The holiday season is here, and while we all know how important the twinkling lights, delicious food, and cozy blankets are, there’s one thing that really ties it all together: a Christmas coffee table book. Think about it—there’s something so special about having a beautifully illustrated book sitting on your coffee table, ready to add that perfect dash of festive flair to your home. Whether you’re having friends over for holiday cocktails or curling up on the couch with a cup of cocoa, a coffee table book is like the cherry on top of your holiday decor. 🎅🍒
From stunning photography of winter landscapes and festive feasts to heartwarming stories of Christmas traditions and family memories, these books are more than decoration—they invite conversation, spark nostalgia, and create a cozy atmosphere that fills your home with holiday cheer. So, if you’re ready to make your living room feel a little more magical, let’s talk about the best coffee table books that will have your guests saying, “Wow, this is the perfect holiday vibe!”
7 Christmas Coffee Table Books That Set Your Holiday Mood
The holidays are all about creating that magical, festive ambiance. And what better way to set the mood than with a beautifully illustrated coffee table book? Plus, they make your space feel so much more inviting. 🌟
The beauty of these books is that they can be pulled out year after year. You’ll find yourself revisiting them, reliving the memories, and rediscovering the charm of the season. They become part of your own family traditions, helping to create new memories every time they’re opened. Let’s make the coffee table looks great with hliday vibe!
1. Christmas in the Cottage: Come Home to Comfort & Joy (Cottage Journal) by Cindy Cooper (Editor)
This is a beautifully curated holiday collection that invites us into a world of cozy cottages, festive decor, and heartwarming holiday traditions. It is like a visual love letter to the spirit of Christmas, showcasing all the warmth and charm of a cottage-style celebration during the holiday season.
Rather than following a single storyline or character, this is a collection of holiday-themed stories, recipes, and decoration ideas — all centered around the idea of home for the holidays. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Christmas special: family, tradition, cozy spaces, and the joy of spending time together.
Through various essays, photographs, and holiday tips, the book captures the essence of a cottage Christmas — think rustic decor, soft blankets, twinkling lights, and the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the air. The pages are filled with inspiration for creating a comfortable, festive atmosphere in your own home, as well as ideas for making the most of your holiday gatherings.
From charming Christmas trees adorned with handmade ornaments to tablescapes that set the best holiday mood, the book shows how to bring the cozy magic of Christmas into every corner of your home. There’s also a delightful array of recipes — from baked goods to hearty meals — that reflect the warmth and joy of the season.
✨ What’s Great About It?
One of the standout features of Christmas in the Cottage is the stunning photography. The images capture the magic of Christmas in every rustic detail. From glowing fireplaces to snow-covered porches, the photos will make you want to start decorating immediately. It’s like flipping through a catalog of coffee table-worthy ideas for your own home.
The Cozy, Cottage Vibe: This book truly nails the comforting, inviting atmosphere that comes with cottage living during the holidays. Think plaid blankets, warm wood accents, and vintage holiday decorations.
Easy-to-implement Ideas: The decorating and entertaining tips are easy to implement. You don’t need to be an expert decorator to make your home feel like the pages of this book. The ideas range from simple DIY ornaments to elaborate tablescapes that will impress your guests. Each suggestion is practical, yet beautiful enough to make your home feel festive and special.
Heartwarming Holiday Traditions: Beyond decorations, the book explores the significance of traditions, from cookie baking to Christmas caroling, and how these rituals help create memories that last a lifetime. If you love hearing about other people’s holiday traditions, this book will be a delight.
👎 What’s Not to Love?
- Limited Focus on Storytelling.
🌟 Personal Experience
The book is a true feast for the eyes, with every page making me feel like I was stepping into a different cozy little world — each one full of festive cheer. I particularly enjoyed the decorating tips and the recipes. The ideas for rustic yet elegant decorations are amazing for someone like me, who loves the cottage vibe but doesn’t want to go overboard. I’ve already started planning my own tablescape for Christmas dinner, inspired by the book!
2. Heart & Home for Christmas: Celebrating Joy in Your Living Space by Victoria Duerstock
If you love decorating your home for Christmas, this book will quickly become your go-to guide for creating a space full of warmth, cheer, and festive joy. It’s about creating an environment that reflects the spirit of Christmas, where every detail brings comfort, joy, and connection.
Each chapter offers inspiration for different areas of your home — from the front porch to the kitchen to the living room — and shows how you can make every corner of your house feel festive and full of love. But the book goes beyond the how-to of decorating. It emphasizes creating an atmosphere of hospitality, kindness, and togetherness, focusing on how your home can be a place of warmth and connection for your loved ones.
