The perfect gift is something you wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourself but find yourself wanting anyway. A small luxury. Something that’s beautiful and a little frivolous but ultimately practical. The perfect gift, quite often, is a coffee table book.
These beautiful tomes are informative and decorative, both entertainment and an item you’ll cherish for years to come. They’re read by you and your guests, but they also look just as good sitting pretty on a side table or taking centre stage on a bookcase.
From books rhapsodising about the art of the modern treehouse for the budding architect in your life, to an artful homage to the America’s Cup, and even kids’ books the little ones will want to keep on display, these are the ultimate coffee table books to buy this Christmas.
Art & Design
America’s Cup Art Edition
by Tashcen
Defined by Marc Newson’s visionary design, the America’s Cup Art Edition is an exquisite homage to sailing’s most prestigious event. Seamlessly merging art and innovation, its sculptural form captures the Cup’s dynamic spirit, while refined craftsmanship elevates it to collectible status. A celebration of heritage and modernity, this limited edition embodies the creative daring that continues to propel both design and competitive sailing forward.
Dior Lady Art
by Rizzoli
This tantalising tome is an exploration of the creative dialogue between fashion and contemporary art. Showcasing reinterpretations of the iconic Lady Dior bag, Dior Lady Art highlights how 99 visionary artists have transformed the emblematic accessory into sculptural expressions of culture, identity, and imagination. A testament to Dior’s enduring allure and the boundless possibilities of artistic collaboration.
Alfa Romeo, 33 Stradale
by Rizzoli
A sumptuous tribute to one of history’s most iconic sports cars. Celebrating Italian craftsmanship and visionary engineering, this collectible edition traces the Stradale’s daring design and racing pedigree, revealing how it redefined automotive beauty. Rich imagery and thoughtful storytelling capture a legacy where ambition met artistry, embodying Alfa Romeo’s fearless pursuit of elegance, performance, and innovation.
Bruce Weber, My Education
by Taschen
An evocative visual memoir, chronicling the Weber’s intimate journey through art, youth, and desire. With Weber’s signature warmth and cinematic eye, the book captures fleeting moments of beauty and self-discovery, blurring the boundaries between fashion, portraiture, and storytelling. It’s a tactile celebration of curiosity and sensuality, and a testament to the transformative power of image-making and artistic exploration.
Fashion & Jewellery
Women, Annie Leibovitz
by Phaidon
A powerful compendium celebrating female visionaries, pioneers, and creatives reshaping culture today. Spanning art, design, science, and activism, the book captures a vibrant tapestry of influence and achievement. Through compelling imagery and thoughtful essays, it honours women whose ideas and actions continue to redefine possibility in an inspiring testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of female leadership worldwide.
The Book of Iconic Bags
by Assouline
A refined homage to fashion’s most legendary accessories. Celebrating timeless craftsmanship and cultural impact, it traces the stories behind coveted designs that have defined eras and inspired generations. With rich photography and thoughtful commentary, the volume explores how these enduring creations transcend trends, becoming symbols of style, heritage, and artistry.
Interiors & Architecture
Koichi Takada, Naturalizing Architecture
by Rizzoli
A striking exploration of architecture in harmony with nature. Showcasing Takada’s signature approach, the book highlights designs that blur the boundaries between interior, exterior, and landscape. Through lush imagery and thoughtful narrative, it celebrates organic forms, natural materials, and light-filled spaces, revealing how architecture can feel alive, immersive, and intrinsically connected to the environment it inhabits.
Modern Tree Houses
by Tashen
Suspended between earth and sky, Modern Tree Houses showcases visionary retreats that merge design ingenuity with nature’s tranquillity. Featuring visionary architects and spectacular settings, it redefines the classic tree house as sustainable, sculptural living. With striking photography and insightful commentary, this collectable tome celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and nature’s ephemeral beauty.
