Recommended: On the Beeton track; Woolly dinosaurs? Switched on; The plot shrinks; App-y Christmas; That old rat magic

On the Beeton track

We all know Mrs Beeton by reputation, but chances are that any attempts to engage with one of her 900 recipes have been thwarted by such bamboozlers as: "How does one catch a hare?" These abbreviated updates – cleverly divided for our ease and with forewords by modern foodie stars – contain 220 original recipes, with helpful asides by co-author Gerard Baker on modern means of sourcing and preparing ingredients. £6.99 each, orionbooks.co.uk

Woolly dinosaurs?

For men of a certain age who grew up watching Jurassic Park and its assorted sequels, news that a respected fashion house – Jil Sander – has incorporated a dinosaur into its latest designer knitwear will be cause for child-like glee. Rarely has a diplodocus looked so good. £430, mrporter.com

Switched on

Fresh from the workshop of Kartell, the Italian masters of plastic interiors, these statement pendant lights were designed to have the iridescent sheen of giant soap bubbles. And best of all, they're at our favourite department store, good old JL. £155, johnlewis.com

The plot shrinks

You may have dreamed of a garden with a white picket fence. If life and the cost of property have come between you and this dream, there's always The Balcony Gardener's new mini indoor allotment set. Grow your own herbs on the window sill, keep the seeds in the tiny handmade shed and dream of having more space. £25, thebalconygardener.com

App-y Christmas

A gift idea for the iPad addict – the renowned Contrasto photographic agency is releasing a series of apps called Great Photographers. This month’s chapter in the series is dedicated to the American master William Klein. With 393 images and captions by the artist himself, the series doesn’t skimp on depth or quality. £8, contrasto.it

That old rat magic

Here's a dark and magical alternative to the festive family play – Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre is hosting Rats' Tales, a new production by the poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, retelling folk stories from around the world. Until 12 January, royalexchange.co.uk