Alan Dunn's Christmas Cakes Paperback – 27 July 2012

This book mainly focuses on different types of cake decoration one can use at Christmas/ Winter time.The book does has a fruit cake and royal icing recipes at the front - though not one that I have tried, I purchased this book for decoration inspiration rather than as a recipe book. Also at the front of the book there is a section explaining techniques and materials required.There is a large section devoted to 'Flowers and Foliage' which include many winter flowers such as 'Christmas Rose', Winter Jasmine', 'Ivy', 'Red Amaryllis' and many, many more. These flowers are not part of a design as such but show a step by step guide as to how to make them to create your own arrangement.The last section shows complete cake designs for you to follow as well as some unique centre pieces. At the back there are some useful templates as well such as leaves, petals and a snowman.The designs are very, complex and not for the faint-hearted. I myself have not tried any for fear of their difficultly level. As I have this book earlier in advance I will be trying the different style so that I am prepared for the Christmas period next year, as all of the cakes are beautiful and would make a talking point at any winter party.Over all another detailed book by Alan Dunn with excellent photos and guidance and hopefully after practice I can make a great 'different' Christmas cake.

Alan Dunn is such a clever man and he writes brilliantly, too. Having been lucky enough to attend one of his workshops, I can hear him talking me through making these gorgeous flowers as I read this. He just doesn't include his funny stories in his books - do go to a work shop if you can. He is brilliant and very approachable. He is very practical and always had templates in the back of his books, so you don't have to go and spend a fortune just to make one flower. Brilliant.

Really pleased with this book. I recently made 3 types of flower for one of my Christmas cakes and these turned out very nicely. I found the instructions workable for each. The book gives an explanation of products/techniques, 21 different types of flower/foliage then there is a large section at the back on cake designs and arrangement ideas using the flowers within the book.

This book is simply stunning. Alan Dunn has produced another fabulous book. All the cakes are beautiful and he has even included a couple of more novel and perhaps easier to make cakes. There are easy to follow instructions for all the Christmas / Winter flowers, plants & foliage. Most of all, it's a joy to look at!

Yet another great book from Alan dunn his first Chrismas book has some great new ideas and simple but effectiv designs. I used one of his ideas in my sugarcraft classes and had some great results from my students. They all enjoyed working on it and had great feedback from friends and relatives.

As usual, Alan Dunn's instructions are easy to follow and I particularly like knowing what materials and equipment are needed before getting underway. There are a variety of techniques for the different designs and the cakes are suitable for people with varied expereience of sugarcraft

Full of inspirational ideas, I couldn't wait to try some of the flowers. This is the fourth book I have from Alan Dunn, some flowers appear in other books too but there are plenty of new ones to try.Not just for Christmas.

This is an inspiring book, with lots of good ideas. Instructions were clear and easy to follow. I made some snow berries and leaves, but ran out of time before the Christmas roses. Maybe next year!