you are sure to be inspired by the mythical winter wonderland of Snowflakes and Schnapps.

http://www.murdochbooks.com.au/snowflakes.htm

Hot Brands Verdict

What better way to open our Christmas Guide than this beautifully produced book. The photographs are absolutely stunning, the Dreaming of a White Christmas section will have you wanting to book a trip to the snow immediately! Full of warming recipes for nibbles, soups, main meals, desserts and piping hot drinks, this is a book to inspire winter cooking at its best.

Star Pieces- The Enduring Beauty of Spectacular Furniture David Linley, Charles Cator and Helen Chislett

Synopsis: We engage with furniture in a very physical way.

We sit on it, lie on it, eat from it and work at it. Furniture has no secret meanings that need explaining in the way fine art might. It is rooted in natural materials and processes, which means you can use your own eyes and trust your own instincts. Appreciation of furniture comes from understanding what has gone before and keeping that line going forward.

The authors, with a passion for furniture, share their knowledge of why it matters from an intellectual and emotional perspective, and how best to assess it from an aesthetic one, exploring styles, techniques and materials.

They introduce twenty golden ages, from the ancient world to 20th-century American Studio Furniture, by way of such rich moments as Ming in China, Italian and French Baroque, Chippendale in England, the designs of Newport and Philadelphia in America, Neoclassicism in France, Russia and Sweden, Biedermeier, Shaker and Art Deco.

In ‘The New Golden Age’, they spotlight the most brilliant contemporary international designers of furniture, both those who see it as akin to art and those who enjoy the craft involved. Finally, they explain how your own star piece can enrich an interior with glamour, drama and personality.

The rich and varied illustrations include details of carving, ornamentation and upholstery, views of different styles of furniture used in historic and contemporary interiors, original drawings, and spectacular pieces, both antique and contemporary.

Advice on commissioning a unique handmade piece, and on buying antique furniture, comes from experts. David Linley, Chairman of Christie’s UK, is also the Chairman of Linley, the bespoke furniture company. Charles Cator, Deputy Chairman of Christie’s International, is in addition a respected furniture historian. Helen Chislett is a writer on interiors and decorative arts.

Hot Brands Verdict
This beautiful book is a wonderful analysis of furniture through the ages, from the ancient to modern, in each era the authors highlight the details of the pieces selected, and in so doing give readers the insight to understand and fully embrace what makes a ‘Star Piece’. What we liked most was the idea that using this knowledge you can either find your own Star Piece, or have it commissioned. In an age when mass production has become the norm, this book is the creative stimulus to find something unique and special. This sumptuous beautifully photographed and illustrated book will be a wonderful addition to any furniture lover’s library.

http://www.thamesandhudson.com/9780500514825.html

Tickling the English - Dara O Briain

Synopsis Nostalgia, identity, eccentricity, gin drinking and occasional violence... these are just some of the themes that stand-up comedian Dara O Briain explores in Tickling the English.

O Briain moved to England many years ago, but when he takes his show on tour around the country - from deserted seaside towns and remote off-shore islands, to sprawling industrial cities and sleepy suburbs - it's clear to him that his adopted home is still a bit of an enigma.

Why do the English pretend to be unhappy all the time?

Why can't they accept they rank about 5th, in everything?

And what's with all the fudge?

But this Irishman loves a challenge; he's certainly got the gregarious personality and the sure-fire wit to bring down the barriers of that famous English reserve, and have a good old rummage inside. Swapping anecdotes with his audiences and spending time wandering in their hometowns, this nosy neighbour holds England up to the light while exploring some of the attitudes he brought over here with him too.

As Dara goes door-to-door in search of England in this part tour diary, part travelogue, the result is an affectionate, hilarious and often eye-opening journey through the Sceptred Isle.

Hot Brands Verdict
This book is an account of Dara’ s travels through our towns and cities, including accounts of his stage show. Refreshingly honest, ‘I ran out to applause, mentioned a few of the other nights on the tour, hit them with the schtick about how much I was looking forward to chatting to them tonight, and then said ‘Right who’s here?’ and leaned in towards the front row. And instinctively, 1,950 people seemed to back away. Have you ever made a room clench? That’s what it felt like. They puckered up. They curled into a ball. They went foetal. It was like doing a show to an alarmed hedgehog’ Tickling the English is very funny, entertaining and a perfect gift for Christmas with laugh out loud moments guaranteed to have you laughing on your sofa after the Christmas turkey.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tickling-English-Dara-O-Briain

Hot Brands Verdict

My Favourite People and Me 1978-1988 Alan Davies

Synopsis: In a unique memoir that's part Nick Hornby, part Where Did It All Go Right, Alan Davies tells the story of growing up in a house in Essex in the 1980s where the TV was never turned off. While his dad tried to bring up his three children alone, Alan did his best to pursue life outside of the school he labelled 'The House of Fascists and Bullies'. His bedroom walls reflected his changing enthusiasms.

