There's a reason that Donna Hay is one of Australia's most trusted cooks. Her recipes always seem to be exactly what we want to eat- modern, fresh, and not dependent on training from Le Cordon Bleu to successfully recreate.

Take this month's issue: beautifully presented amongst clean design and Donna's signature pale blue, we find recipes that can take you from a breezy lunch with friends (five-spice salted soft shell crab rolls, anyone?) to a sparkling party (well, it will literally sparkle if you make the champagne and peach punch) to a crowded family-around-the-table traditional dinner.

This issue also features a sample from Donna's new book 'fast fresh simple' and plenty of ideas for delicious dinners on the go.

As always, Donna Hay magazine's suggestions are chic, varied and get your mouth watering even as you read the recipe titles. This issue is sure to be a staple that you thumb back over in Christmases to come.