5 Creative Themes for Your Family Cookbook

Grouping recipes by "Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner" is classic, but sometimes you want something more unique. A theme can turn a random collection of recipes into a curated experience.

1. The "Through the Decades" Book

Organize recipes by era. The Jell-O salads of the 70s, the casseroles of the 80s, the fusion dishes of the 90s. Include photos of family members from each decade to match. It's a timeline of your family's taste buds.

2. The "College Survival" Guide

A perfect gift for a graduate. Focus on cheap, easy, and nutritious meals that can be made with limited equipment. Include tips on grocery shopping on a budget and basic kitchen safety.

3. The "Family Feud" Collection

Does Aunt Marie make the best stuffing, or does Uncle Bob? Why not include both? A "Battle of the Recipes" theme allows you to include variations of the same dish, celebrating the different ways your family cooks.

4. The "Travelogue" Cookbook

If your family loves to travel, organize recipes by location. The pasta dish you learned in Italy, the tacos from that trip to Mexico. Pair the recipes with travel photos and stories from the trip.

5. The "Seasonal Harvest"

Organize purely by season. This is great for families who garden or prioritize local eating. "Summer Bounty," "Winter Comforts," "Spring Greens," and "Autumn Harvest." It helps you cook in rhythm with the year.