From Charlie's Angels to Paul Weller, pictures and posters were put up and pulled down with indecent haste as Alan's interests veered wildly through a list that included Debbie Harry, nicking stuff, Adam and the Ants, tagging the back of bus seats in indelible marker, chicken's lib and Jimmy White. But always football. And always Arsenal. Warm, personal and laugh out-loud-funny, My Favourite People is both autobiography and nostalgia-fest. 'An attempt,' as Alan puts it, 'to remember what I liked as a boy/youth/idiot and to work out why . . . '

http://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Favourite-People-Me-1978-1988/dp/0718154878

Hot Brands Verdict
What we loved about this book was that from the first line you feel in conversation with Alan. From his numerous television appearances, we have grown very fond of him, and his disarmingly honest take on his life is fascinating. He also reminds us so vividly of that period of time 1978-1988, whether you were growing up then or not, his descriptions bring the memories flooding back. There are many laugh out loud moments, and also endearing and poignant moments as he describes the loss of his mum, how he first became an Arsenal fan, his love for the game and what it was like for him growing up. If you are an Alan Davies fan, (and there are many),you will love this book.

Ooh! What a Lovely Pair- Our Story - Ant McPartlin, Declan Donnelly

Synopsis: This is the book everyone has been waiting for: national heroes Ant and Dec, Britain's most successful television duo, have invited their millions of fans into their world. From youth clubs to blind school, pubs to jungles, there's a wealth of behind-the-scenes anecdotes that have never been told until now. Ant and Dec met when they were thirteen on the set of Byker Grove in Newcastle. They didn't warm to each other immediately, but soon enough they became best mates and have been inseparable both on and off screen ever since. Bad rap, stunts going wrong, schoolboy pranks and off-screen antics are just some of the experiences they write about in this wonderfully entertaining memoir, full of vivid observations, colourful reminiscence and charming digressions, Ooh! What a Lovely Pair will give millions of fans an insight into the genuine intimacy and refreshing sense of humour that the two TV icons share.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ooh-What-Lovely-Pair-Story

Hot Brands Verdict
Ant and Dec could almost be described as the nation’s sweethearts, and this book describes their last twenty years working together. At the start of the book they describe one of their first experiences, as ‘one for the book’ and the rest of the book is based on anecdotes that they have collected ‘for the book’ It’s written from both their perspectives as the narrative is separated into individual comments from Ant and Dec, one italicised and the other in bold, and that’s part of the attraction in this book. Their on and off stage banter is an important part of their relationship, and their voices ring loud and true through the dialogue. ‘We got back to Newcastle, and it felt like our lives had changed overnight. We were eighteen, and we were pop stars. But we didn’t celebrate, we didn’t get drunk, we just went home and had an early night. Not necessarily, because we wanted to….

…..but because we had to do our double act at another old people’s home the next day.

Ooh! What a Lovely Pair is a warm, funny account of their relationship and their growing into two of the most well-known and well-loved television presenters.

Ask Me Anything- Dorling Kindersley

Synopsis:Do you love trivia? Do you have a burning question? Then ask me one. Go on, anything you like. Why should you open me up, for instance?

Because I'm stuffed with trivia, facts, fun, and incredible info on just about everything you can think of. What's the most dangerous spider? How much would you weigh if you lived on Venus? Where can you post letters underwater? I'll also tell you how to split an atom, assemble an orchestra, and find out what happens when astronauts fart in their spacesuits.

You see, you really can ask me anything.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ask-Me-Anything-Dk/dp/140533732X

Hot Brands Verdict
As lovers of trivia, we were immediately attracted to this book, packed full of facts and information on a whole range of topics including, Space, Earth, Dinosaurs, Plants, Animals, Human Body, Science and Technology, Transport, Places, Society and Culture, and History. This really is a book for all the family, with answers to hundreds of questions, ‘I don’t believe it’ statements and ‘Weird or What’ facts this book is a fascinating window on the world and a great book for Christmas.

The Football Book: The Leagues / The Teams / The Tactics / The Laws Dorling Kindersley - David Goldblatt

Synopsis:Whether you want to bend it like Beckham, dribble like Ronaldinho, or just marvel at the world’s best teams and competitions, The Football Book is the ultimate visual guide to planet football, illustrating every aspect of the sport more clearly, and in more detail, than any other book has done before.

Containing a survey of the world of football, details of how the game is played and a fascinating illustrated journey across more than 55 of the world's best footballing nations, this book is one no football fan should be without.

Throughout the book, double-page spreads highlight the great matches, stadiums, and moments that have shaped football. This, together with a wealth of entertaining stories, stats, and quotes on all aspects of the game make this book a football lover’s dream read.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Football-Book-Leagues-Teams-Tactics

Hot Brands Verdict

With the World Cup approaching, this is an fabulous book for all lovers of football, beautifully produced. The scope and nature of it means that it focuses more on the world game than individual clubs, but it is still a treasure trove of information, illustrations, facts, and quotes. ‘People think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you it’s much more serious than that.’ Bill Shankly Liverpool Manager 1959-74. Perfect Christmas Day reading for all football lovers.

