Moginie James... at home | Winter 2010
Bookworm
Resident bookwormSusanna Tomas introduces us to a selection of her favourite reads!
So here we are, Christmas time again... with all the expense and planning it entails. Not much time you’d think for a quiet sit down with a book to teach yourself a new skill but have you ever thought about making your own decorations or good old mince pies from scratch? Thought about, but immediately dismissed for numerous reasons, perhaps? Who has the time to do these things? It’s usually a rush through the shops frantically trying to remember everyone on your list, being stuck in endless queues for the tills to pay for overpriced trends before being stuck again in traffic jams. It’s no wonder we don’t have a feeling of joy and goodwill to all men! But this year if you do manage to wangle a few precious hours to yourself and fancy creating your own decorations or foodie goodies then here are a few suggestions for books to inspire you:
For decorating your home I’d choose: ‘The Perfect Christmas’ by Anthea Turner. This book is full of nice little touches to make guests feel welcome and is beautifully illustrated to show how to dress your home for the festive period. Whilst Jamie Oliver’s latest book, ‘Jamie’s 30 minute meals’ was number one in the best seller list as I wrote this, I still love “Auntie Delia” for good old fashioned practical advice. ‘Delia Smith’s Christmas’ is my essential cookery book for the big day. Her vegetarian mincemeat recipe is one I’ve been following for ten years now. She also gives you a catering countdown of the 36 hours before your Christmas dinner which may sound rather like a military operation but is in fact hugely helpful when everyone else is vying for your attention on the day itself (plus she sneaks in a pre lunch glass of champagne for the chef!).
After the food has been consumed and you have earned yourself some R&R time why not get stuck into a Fiction or Biography? Grab yourself the latest Lee Child book, ‘61 Hours’ or ‘The Snowman’ by Jo Nesbo. For a great biography which has seized a top 10 spot check out ‘The Devil Rides Out’ by Paul O’Grady. Apparently a massive clubber as a lad, Paul’s mother used to look at him once he was preened and ready to hit the town and disdainfully say: “Hey up, the devil rides out!”.
I hope you find a great page turner to snuggle up with this winter - have a
merry Christmas and a happy new year! Susanna x
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