The author has collected an array of dishes and gifts from around the world in this book, which includes Christmas cakes of every kind, Christmas puddings, traditional roast turkey or goose with fish or vegetarian alternatives, cold buffets with poached salmon, spiced beef, ham and tongue. There is advice on how to carve turkey, make your own candied peel, make a ham frill, and also advice on tree and table decorations. The book also has a section on the Yuletide customs of Europe and America. The author has written several cookery books, including The National Trust Book of Christmas and Festive Day Recipes and The National Trust Book of Traditional Puddings.