Girls' Night In: Craft, Cakes and Cocktails by Hannah Read-Baldrey

This week I'm reviewing Girls' Night In: Craft, Cakes and Cocktails by Hannah Read-Baldrey, published by Quadrille Publishing with photography by ©Tiffany Mumford & Verity Welstead. Hannah is a successful props and fashion stylist whose work has appeared in leading international publications such as Vogue, Elle, Red and Cath Kidston magazine. I chose to review this book as I loved Hannah's co authored book, Everything Alice! Last month I attended the launch party of Girls' Night In at Hannah's super stylish home where we drank cool cocktails and ate the most amazing dishes, my favourite being the baked brie barrel with honey and caramelised nuts. I was so in awe of her fabulous tile splashback...




Girls' Night In: Craft, Cakes and Cocktails, Hannah's first solo book is a super stylish, enchanting collection of unique craft projects, tasty treats, delicious cocktails, hilarious party games and simple pampering instructions for hair, nails and make-up.

The book starts with advice hints and tips on party preparation including crafty tutorials to help you make your own invitations and decorations to help you set the scene. The book is then split into three main chapters, starting with Craft Projects. Here you will find a fabulous selection of girly treasures to be made over a good natter, a glass of something nice and a cake or two. From pretty bow knickers, floral felt fascinators to a super stylish bunting necklace all of which are beautifully photographed and styled with accompanying easy to follow clear instructions and photographed instructions, including templates where necessary.

The second chapter Boudoir Beauty is full of a whole range of wonderful treats for pampering you and your friends. Starting with how to master the effortless chic french plait, create a modern wrap beehive and create a vintage roll. There are homemade spa treatments like the relaxing avocado and banana face mask and lavender salt hand scrub. Make up ideas devised with the help of Hannah's close friend and celebrity make up artist Fiona Fletcher and beautiful nail designs created by rising star Lucy Pearson.

In the third chapter Savvy Savouries, Sweet Treats & cocktails Hannah shares a varied selection of great party food recipes from a rustic pizza with crunchy colesaw, movie night savoury popcorn to the fabulous looking peaches and cream ruffle cake. A whole host of cocktail recipes including a fabulous Sweet Shop collection that includes a rhubarb and custard, cookies and cream and a popcorn marini!

Girls' Night In: Craft, Cakes and Cocktails is a super practical book brimming with stunning ideas. At a recommended price of £16.99, I think this book is a must for those who want to delight their guests with easy yet delectable food and drinks, as well as giving each of them the opportunity to create beautiful and quirky craft makes that they can take home and treasure!

Some of my favourite ideas:

Pom poms

Bunting Necklace

Party Preparations

Mojito Punch

Floral Felt Fascinator

To see more of Hannah's fabulously stylish work check out her blog Couture Craft!


Please note that my opinions are my own and I am not paid for these reviews (apart from receiving a free book, of course!).

Have a sweet day!