Book clubs are my favorite way to get together with friends as an adult! You have fun and mutual built in conversation topics, an excuse to drink a little wine, and a scheduled opportunity to catch up with your friends and their busy lives. But the pressure of hosting a book club meeting can hold us back from starting or getting involved with a book club. Which is why today we are going to answer your questions and help you feel confident hosting a book club meeting!!!
Keep on reading for my most helpful tips for hosting a book club –
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My Most Helpful Tips For Hosting a Book Club!
How to host an awesome book club:
Tip 1: Food and drink are essential!
First things first- just because the purpose of the event is books doesn’t mean you should neglect the key to any fun gathering: food and drink!
Let’s break this down into some sub-tips:
- Keep It Easy to Eat While Talking
- Serve finger foods and small bites so guests can nibble without juggling plates.
- Examples: charcuterie boards, mini sandwiches, skewers, flatbreads, cheese & crackers, fruit skewers, or veggie cups. Head to Pinterest for some ideas for easy finger foods!!!
- Offer Both Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Wine is a book club classic and for a good reason my friends! I recommend white, rosé, or light red for easy sipping.
- Include mocktails, sparkling water, and tea for non-drinkers.
- A “signature drink” named after the book or main character adds a fun touch (like The Gatsby Spritz or The Mockingbird Mojito).
- Do a Themed Menu (Optional)
- Pull inspiration from the book’s setting or time period.
- Italian novel? Serve bruschetta and Chianti.
- Southern thriller? Sweet tea and mini pecan pies.
- Parisian historical romance? Cheese board and macarons.
- Pull inspiration from the book’s setting or time period.
- Add a Sweet Ending
- Cookies, brownies, or bite-size pastries work beautifully.
- Or do a “dessert sampler” so everyone gets a taste of something different. Personally this is something that I ADORE as a guest. There is something for everyone 🙂
Tip 2: Have discussion questions pre-planned
Next up when hosting a book club it is essential to have some discussion questions prepared and planned!
Here’s my best tips for planning your discussion questions-
- Start with easy, low-pressure questions
- Warm everyone up before diving into heavy themes.
- Examples: “What was your first impression of the main character?” or “Did you like the writing style?”
- Let everyone share without pressure
- Go around the circle for one simple opener so everyone gets a voice early.
- Ask open-ended questions
- Avoid yes/no prompts. Instead: “Why do you think the author chose that ending?”
- Encourage differing opinions respectfully
- Good discussions thrive when people see the story differently and you should embrace it!
- Balance plot talk with personal connections
- The best book chats connect the book to real life, feelings, and experiences.
- Don’t force the whole book
- If someone didn’t finish, let them still contribute. Life gets chaotic and not every book is someone’s favorite but they should still get to participate!
- Bring 8–10 questions, but don’t expect to use them all
- Natural conversation beats rigid structure.
- Use quotes or scenes to spark discussion
- Pick 2–3 juicy passages to reread aloud because they always leads to great chatter.
Tip 3: Incorporate the book theme into the party
Themes matter for every party in my humble opinion and the best thing about hosting a book club event is that the theme is already just given to you.
Whatever the general topic/vibe of the book is- make that into the theme of the club meeting.
AKA if it’s a romance novel that takes place on the coast of Italy? Do an Italian summer theme.
A thriller about camp? Do a camping theme! Pretty easy and no need to overthink or complicate it either.
Tip 4: Make sure there is socializing time
Games, discussions, etc are an important part of any book club meeting but allowing some free time for socializing is what keeps it light hearted and perfect for meeting new people and building on existing friendships.
I recommend doing the socializing time though after you have done a little ice breaking for any new members joining!
Tip 5: Have name tags + ice breakers if there is new people!
As I just mentioned new members can feel uncomfy when they first arrive so make sure to break the ice. Have a funny ice breaker game planned out for the very beginning!
And name tags go a long way with helping people feel like they can approach people.
Tip 6: Think of activities related to the book
This tip can involve a little brainstorming and planning in advance but it’ll set apart your book club meeting from any other one!!!
Pick a game or two, some crafts, etc. that are related to the book and watch as everyone has a fun, themed time.
Tip 7: Be flexible!!!
Last but oh so certainly not least is a helpful and honestly essential reminder- you gotta stay flexible!
Things will happen.
Schedules get thrown off. Unplanned people show up and others don’t. Food gets burnt. Just be flexible and patient with yourself.
Also- you are usually the only one as the host who realizes or even internalizes that something has gone off plan. Everyone is just enjoying the club and the lovely company not worrying about you only have 4 appetizers instead of 5! So be patient with yourself and go with the flow as much as possible so you are enjoying the book club as well.
Korra-Shay
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