Christmas with Southern Living, 1987

Like Creative Ideas for Christmas 1987 (reviewed above), which Fitzpatrick also edited, this book opens with a section on a variety of Christmas traditionsin this case of several Southern citiesbefore launching into the nuts and bolts of decorating, crafts projects and recipes. The citiesAnnapolis, Nashville, San Antonio, Fort Lauderdale and Key Westrepresent a fascinating variety of celebrations, such as the spectacular outdoor light displays along Florida's canals and San Antonio's Hispanic pageantry and religious ceremonies. Although this book offers some undistinguished crafts, most of the ideas are original and sophisticated. Creative decorations include topiaries, apple garlands and exotic tabletop trees made from costume jewelry. Wreaths and mantle and centerpiece decorations using natural materials (some native to Southern states) are particularly striking. The recipes are standard holiday fareclassic rich desserts, cookies and candies, party foods and gift ideas. Full-size patterns are featured for the handicrafts, which include a number of needlework pieces (needlepoint, knitting, sewing and embroidery). (September)