Gatherings: Bringing People Together with Food, by Jan Scott and Julie Van Rosendaal

With its focus on casual fare and family-friendly entertaining and a belief that who’s at the table is more important than what’s on the table, the philosophy behind Gatherings is one we can really get behind. If you’re looking for a way to connect with loved ones, whether they be old friends or little munchkins, Jan and Julie’s cheerful new tome is the place to turn. We’ll be wrapping this bright book up and giving it as a hostess gift at all our holiday parties this year. A colourful, hot new book of delicious recipes written by two very savvy Canadian moms? We can think of nothing else we’d rather receive this Christmas. ($21.91, available at chapters.indigo.ca)