Through vibrant photography, seasonal decor ideas, and creative projects, Duerstock guides you on a journey to create spaces that invite laughter, sharing, and holiday cheer.
✨ What’s Great About It?
Warm and Inviting Atmosphere: The book does a wonderful job of showing how to create spaces that feel both beautiful and functional during the holidays.
Personal, Heartfelt Touch: Victoria Duerstock infuses the book with her personal experiences, which adds a layer of warmth and authenticity. The tips are grounded in her belief that Christmas is a time to bring people together and create a space where love, peace, and joy are front and center.
Seasonal Decor Ideas: The book features thoughtful, creative ideas for decorating each room with a Christmas spirit that’s both stylish and welcoming. From wreaths to tree ornaments, tablescapes to mantel displays, it covers every detail that will make your home sparkle during the season.
DIY Projects: If you’re someone who loves to add a personal touch to your holiday decor, you’ll appreciate the DIY projects sprinkled throughout the book. These include simple, fun ideas that can be done with materials you likely already have at home. The crafts are approachable and non-intimidating, making it easy for anyone — regardless of skill level — to participate.
Emphasis on Hospitality: One of the book’s most powerful themes is creating a space that’s open and welcoming to others. Duerstock emphasizes that Christmas is about how your home makes people feel. There’s a strong focus on hospitality, creating spaces where your family and friends can feel loved and cherished.
👎 What’s Not to Love?
Not for Minimalists: If you’re someone who favors a more subtle, understated holiday style, this book might feel like a bit much at times.
Limited Focus on Outside Decor: While there are some ideas for exterior decorating, the book primarily focuses on interior spaces. If you’re hoping to get more inspiration for outdoor decorations (like wreaths, lights, or garden displays), this book is a bit lacking in that area.
3. A Very Pompom Christmas: 20 Festive Projects to Make by Jemima Schlee
This is the ultimate crafting coffee-table book for anyone who loves both Christmas and the fun, colorful world of pompom-making. If you’re looking for a creative way to brighten up your holiday season with some hands-on DIY projects, this book is a pompom-filled joyride. From tree ornaments to garlands to wreaths, Jemima Schlee takes you on a crafty journey, transforming ordinary yarn into adorable, festive decorations that will add a pop of color and charm to your holiday decor.
Schlee guides us through 20 delightful Christmas craft projects that all feature — you guessed it — pompoms! Each project is designed to be simple yet stunning, best for crafters of all skill levels.
The book is divided into sections focusing on different types of holiday decor, from tree ornaments to festive table settings. It’s a whimsical celebration of color, texture, and creativity, where pompom-making takes center stage. With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to create everything from garlands to gift toppers, all while adding that handmade charm that makes Christmas so special.
✨ What’s Great About It?
Creative, Fun, and Festive: The book’s focus on pompom crafting brings a playful and vibrant twist to traditional Christmas decor. The pompom projects range from simple to intricate, but all of them are guaranteed to make your home feel extra festive. You’ll find ideas for everything from wreaths to wall hangings, and even some fun, quirky ornaments.
Perfect for All Skill Levels: Schlee gives clear instructions, accompanied by helpful photographs, so you can craft with confidence. Most of the projects are straightforward enough for beginners, while still offering enough detail to keep more experienced crafters engaged.
Adorable Results: The finished projects are simply charming. The pompoms themselves — which come in a range of colors and sizes — give the crafts a fun, whimsical look that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Engaging and Enjoyable: Pompom-making is a relaxing and therapeutic craft. Plus, making your decorations adds a personal touch to your home that store-bought items simply can’t match.
Sustainable and Affordable: If you have leftover yarn from previous projects, this book will give you an excellent way to use it up in a fun, festive way. It’s a budget-friendly option for anyone who loves crafting but doesn’t want to break the bank.
👎 What’s Not to Love?
Not for Those Who Prefer Complex Crafts: If you’re looking for intricate, high-skill crafting projects, A Very Pompom Christmas might not be the right fit. While the projects are fun and creative, they tend to be on the simpler side, which is great for beginners but may feel a bit too easy for those who want more challenging crafts.
Limited to Pompoms: The book is entirely focused on pompom crafting. If you’re looking for a broader range of holiday craft projects (like sewing or woodworking), this book is very specific to one technique. However, if you’re a pompom fan, this is obviously a huge plus!
4. The Easy Christmas Cookie Cookbook: 60+ Recipes to Bake for the Holidays by Carroll Pellegrinelli
This coffee-table is the ultimate holiday baking guide for anyone looking to fill their home with the mouthwatering scent of fresh, homemade cookies. With over 60 cookie recipes to choose from, this cookbook promises to make your Christmas baking easier, more enjoyable, and, most importantly, delicious. From classic sugar cookies to unique new twists on old favorites, Pellegrinelli’s recipes are designed to be simple and straightforward, so you can focus more on spreading holiday cheer than stressing over complicated techniques.
