Summer is the perfect time to host a party—especially a book party! So grab your reading buddies and prepare for the perfect summer book club with this fun and easy guide.
Pro tip: if you also invite the moms, it becomes the perfect mother-daughter book club!
Step 1: Pick the perfect book.
We’re recommending Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith. It’s about a girl named Alice who buys her best friend (and secret crush) Teddy a lottery ticket and attaches a note professing her love. Then the unthinkable happens: he actually wins. At first, it seems like the greatest thing on earth. But soon fame and fortune come between them, and Alice is forced to consider whether their stroke of good luck might have been anything but.
This story has everything you want in a summer read—romance, hope, heartache, and of course some epic luck. It’s perfect to read with your friends (and also with your mom)!
Step 2: Invite your crew.
Summer is a busy time for everyone. (When isn’t?) Make sure to get the date on everyone’s calendars ASAP, and let them know which book you’ve picked as far in advance as possible so they have time to read. Instead of just sending a group text, why not send cute invitations featuring the book? We made some for Windfall, and you can download them here!
Step 3: Plan your menu.
Having snacks for your guests (and yourself) is a must, and it’s even more fun if they pair nicely with the book. It also makes for better pictures. The adorable cover of Windfall makes us think of rainbow sprinkles, so we went with an ice cream bar!
You can put out multiple toppings and flavors so guests can serve themselves. Bonus points to those who match the book cover!
Step 4: Pick a signature mocktail.
You’re going to need something to wash down all that ice cream. We’re calling this one Lucky Lemonade to tie into the theme of the book. Here’s a quick and simple recipe!
—Half fill a large pitcher or drink dispenser with ice.
—Add 4 cups of water, 1 cup of agave nectar (add more to taste), and the juice of 6 to 8 lemons.
—Stir in lemon slices and a 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves.
Step 5: Decorate and set up.
Once your ice cream and lemonade are ready to go, it’s time to set up the area where you’ll discuss the book. Make your table pop with a simple centerpiece inspired by the cover of the book.
Put a list of potential discussion questions at each place setting to spark the conversation. You can download the ones we created for Windfall here!
If you really want to go the extra mile and be the host with the most, a small favor that ties into the story will make your book club party unforgettable. We went with scratch-off lottery tickets because—who knows—maybe you’ll win big, too! (Disclaimer: make sure you know the age requirements for purchasing lottery tickets in your state.)
Step 6: Discuss the book and enjoy!
You are officially the best book club host ever. Have fun!
