Staying in: BOOK GROUP.

Byline: SHARI LOW

THE BEST OF MRS BEETON'S

CHRISTMAS

Published by W&N

Well, are you in the mood yet? Are you full of the joys of the season or contemplating where to tell Santa to shove his Rudolph?

If it's the latter, then fear not, because this week we're riding to the rescue with laughs, empathy and practical advice to make your Christmas merry.

Mrs Beeton has been creating the perfect festive fayre since the three wise men were boys, and her recipes are regarded as delectable masterpieces.

So if your Brussells were like bullets, your stuffing was slush and you forgot to put the turkey in the oven (or was that all just me?) then invite Mrs Beeton over for dinner this year.

HOW TO SURVIVE CHRISTMAS

JILLY COOPER Published by Corgi 

Yep, it's that Jilly Cooper, she of the bonkbusting best-sellers that ooze drama, scandal, betrayal, cunning and illicit sexual fumblings. A bit like the office Christmas party then.

Despite acknowledging that she is "a lousy cook, a rotten planner, and the worst wrapper of presents in recorded history", this updated re-release of her guide to surviving the turkey and tinsel might just be the very thing (eggnog aside) to get you through to the festivities with mind, body and soul intact.

You'll discover how to deal with the shopping, cooking and endless visitors by looking on the funny side... and if not, just use this book to wedge the front door shut until Boxing Day.

THE XMAS FACTOR

ANNIE SANDERS Published by W&N

Annie Ashworth and Meg Sanders continue the collaboration that created chicklit gems Goodbye Jimmy Choo and Busy Woman Seeks Wife with a Christmas tale that will make you count your chick... er, turkeys.

In the picturesque village of Milton St. David, newlywed Beth's reluctant mission to organise the village Christmas shindig turns into a struggle to live up to the ghost of her new family's Christmas past. Meanwhile, career woman and mother Carol is determined to make it all ho-ho-ho for her little boy and figures that a village Christmas will be picture perfect. A heart-warming, escapist yarn that is - apologies in advance for the naff pun - an absolute cracker!