If you love Christmas cookies but dread the hassle of complicated recipes, The Cookbook is here to save the day. Carroll Pellegrinelli takes the stress out of holiday baking with easy-to-follow, foolproof recipes that yield perfectly delicious cookies every time. This book is packed with 60+ recipes that cover a wide range of cookie styles — from chewy to crunchy, buttery to fruity, and everything in between. There’s a recipe for every taste, from traditional holiday favorites like gingerbread and shortbread to unique and creative ideas like eggnog cookies and chocolate peppermint bark.
Pellegrinelli’s goal is to make baking a joy, not a chore. Each recipe is designed to be simple and approachable, so you don’t need to be a professional baker to create mouthwatering treats. The instructions are clear and concise, and most of the recipes require minimal ingredients and equipment, making them suite for busy holiday schedules.
✨ What’s Great About It?
Easy-to-Follow Recipes: The best part about this cookbook is how straightforward and easy the recipes are. Pellegrinelli emphasizes simplicity, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen or stress over complicated steps. The recipes are designed to be easy for all levels of bakers, and the instructions are easy to follow.
Variety of Recipes: With over 60 recipes to choose from, you’re bound to find something that suits your tastes. There are classic cookie recipes (like sugar cookies and snickerdoodles) as well as more creative, modern takes on holiday favorites (like cranberry walnut cookies and chocolate gingerbread).
For Holiday Gifting: The cookies look as good as they taste, and they’ll certainly add a personal touch to your holiday gifts.
Time-Saving: During the busy holiday season, no one has time for recipes that require a ton of prep or fancy techniques. Pellegrinelli’s recipes are designed to save you time without sacrificing flavor. Many of the cookies can be made ahead and stored, which is a huge bonus when you’ve got a million other things to do.
Gorgeous Photos: Each recipe is accompanied by vibrant, mouthwatering photos of the finished cookies. These photos not only inspire you to bake but also help you envision the final result. It’s always nice to have a visual reference to help guide you along the way.
👎 What’s Not to Love?
Not for Advanced Bakers: If you’re looking for complex, intricate recipes with detailed techniques, this book might not be for you. The focus is on ease and simplicity, which is great for beginners or anyone who wants to bake without a lot of fuss. However, experienced bakers looking for a challenge might find some of the recipes too basic.
Limited Focus on Non-Cookie Sweets: While the book is filled with cookie recipes, don’t expect a lot of variety in terms of other holiday treats (like cakes or pies). The focus is squarely on cookies, so if you’re looking for a broader range of dessert ideas, you might need to look elsewhere.
5. Johanna’s Christmas: A Festive Coloring Book for Adults by Johanna Basford
Johanna’s Christmas is a magical way to unwind and embrace the holiday season. If you’re a fan of adult coloring books that transport you into a world of intricate designs and festive cheer, this one is a perfect pick. Johanna brings Christmas to life with a collection of festive scenes, patterns, and holiday motifs that are both relaxing and enjoyable to color. This book is more than a coloring activity—it’s a creative escape that invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
Johanna’s Christmas isn’t another adult coloring book. It’s a journey through a beautifully illustrated Christmas wonderland, filled with everything you’d expect from a holiday celebration: intricate snowflakes, lovely Christmas trees, whimsical decorations, and peaceful winter scenes. The book’s pages offer an assortment of complex designs, each one designed to spark creativity while offering a relaxing and meditative experience.
The illustrations are delicate yet bold, with a variety of themes from traditional Christmas imagery to abstract, swirling designs that evoke the spirit of the season. Some pages feature wreaths adorned with ornaments, while others showcase cozy fireplaces or reindeer running through snowy landscapes. The illustrations are thoughtfully crafted to allow plenty of room for creativity, with each page offering a new way to interpret the holiday magic with colors of your choice.
✨ What’s Great About It?
Beautiful, Detailed Illustrations: The artwork is stunning and highly intricate. Each page offers a feast for the eyes, with delicate designs that are best for hours of mindful coloring. Each illustration has layers of complexity that make it both fun and rewarding to color.
Relaxing and Therapeutic: The designs are complex enough to be engaging but not so overwhelming that they become frustrating. They offer the balance between detail and simplicity, making the coloring process relaxing and enjoyable.
All Skill Levels: The designs vary in complexity, so you can choose a simple page for a quick, relaxing session when you’re looking for a more immersive experience.
Festive Holiday Spirit: The book captures the magic of Christmas in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It brings out the joy, warmth, and excitement of the season with themes like sparkling lights, presents, and cozy winter nights.