The Drawing Book - An innovative, practical approach to drawing the world around you - Sarah Simblet

Synopsis: Whether you are a beginner or an expert, be inspired to pick up a pencil, pen or charcoal with this comprehensive guide to drawing from Sarah Simblet.

From still life to architecture, learn to tackle different subjects in a variety of ways following step-by-step instructions in drawing classes which will take you through the basics to more advanced techniques.

From quick pencil sketches to finished colour studies Sarah Simblet brings her expertise as an artist and teacher, using her own inspirational work as well as famous Masters to demonstrate the "how to" aspects of drawing.

Whatever your ability, it's never been easier to master the art of drawing.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drawing-Book-Innovative-Practical-Approach

Hot Brands Verdict
What we love about this book is its range and scope, covering everything from Animals to Gods and Monsters, including Costume, Gatherings, Plants and Gardens, Architecture, Objects and Instruments, The Body, Portraiture, Earth and the Elements, Abstract Lines. This is so much more than a drawing book, Sarah encourages the reader to go beyond merely drawing, ‘As your hand meets the paper to make a mark, it should be responding to the sensation and meaning of the subject it draws. If you can do this, your marks will become the subject on the paper. This is the alchemy of drawing.’ It is an absolutely inspired book, covering all aspects of drawing. If you ever thought about putting pencil to paper, buy this book first ! A perfect gift for anyone wanting to explore drawing in its widest context.

New Larousse Gastronomique - Hamlyn

Synopsis: Containing over 900 fresh photographs, this title provides recipes, tips, cooking styles and origins for various dish in history.

"Larousse Gastronomique", the world's classic culinary reference book, is known for its authoritative and comprehensive collection of recipes. Here it is brought up to date for 2009 in an attractive edition containing over 900 new colour and black and white photographs. All chapters have been read and edited by field specialists, and 85 biographies of chefs have been added. Entries have also been regrouped for increased accessibility. Originally created by Prosper Montagne and published in 1938, this essential addition to any kitchen has withstood the test of time and become an invaluable source of information for every enthusiastic cook. Without the exaggeration and extravagant distractions of many of today's cookery titles, "New Larousse Gastronomique" contains recipes, tips, cooking styles and origins for almost every dish in history.

http://www.octopusbooks.co.uk/books/general/9780600620426/new-larousse-gastronomique/

Hot Brands Verdict
Beautifully packaged this is the most comprehensive collection of recipes, containing over 900 new colour and black and white photographs. This is an essential resource for people who are serious about cooking. If you are looking for a special gift for an aspiring chef, this is a perfect present.

The River Café Classic Italian Cookbook- Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers

Synopsis:Most of what we have learnt has been from Italians who we've cooked side by side with. With this book, we want you to cook side by side with us' Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers

Over the last twenty years, Rose and Ruth have both visited Italy time and again and during these visits have learned the many different subtleties that appear in dishes from the different, and very diverse, regions of the country. They have cooked alongside mothers, grandmothers, cousins and wine makers who have shared their family recipes. This book is Rose and Ruth's personal interpretation of these recipes. It's a celebration of the real, classic food of Italy; the traditional, regional food they both love to eat when they are in Italy, and the food they love to cook at their restaurant and also at home. The precious recipes that they have become well known for, as well as the ones that are cooked less and less in Italy these days.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/River-Cafe-Classic-Italian-Cookbook

Hot Brands Verdict
Rosie and Ruth’s passion for Italy shines through in this delightful book, already well known for their famous River Café and their association with other chefs, this book is a collection of their favourite Italian recipes. The recipes are clearly explained and the beautiful photography adds to the flavour of their journey, as does their fascinating commentary. For serious lovers of Italian Food and Italy this is a perfect Christmas present.

Be Beautiful- Every Girl’s Guide to Hair, Skin and Make-Up
Alice Hart Davis & Molly Hindhaugh

Synopsis:A practical and comprehensive beauty guide for teen girls by an award-winning beauty journalist.

At some point, every girl is going to come up with a whole bunch of questions about her skin, her hair, her looks ... and when Alice's daughter, Molly, started asking, there seemed to be so many, you could write a book. With chapters about hair, make-up, spots, skincare, hair removal, manicures, pedicures and how to look good in pictures, this fabulous beauty bible extends a sympathetic helping hand as it guides teenagers through the minefield of often inappropriate beauty advice in a friendly and informative way.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Be-Beautiful-Every-Girls-Make-up/dp/1406318310

Hot Brands Verdict
This is a fabulous book, a perfect gift for any teen taking those first faltering steps into the world of beauty and make-up. We loved the fact that is written by a mother and daughter team, there is so much excellent content, including a very sensible skin and sun section including a five-point mole check. All aspects of beauty and make-up are covered from head to toe as well as nutritional advice. If there was one book that should be in the stocking of every teen girl (and some grown-up girls too),it would be this one!

Remember as well as this collection we have featured other fabulous books throughout the year. Check out our reviews!