The Great British Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Nigella Lawson. Many families have the celebrated food writer and cook to thank for the festive feasts they’ll be devouring on Christmas Day. And we’ve all enjoyed some relaxation when tuning into one of her therapeutic Christmas specials. So we’re delighted that Lawson has shared her pick of books to enjoy over Christmas.

Before becoming the queen of cooking (and Christmas), Lawson first worked in publishing. She then went on to become a passionate book reviewer and literary editor for The Times. Her own writing is just as gorgeous as her culinary creations, so we are all ears when it comes to her book recommendations. 

So if you’re looking to curl up on the sofa with a glass of mulled wine and a good book, take a look at this selection. Lawson told fans she will be reading the 13 books during the festivities. “Christmas reading pile of joy. More to come but so far looking forward to reading these in Cornwall,” she tweeted, alongside a photograph of the book pile.

1. Private Citizens, Tony Tulathimutte
2. Kitchen Curse, Eka Kurniawan
3. Be My Guest, Priya Basil
4. Miss Austen, Gill Hornby
5. Don’t Believe A Word, David Shariatmadari
6. Brit(ish), Afua Hirsch
7. A Radical Romance, Alison Light
8. Difficult Women, Helen Lewis
9. Redhead By The Side Of The Road, Anne Tyler
10. Inferno, Catherine Cho
11. Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, And Me, Adrienne Brodeur
12. A Theatre For Dreamers, Polly Samson
13. Royals, Emma Forrest 

If you’re still looking for Christmas book inspiration, Stylist recently rounded up the most memorable festive passages from our favourite books. We also picked 15 of the most incredible books by female writers over the last decade. And we put together the best books to give at Christmas (or keep for yourself…) this year. 

And if you want some more tips for a Lawson Christmas, take a look at her Christmassy cocktail recipes and her advice on throwing a festive feast.

Images: Getty