Handmade for the Holidays, Part 2

Why not delve into handmaking decorations or food this holiday season?

First, check out the previous post in this series, where we focus on handmade gifts. In this post, we’ll go over some library resources to get your home and kitchen ready for the holidays – whether you’re hosting family and friends, love a cozy night in, or want to up your baking skills.

We also have a virtual event coming up in partnership with the Sustainability and Environmental Education Division called Green Gift Guide. Join us on Wednesday, November 15 at 12pm via Zoom to get inspiration for enjoyable and earth-friendly gifts for the whole family. Ideas include handmade items, technology to conserve resources, local experiences and more. Register to attend live or view the recording on the Plano Public Library YouTube channel.

Decor

Print Books

Nature Style: Cultivating Wellbeing at Home with Plants by Alana Langan Print
This may seem out of left field, but see how you can literally add green to your space. Maybe you have a plant-loving friend who can propagate a mature plant to get you started.

Big Thrift Energy: the Art and Thrill of Finding Vintage Treasures – Plus Tips for Making Old Feel New by Virginia Chamlee Print
Part resource, part inspiration, Big Thrift Energy is a comprehensive guide that offers tips for thrifting that you never knew you needed.

Tim Burton’s The nightmare before Christmas: the official cookbook & entertaining guide by Kim Laidlaw Print
There are ideas in each chapter for decor, crafts, and favors, but the book is designed to inspire readers to make an everyday dinner or a movie night that is memorable.

Statement macramé: create stunning large-scale wall art, headboards, backdrops and plant hangers with step-by-step tutorials by Natalie Ranae Print
Natalie guides you step by step through 12 amazing pieces. From floor-to-ceiling backdrops for your wedding or special event to impressive wall art and multi-plant hangers for your home, these designs are big, bold, beautiful and guaranteed to make an unforgettable statement in any space.

Pat Sloan’s tantalizing table toppers: a dozen eye-catching quilts to perk up your home by Pat Sloan Print
Set your table in style. Table runners and small table toppers are perennial favorites among quilters. They’re easy on the budget and easy on your schedule.

Home for the Holidays: Quilts & More to Welcome the Season by Sherri McConnell and Chelsi Stratton Print
Classic and simple or modern with contemporary flair, the variety of projects is plentiful enough to suit every style. Make easy-to-stitch gifts, cozy quilts, and comforts you’ll want to keep and display as you welcome family and friends for the holidays.

Christmas ornaments: 27 charming decorations to make, from wreaths and garlands to baubles and table centerpieces by Christiane Bellstedt Myers Print
With an emphasis on simple Scandinavian style and easy techniques, these are quick makes with no special skill required, just basic sewing, cutting, sticking, and arranging.

Papier-mâché: a step-by-step guide to creating more than a dozen adorable projects! by Sarah Hand Print 9781633228924
After introducing readers to the materials and techniques needed, Hand presents projects, ranging from a planter made from recycled bottles and jars to ornaments and bracelets.

Making Christmas bright with papercrafts: more than 40 festive projects! by Alice Hörnecke Print
A delightful collection of 43 papercraft projects, ideal for crafters at every level. Includes photos, templates, and instructions for an origami wreath, cut-out snowflakes, place-setting accessories, and much more.

Digital

Crafts

• Simply Crochet
• CrossStitcher
• The Knitter
• Love Embroidery
• Today’s Quilter
• Ideas (Step-by-Step Christmas)

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Food & Drinks

Print

I’ll bring the cake: recipes for every season and every occasion by Mandy Merriman Print
Step-by-step photo tutorials accompany special holiday-themed decorating projects as well as an essential primer on stacking, filling, and frosting to get you started.

Boards, platters & more from Taste of Home Print
Learn the secrets to building your own charcuterie specialties, impress guests with holiday-themed boards and serve up the sort of appetizers and beverages sure to make you the most popular host in town.

Totally kosher: tradition with a twist! 150+ recipes for the holidays and every day by Chanie Apfelbaum Print
150+ modern and exciting kosher breakfasts, dinners, desserts, and more.

Delicious gatherings: recipes to celebrate together by Tara Bench Print 9781639930456
Popular blogger Tara Teaspoon shares her favorite recipes that are perfect for large gatherings, family parties, and holiday festivities.

Holiday cocktails: over 100 simple cocktails to celebrate the season from Cider Mill Press Print
From decadent classics like Egg Nog to joyful serves like the Christmas Martini, these cocktails prove there’s no place like home for the holidays.

The complete autumn & winter cookbook: 550+ recipes for warming dinners, holiday roasts, seasonal desserts, breads, food gifts, and more from America’s Test Kitchen Print
Celebrate the season with this treasure trove of cozy cooking and baking recipes, from soul-warming soups and simple dinners to showstoppers and weekend projects.

Baking for the holidays: 50+ treats for a festive season by Sarah Kieffer Print
Kieffer shares recipes for brunches, parties, cookies swaps, and gift-giving. Perfect for any cozy day, these baked goods will get you through the long winter months after the holidays have ended.

Advent: festive German bakes to celebrate the coming of Christmas by Anja Forrest Dunk Print
Advent is a cookbook that celebrates that magical time in the run-up to Christmas – when we have an excuse to bake spiced biscuits and cakes, when the evocative smells of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves fill the kitchen.

Vegan holiday cookbook: festive plant-based meals and desserts for the Thanksgiving and Christmas table by Katie Culpin Print
Containing seventy-five plant-based recipes specifically designed with Christmas and Thanksgiving in mind, this is the ultimate book for vegans, the vegan-curious, and their families and loved ones.

Digital