Christmas cookbooks to Save Your Sanity this season

Read This Now with Emily Darlow

If you’ve somehow found yourself hosting Christmas lunch this year whether by choice or because your family appointed, you without consultation, don’t panic.

When the menu feels overwhelming and you’re staring blankly at a ham wondering what on earth to do with it, a good cookbook can be a lifeline.

This week, we’ve rounded up a mix of timeless favourites and shiny new releases to help you pull together a Christmas spread that feels joyful, a little different, and completely manageable, even if you normally consider toast a culinary achievement.

Rick Stein’s Christmas | Rick Stein

Rick Stein has a way of making even the simplest dishes feel celebratory, and his Christmas book is the warm hug every stressed host needs. This is part recipe guide, part festive memoir, and entirely inspiring.
Expect elegant mains, nostalgic British classics, and clever ideas for seafood starters – ideal for an Australian summer Christmas where turning on the oven feels like a punishment. Stein’s gentle storytelling gives you confidence, and his menus are so thoughtfully put together that even kitchen novices can follow along with ease.

Like it? CLICK HERE to buy.

Christmas Feast and Treats | Donna Hay

I’m a big fan of Donna Hay, I did a Christmas cooking class with her two years ago and came away with more tips and tricks than I’d gathered in a decade of December chaos. This festive edition is everything Donna does best: achievable recipes, beautiful simplicity, and flavours that hit the table looking like you’ve spent hours (even when you absolutely haven’t).
Standout dishes for me include her Christmas Cake, a Raspberry Swirl Pavlova Wreath that always gets applause, and the Tarragon and Juniper–brined Roast Turkey,  a showstopper that somehow still feels foolproof. If you want one book that makes you feel instantly organised, this is it.

Like it? CLICK HERE to buy.

The Christmas Collection | Australian Women’s Weekly

The AWW Christmas books are the comfort food of cookbooks – reliable, nostalgic, and built with real households in mind. This edition is fantastic for anyone who wants to plan their entire day from starters to dessert without falling down a Pinterest rabbit hole.
Think classic roasts, fresh summer salads, retro crowd-pleasers and plenty of sweets, all triple-tested (bless them) so you know they’ll work. Great for if you have a Vegetarian at your table this year and you have no idea what to serve them, fear not the AWW have you covered. If you’re hosting multiple generations and need “something for everyone”, this is your safest bet.

Like it? CLICK HERE to buy.

Maggie’s Christmas | Maggie Beer

An oldie but an absolute goodie. Maggie Beer understands Australian Christmas cooking like no one else warm weather, seasonal produce, and a desire to keep things delicious without making the cook cry into the gravy.

Inside you’ll find comforting mains, fabulous sides, and nostalgic desserts with Maggie’s signature charm. Her recipes are timeless, generous, and perfect for anyone who wants Christmas lunch to feel like an embrace around the table.

Like it? CLICK HERE to buy

German Christmas Cookbook | Jurgen  Krauss

If you’re keen to mix things up this year, a German Christmas feast brings instant festive flair. Think spiced biscuits, wintery flavours, hearty mains and a whole new world of baking traditions.
This book offers easy-to-follow versions of classics like Stollen, lebkuchen and comforting potato dishes perfect if you’re hosting someone with European heritage or just craving something a little different from the usual Aussie spread. It’s a fun way to add novelty to your table without reinventing every course.

Like it? CLICK HERE to buy.

Whether you’re aiming for classic, modern, nostalgic or adventurous, the right cookbook can take the stress out of hosting and give you a clear roadmap straight to a memorable lunch. Pick one, let it guide you, and remember half the magic of Christmas cooking is simply showing up with good intentions, a box of choccys and a chilled bottle of something bubbly. The rest usually works itself out.