The Ultimate Christmas: The Best Experts' Advice for a Memorable Season With Stories and Photos of Holiday Magic

by Jeanne Bice, Caroline Grant (contributor)

Create a Magical Holiday Season for You and Yours . . . You know the moment when it feels like Christmas—when you make your annual pilgrimage to the tree lot and the 'blue spruce or pine' debate commences, when you share favorite memories over a second helping of your mother's stuffing, or when you feel the tug in your throat during the holiday pageant. Now you can revel in the true meaning and spirit of the season with Ultimate Christmas , an entertaining, touching, and uplifting collection of true stories and awe-inspiring photographs of holiday magic (and a little mania!). From the kindness and generosity of strangers to the turkey that got away, from the innocence and pure joy of a child to the tree that really was too tall to fit, this Yuletide treasury will make you laugh and cry, and help you celebrate everything that is delightful—and perhaps slightly dysfunctional—about the holidays. And, if you're searching for some holiday inspiration, fashion and decorating guru Jeanne Bice, the founder of The Quacker Factory, shares must-know info for making things merry, including eco-friendly ways to deck the halls, a simple, sensational open house menu, homemade crafts, and etiquette rules for regifting, holiday 'brag' letters, and the dreaded fruitcake. This is the ultimate Christmas volume you'll want to bring out year after year to help create lasting memories and savor the warmth of the season.

Genres: Christmas

286 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 2008

About the author

Jeanne Bice was an entrepreneur, businesswoman and television personality. Bice was the founder of the Quacker Factory clothing line, which led to frequent appearances on QVC beginning in 1995. Quacker Factory has grossed more than $50 million in sales, as of March 2011. She was also a frequent guest on The Soup, appearing opposite host Joel McHale.

She was the mother of Tim Bice and the late Lee Bice.

Reviews

[Theresa F.]

This book covers a broad range of Christmas related topics. The first section presents personal stories dealing with the holidays, submitted by authors from every walk of life. The latter part of the book contains practical information from experts on subjects like holiday entertaining, decorating and gift giving. So there's bound to be something for everyone in this collection.
The recipe sections were a bit difficult for me to slog through when reading, but I don't typically read cookbooks for fun unless they contain additional material like the author's personal notes or stories.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book. I preferred the selection of personal stories over the more straightforward advice section, but there were some useful pieces of information that I may refer back to at a later date.
Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? Possibly, but not cover to cover.
Would I recommend it? Yes.

[Abraham Ray]

great book for christmas lovers!
lot's of crafts & recipies for christmas lovers!

[Kathy]

This is a warm happy Christmas read. There is nothing particularly new or different, but if you are looking for something to get in the holiday spirit this might be for you.

[Wanda]

What can I say? I wrote a story that is included in this book. Of course I love it.