Genius holiday gift idea: 6 cookbooks that double as coffee-table decor

As a person who has very recently set pasta on fire, cookbooks pose a specific conundrum to me: They’re almost completely useless from a utilitarian standpoint, but some recent examples I’ve seen are so pretty look at. We, veritable chefs and kitchen phobics alike, have entered a new era in the world of cookbooks, with works of visual and culinary art like Cherry Bombe and Downtime.

It was hard enough deciding on a Thanksgiving host present, and the season of gifting is far from over: Don’t know what to get your friends, your family, and let’s be real—yourself, despite the holidays barreling toward you at festive lightning speed?

This is where a doubles-as-decor cookbook becomes super handy. It’s basically foolproof—if the receiver of this gift can’t cook (like me) then it’s an aspirational addition to a healthy Zen den. And, if you’re gifting this to a bona fide foodie, they’ll be psyched about the new pop of color on their cookbook-clad bookshelf. It’s a tasty win-win.

Flip through the curated pretty cookbooks below.

Shop the books

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"Matcha: A Lifestyle Guide"

$17

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"Simple Fare: Fall and Winter"

$25

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"Downtime: Deliciousness at Home"

$23

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"Eat Beautiful: Food and Recipes to Nourish Your Skin from the Inside Out"

$27

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"Salad for President: A Cookbook Inspired by Artists"

$21

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"Good Clean Food: Super Simple Plant-Based Recipes for Every Day"

$17

If you have more holiday-gift shopping to do, here are some ideas on what to get that person who has it all and for the fitness fanatic in your life.