Gastronomy
On Meat
by Phaidon
Acclaimed chef Jeremy Fox reimagines carnivorous cooking, in his new book On Meat, with over 160 recipes that champion creativity, sustainability, and zero-waste principles. From deli favourites to hearty mains, this ambitious follow-up to On Vegetables offers inspiration and expertise for every meat-loving home cook.
Squeeze Me
by Rizzoli
A celebration of citrus in all its glory, Squeeze Me pairs fifty lemon-forward recipes from River Café’s Ruthie Rogers with striking artworks by Ed Ruscha. Together, they transform the humble lemon into a culinary and artistic icon.
Padella, Iconic
Pasta at Home
by Tim Siadatan
London’s cult pasta restaurant brings its magic home in Padella. With classics like Pici Cacio e Pepe and fresh new creations, this debut cookbook reveals the secrets, techniques, and soulful recipes that make pasta unforgettably simple, seasonal, and utterly delicious.
Sweet
by Alexina Anatole
Building on the success of her acclaimed debut Bitter, Alexina Anatole returns with Sweet — a joyful exploration of 80 recipes celebrating the many shades of sweetness. From cosy bakes to dazzling desserts, it’s a delicious ode to flavour, comfort, and creativity.
Something from Nothing
by Alison Roman
Championing the art of pantry cooking, Alison Roman’s Something from Nothing features over 100 unfussy, flavour-forward recipes. From crisp bean bakes to saucy pastas, it proves that with a few jars and cans, dinnertime magic is always within reach.
One Pot
by Phaidon
Effortless cooking meets global inspiration in One Pot by Phaidon, a collection of inventive recipes designed for maximum flavour with minimal fuss. Highlighting diverse cuisines and clever techniques, it turns simple ingredients into vibrant, satisfying meals, all from a single vessel. Beautifully photographed and thoughtfully curated, this book redefines convenience as both elegant and deeply delicious.
Children
Cake
by Phaidon
Whimsical and full of charm, Cake is a delightful children’s book celebrating baking’s universal joy. Playful illustrations introduce cakes worldwide, connecting cultures through sweetness and creativity. Perfect for inspiring curiosity and kitchen fun, this cheerful volume shows how cake sparks wonder and togetherness.
Advent Calendar Book Collection
by Little People, Big Dreams
A charming holiday treasure for young readers, this advent calendar-style collection features 24 mini biographies of inspiring figures, transforming the countdown to Christmas into a journey of discovery and empowerment. Beautifully designed and brimming with curiosity, this festive book sparks imagination and celebrates big dreams.
The Museum of Shapes
by Sven Völker
Step into a gallery where geometry sparks imagination. Sven Völker’s The Museum of Shapes transforms circles, squares, and triangles into vibrant characters, introducing young readers to the beauty of design, balance, and creativity in a way that feels both fun and profound.
ABC, An Animal Alphabet Adventure
by Rizzoli
Journey through the animal kingdom with this charming book — a vibrant exploration designed to delight and educate young readers. Each letter unveils a captivating creature, pairing playful illustrations with engaging facts, inviting children to discover the alphabet while exploring the world’s diverse wildlife.
Shibu’s Tail
by Tess Thomas and
Kamwei Fong
A tender, beautifully illustrated story about friendship, resilience, and self-acceptance. Following Shibu, a cat with an unusually long tail, the book explores themes of difference and belonging with gentle humour and warmth. Its lyrical prose and expressive artwork create a heartfelt reading experience that encourages children to embrace individuality and find strength in what makes them unique.
Oh Dear, Look What I Got!
by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Beloved children’s author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury join forces for a playful story about mistakes, surprises, and finding joy in the unexpected. Brimming with wit and warmth, it captures the joy of childhood mishaps in all their messy, marvellous glory.
The Cave Downwind of the Café
by Mikey Please
Step into a whimsical world with this imaginative tale brimming with wit and wonder. Blending playful narrative and striking illustrations, it follows an offbeat adventure where curiosity and creativity reshape the ordinary, inviting readers of all ages to see the world through magic, humour, and boundless possibility.
