Fete Files: Book Club Party

One of my favorite de-stressers from school is reading. Recently I've found myself dishing the dirt on almost every book I read with my girls. Try making a monthly (or even a one-time meeting to start) where you invite your friends over to discuss your latest favorite reads. Pick a book for you all to read and meet back in a few weeks to discuss.

For this month, I suggest reading, Emily Giffin's Something Borrowed. It's one of a two part series, which will give you something to look forward to for next month! Get your friends together to talk about your favorite characters, chapters and memorable moments in the book. Something Borrowed will certainly give you plenty to discuss!

INVITATIONS ONLY

Since this is slightly different than the average monthly get together, be sure to give your friends time to read the book. Send invitations a few weeks in advance to make sure that by the time you have your party, everyone will have something to share! Consider sticking to the theme of the book you're reading for your invitations. For example, Something Borrowed pretty much speaks for itself (and I wouldn't want to give away any info from the book).

Consider sending out bookmark invitations that stick with your books theme. There are TONS of web sites that offer printable custom bookmarks. Printrunner.com has some great options, including templates to create your own design. Most web sites, including Printrunner.com require large quantities to be ordered. Minimum quantity at Printrunner.com is 500 at $54 dollars.

If spending over $50 on bookmarks isn't exactly in your budget, I've got two fabulous options for you. One, get in touch with your crafty side, and make your own! I did this for my book club, and it was a fun, fairly simple activity and the invites were WAY more personal. Also, try sending your invites out via evite.com. Fabulous, free invites can be found here.

(Image via Evite) 

SWEET SLURPS 

Since we're going with a low-key relaxing theme this month for your book club. Consider serving some tea. For those 21 and over, try making "Lemon Thyme Martini's." They're easy to make and can certainly be proportioned for a large group.

Mix it Up: 

1 Bottle Dry Vermouth (375ml)

1 Ounce Fresh Thyme

Chilled Vodka

1 Bunch Lemon Verbana 

(Recipe via oprah.com)

Now, if you're like me and enjoy nothing more than a huge class of steaming HOT, hot cocoa, consider really giving your guests something to talk about with "White Hot Chocolate." 
 
Ingredients

1 cup white chocolate chips  
1 cup heavy cream  
4 cups half-and-half  
1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract  
Vanilla whipped topping, for garnish  
Candy cane, crushed or whole, for garnish  

(Recipe via foodnetwork.com)

For those over 21, consider adding peppermint-flavored liquor to your hot cocoa to add a little bit of sass! 
 

DEVORE, DISCUSS, DEBATE

Don't fret over cooking a sit down dinner for your book club party. Invite everyone over for a nice relaxing night of good literature, good food, and great drinks. Consider baking some tasty treats for your guests to pick on like white chocolate brownies to go along with your hot cocoa. They're easy to make and quite delicious! Recipe and instructions can be found here.  

Also try making a  "Seven Layer Dip" for your book club. It's perfect for a larger group because there is plenty to share! All you need is some sour cream, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, olives, beans and taco seasoning. For specifics, go here.

Once you've got the food and drink portion of your party set, get all your guests together to discuss your favorite parts of the book. Something Borrowed has its share of gossip to dwell over for hours! Split your guests up into teams according to whose side their on (trust me there will be sides to take!) Have each person discuss what their favorite part of the book is and why.

The best thing about this particular book is its part of a series, so you can continue your debate on for a second book club meeting! I highly recommend Giffin's Something Blue for your next meeting. Enjoy!