Party Ideas
Book Club: A "Novel" Idea for a Party
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Book Group meetings are wonderful ways to invigorate the mind and warm the soul. By combining social time with a discussion theme courtesy of a great read, you are likely to discover new dimensions in old friends – and interesting connections with new friends as well.
Follow this lovely party set-up and helpful tips, throw in a few “novel” ideas, and it is sure to be an evening of lively discussion and satisfying, tempting treats. (We’re talking not only food for thought – but food AND thought here!)
Invite your guests well enough in advance to give them time to read the book, of course. Choice of a title can be as varied as you want – a fantasy, mystery, political thriller, enduring classic, or even an intriguing book of essays can spur some great discussion. Think of what your guests might respond to the best. What will get everyone’s gears turning?
Of course, you do have to spend some time during the prior month reading the book! But for those of us who love to read – this is a great excuse to hop in a bubble bath and put up the “do not disturb” sign!
Nothing could be simpler. Evite has an array of great electronic invites to choose from. Check them out at Evite.com.
You will want to have at least two areas set up for your goodies: A main food/drink buffet table, and a centralized, easily-reachable coffee table near where you will sit and have your book discussion.
The main food buffet table sets the tone of the evening. Warm, rich and vibrant tones intermix.
This inexpensive handmade runner is an artful base for simple, glass votives, alternately filled with single orange rosebuds and glowing tealights. Special handmade touches are a great way to spruce up a party, and this one pulls all your colors together in one warm glow – green, orange, yellow and red. (See How-To)
The centerpiece sits atop our luscious camel quilt. (Yes – a quilt! Throws and quilts make unusual, wonderful accents on food tables. It’s always fun to find a creative second purpose for a home item such as this.)
These vibrant, burnt-orange mugs are tailor-made to harbor yummy hot beverages. So go ahead – spike it if you dare! They blend beautifully with
these old-world plates, which provide a great resting place for a decadent dessert. (If you’re going to break your New Year’s resolution – break it big!)
Now, let’s continue the theme of the evening as we move on to the discussion area around the coffee table. Old-world bowls that coordinate with the dessert plates hold easy nibbles. Items like nuts, chocolates, dried apricots, veggie chips, etc. are great to have on hand during the book discussion.
And our warm-toned votives continue the glow that is reflected from the main food area. What to do with the extra roses? Put them in a vase near the conversation area, of course!
An additional tip: I like to carry the theme into the nearby powder room as well. A simple, fragrant orange candle, a little bowl of refreshing mints, fresh towels or themed paper towels are special touches that make your guests feel extra welcome. (See Additional Goodies Package for Related Products.)
And by the way, I have had requests about the art behind the main food table. Check out Bill Hyer’s website for additional information on this inspirational artist.
Some Book Clubs go all out and meet for dinner first. This is a fun option if it works for your schedule.
But how about a more casual evening, featuring a great dessert and a warm drink with a kick?
For instance, this fabulous fruit tart from a great local bakery is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. (Sometimes you just have to hand it to the professionals!)
And here are some ideas for that “warm drink with a kick." Add these liquers to coffee and make sure to have 1/2 and 1/2 and/or whipped cream available: Bailey's Irish Creme; Kahlua & Grand Marnier; Kahlua & Peppermint Schnapps; or add Frangelico Hazelnut Liquer.
Offer some small bowls of nibbles during the discussion to keep everyone happily munching. Nuts, chocolates, popcorn, dried apricots, veggie chips, etc. are great to have on hand and very simple to provide.
Book clubs are great monthly traditions. Quite a few people nowadays even attend more than one, as the popularity of this event grows and spreads. There are mystery book groups, history book groups, romance groups, and totally open groups – you name it. Whatever theme (or lack thereof!) your friends and you enjoy is sure to be a hit.
So … if you have a “novel” idea to start a new group, congratulations! You may have a little advance work to do, but it will be well worth the effort.
Start by looking at your schedule and choose a day and time that will work for a monthly meeting date (i.e. the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm). Then locate your participants – friends from work, neighbors, people you want to get to know better -- and as you gather a group that is interested (you want about 8 – 12 people), you can throw the date out and see if it works for all – or begin to explore a new option.
I typically find that people are very open to initial suggestions such as:
“Let’s start with this book!”
“I’ll serve dessert and drinks!”
“I’ll have a few initial questions for us to discuss, but please come armed with some questions and topics of your own…”
“We’ll choose the next book at our first get-together, so please bring some ideas.” (Have some future books ready, in case people don’t bring any at first.)
This is a social group – everyone doesn’t have time to pre-think it. As the initial hostess, that’s your job. But don’t hold on too tight – let people jump in with their ideas.
You will see that as time goes on and the group grows more comfortable, people will begin to make suggestions for possible changes, and also excitedly bring their book ideas. “Oh – I have a fabulous book, set in the South of France … and I am going to make crepes!!!” And your response. . . “Fabulous!”
For additional help, check out “How to Start A Book Club”
Send your friends home happy and fulfilled. A simple goody bag can’t be beat! Wrap your favorite candy in gold cellophane and tie with fringed yarn. An adorable accent on your table!