High-Quality Paper: The pages are thick enough to handle various coloring materials, whether you prefer colored pencils, gel pens, or markers. The paper is smooth and can handle layers of color without much bleed-through, which is awesome for those who like to go all out with their coloring tools.
👎 What’s Not to Love?
Time-Consuming: Some of the designs are very detailed, which can be both a blessing and a curse. While the intricate designs are beautiful and rewarding to complete, they can also take a considerable amount of time to color. If you’re looking for quick, simple coloring projects, this may not be the ideal book.
Limited Color Palette: As beautiful as the designs are, they may feel a bit overwhelming for some people due to their intricate nature. If you’re not comfortable with making choices for complex designs or feel the need to color everything to perfection, you might feel slightly intimidated.
6. Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright, Stephen Gilpin (Illustrator)
Sneezy the Snowman is the kind of holiday book that you’ll find yourself reading over and over, especially if you have little ones who love fun, laughter, and a little bit of snowman magic. This sweet and funny picture book follows the hilarious misadventures of Sneezy, a snowman who can’t stay cold. The story, full of catchy rhymes and colorful illustrations, will keep you entertained while also giving them a cozy dose of holiday cheer.
The plot is simple but incredibly charming. Snowman is trying to enjoy the winter weather like any other snowman. But, as soon as he starts to get warm, he sneezes and begins to melt. Every time he sneezes, he tries something new to cool off, from drinking a cold drink to taking a dip in a cold pool. The problem is, he keeps getting warm again! It’s a constant battle of trying to stay cold so that he doesn’t turn into a puddle of water, and each attempt is funnier than the last.
What makes this story special is how it reflects real-life problems in a fun, kid-friendly way. Sneezy’s struggle to stay cool is something that kids can relate to — think of a hot day at the beach or an overheated moment in winter clothes — but the humor takes the experience to a whole new level. The more Sneezy tries to stay cool, the more laughs it brings, and that’s the magic of the book: it makes you giggle with every page.
🎨 The Illustrations: Bright, Bold, and Full of Charm
Stephen Gilpin’s illustrations are the best match for the story. His art is bright and playful, capturing the snowy scenes and the lovable, ever-sneezing snowman with such expressiveness. The snowman’s face changes with each of his attempts to stay cold, and it’s impossible not to smile at the adorable expressions he pulls — from his cheerful grin when he’s first built to his comical frown as he realizes that his strategies are, quite literally, going down the drain.
The illustrations are full of details that kids will love to point out: the snowy trees in the background, the warm winter clothes of the characters around Sneezy, and the cute little animals in the scenes. There’s an overall festive vibe to the pictures that makes this book not only a good read, but a good visual experience as well. The colors are warm and inviting, and they create the best cozy atmosphere for a holiday story.
7. How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn
This is a romantic comedy that’s full of festive cheer, laugh-out-loud moments, and a bit of holiday magic. If you’re looking for a feel-good, holiday-themed rom-com with a dash of drama, then this one’s right up your alley. Meghan Quinn has a talent for mixing humor with heart, and this book is no exception!
The plot centers around Piper, a woman who is having a less-than-perfect holiday season. When she finds out that her uptight neighbor, Max, has turned his home into a Christmas wonderland — with an over-the-top display of lights, decorations, and even a mechanical Santa — she’s not impressed. Max is the type of person who takes Christmas a bit too seriously, and it clashes with Piper’s laid-back, no-nonsense attitude toward the holidays.
However, as the story progresses, the two neighbors are forced to work together when a series of hilarious and chaotic events unfold. Sparks fly because this is a rom-com and the two characters who initially can’t stand each other start to realize that there’s more to the other than they first thought.
The book is filled with funny moments, romantic tension, and all the holiday spirit you could wish for. It’s got that opposite attract trope that is always fun to read — one character loves Christmas with a passion, and the other thinks it’s all a little too much. Watching them face their differences, all while getting into some Christmas mischief is pure holiday magic.
Last Words
These coffee table books are for creating a mood, starting conversations, and even giving your home that “magical” feel we all crave during the holidays. So, go ahead—grab a book (or two!) and place it front and center on your coffee table. After all, nothing says “Christmas magic” quite like a gorgeous book to flip through while you sip your eggnog and listen to your favorite carols.
Here’s to the season of good books, good company, and all the holiday cheer your heart can handle. 🎁✨ Happy reading, and may your coffee table be as merry and bright as your holiday spirit!
More Christmas Collections For You:
5 Personalized Christmas Books
10 Books To Gift For Christmas
10 Christmas Books For Toddlers
10 Best Christmas Books For Preschoolers
10 Magical Christmas Fantasy Books
Table of Contents
