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Welcome friends! Today we’re combining two of my loves – books and brunch! Scroll down to see how to host a fun book exchange brunch with a free printable.
If you are new here, thanks so much for popping by! I’m Nicolle, a wife, mom to 2 boys, nurse by day, creator and homebody. I love being home and creating cozy spaces, getting lost in a good book with a cup of coffee and all carbs! If this sounds like you too, stay awhile and let’s become friends! You can follow me on Instagram @ourtiny_nest where I share more book picks and am currently doing a winter reading challenge!
How to host a book exchange brunch
I am happy to be joining some of my lovely friends for their monthly supper club. Thank you to Jen from Midwest Life and Style for inviting me to join this month! Obviously as a big book nerd I had to say yes! If you don’t know Jen, she is a wife, mom of 2, event planner by day and blogger who is from Nebraska. She makes the most delicious recipes, (check out her blueberry sour cream coffee cake, you won’t be sorry) and the most innovative tablescapes! So make sure to follow her!
And if you are coming from my friend Jen at Midwest Life and Style, welcome! I hope you will stick around!
I got the idea for this book exchange brunch from those little public library shares. The path where we go on our walks has one of those free little community libraries where you can take a book and leave a book. So I was inspired to do a brunch with a similar idea and have a book exchange.
Now the concept is, each guest needs to bring a book that they enjoyed to share and exchange with the other guests so be sure to include that in your invite.
The Tablesetting
Table Runner
I started by creating a table runner out of book pages. This was super simple to do. I had a bunch of used books from old book sales that I had on hand for crafts. If you don’t have a book on hand that you want to use for this purpose, check out your local Dollar Store. They have tons of books!
I ripped out the pages and started gluing them together to make a runner.
Some tips for creating the runner – lay out the pages first in the desired length and width. I did it kind of haphazardly which I think adds a little dramatic effect and no stress about it being perfect. Then glue the pages together and allow to dry.
The place setting
I wanted to keep the place setting simple and all about the books. At each place setting, I included this printout for guests to fill out about their book, why they love it and then put inside the book they were sharing.
I’m sharing my printable below for anyone that wants to do something similar, just click the link.
Click here to download the free printable
The Table Decor
For the table decor I stacked some books that I had. I think hardcover works best and I took the book jackets off to display the original binding. You can also wrap some books in wrapping paper so that it fits your color scheme. I did a little of both.
Then I added mason jars with fresh flowers to give a little pop of color.
In the middle of the table I placed a basket where everyone could place their books and choose which ones they wanted to exchange.
I’ll link some of my pieces that I used to create the tablescape and similar decor below
For the exchange
Have you guests go around the table and choose a book out of the basket that they want to read and guess who the book is from before opening and reading the card aloud. This is also a good way for the other guests to get ideas for books to add to their reading list.
You can check out the whole brunch menu here. It’s a pretty delicious lineup!
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17 Comments
stacy
January 26, 2023 at 7:35 amNicolle what a great idea! I love the book exchange! Thanks for joining us this month!
Nicolle
January 26, 2023 at 7:47 amThank you Stacy!! This was right up my alley so thank you so much for having me! I had so much fun joining you ladies!
Rachel Harper
January 26, 2023 at 7:57 amNicolle,
I’m so glad you joined us this month. I love your idea of a book exchange! I have a friend whose book club is exactly that each month. Instead of every reading the same book, everyone just brings a book to swap. So fun.
Renae Frey
January 26, 2023 at 9:51 amSuch a fun tablescape. You have my wheels turning on how to do a vintage book tablescape. I love it
Tammy
January 26, 2023 at 10:47 amI love looking at tablescapes. So many fresh and new ideas.
AnnMarie | Simply2Moms
January 26, 2023 at 11:40 amThanks so very much for joining us this month Nicolle! I love this idea for a book exchange party…I may suggest that for our next book club…so fun! Your tablescape is perfect and love the printable. Pinned!
Jen
January 26, 2023 at 4:14 pmNicolle, I’m so glad you could join us this month. I love the book exchange idea and your printable is perfect for the party.
michele - vintage home designs
January 27, 2023 at 10:04 amSuch great ideas for a book exchange party Nicolle! And so funny we both have the book page table runner. Great minds think alike. 🙂
Nicolle
January 28, 2023 at 6:40 amyes they do 🙂
Wendy McMonigle
January 27, 2023 at 6:46 pmSo darn cute! I love this theme! Anything to do with books, I love.
Donna
January 27, 2023 at 7:43 pmHey Nicolle! You are so creative, I absolutely love the brunch and book exchange idea! Your table looks wonderful and I can only imagine the conversations around all the books! Sounds like so much fun! Happy day, Donna
Nicolle
January 28, 2023 at 6:16 amThank you so much Donna! Wouldn’t it be fun if you all came?
Becky
January 28, 2023 at 8:05 amWhat an adorable idea, Nicolle! The table runner is such a cute idea. I love the way you brought it all together to create a fun event! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Whimsy Home Wednesday!
Cara
January 30, 2023 at 7:06 pmThank you for sharing your book exchange brunch idea with us Nicolle. I love anything to do with books, and really enjoyed your table runner. Now, if only I could decide which book to pull from… you are so creative, I look forward to seeing your creations.
Create With Joy
February 24, 2023 at 7:09 pmNicolle I just love your post – the idea, the beautiful photos – thank you for sharing at Friendship Friday at Create With Joy!
CONGRATS for being one of our featured Friends of the Week!
Sarah MumofThree World
July 12, 2023 at 1:27 amWhat fantastic ideas! Unfortunately I don’t know enough book lovers to do this, but I do love the idea.
Popping over from Book Worms Monthly.
Renae Frey
August 9, 2023 at 9:49 amI love this idea. You are so creative.