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How to host a Book Exchange Brunch

How to host a book exchange brunch

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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!

Nicolle Our Tiny Nest book exchange brunch

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.

DIY book page table 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

How to host a book exchange brunch

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.

how to host a book exchange brunch

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.

How to host a book exchange brunch - book page table runner and book decor

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

beaded dish set beaded hobnail glasses brunch party brunch party tablescape with linen napkin hyacinth basket

blue hobnail glasses tiered tray tea party tablescape decor gold candles tablescape decor book club brunch and tablescape decor

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.

How to host a book exchange brunch

You can check out the whole brunch menu here. It’s a pretty delicious lineup!

6 recipes for a book club brunch

 

And if you’re looking to join a little virtual book club of sorts, check out how to join my Winter Reading Challenge! I’m also sharing some books to kick off 2023!

 

Now be sure to head over to the ladies at Simply 2 Mom’s, Anne and AnneMarie to see their ideas for creating a tablescape for a book club gathering. I love the color palette they chose, it’s so rich looking with blacks, greens and golds. 

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If you liked this post, be sure to pin it for later!

how to host a book exchange brunch

Check out all of the beautiful tablescape ideas for hosting a book club brunch below

Rachel at The Pond’s Farmhouse

Book club brunch tablescape

Stacy from Bricks ‘n Blooms

Tablescape idea for book club brunch

Michele at Vintage Home Designs

Tablescape ideas for a book club brunch

Jen at Midwest Life and Style

Book club brunch ideas

Ann & AnnMarie from Simply 2 Moms

How to host a book club brunch

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17 Comments

  • Reply
    stacy
    January 26, 2023 at 7:35 am

    Nicolle what a great idea! I love the book exchange! Thanks for joining us this month!

    • Reply
      Nicolle
      January 26, 2023 at 7:47 am

      Thank you Stacy!! This was right up my alley so thank you so much for having me! I had so much fun joining you ladies!

  • Reply
    Rachel Harper
    January 26, 2023 at 7:57 am

    Nicolle,
    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.

  • Reply
    Renae Frey
    January 26, 2023 at 9:51 am

    Such a fun tablescape. You have my wheels turning on how to do a vintage book tablescape. I love it

  • Reply
    Tammy
    January 26, 2023 at 10:47 am

    I love looking at tablescapes. So many fresh and new ideas.

  • Reply
    AnnMarie | Simply2Moms
    January 26, 2023 at 11:40 am

    Thanks 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!

  • Reply
    Jen
    January 26, 2023 at 4:14 pm

    Nicolle, I’m so glad you could join us this month. I love the book exchange idea and your printable is perfect for the party.

  • Reply
    michele - vintage home designs
    January 27, 2023 at 10:04 am

    Such great ideas for a book exchange party Nicolle! And so funny we both have the book page table runner. Great minds think alike. 🙂

    • Reply
      Nicolle
      January 28, 2023 at 6:40 am

      yes they do 🙂

  • Reply
    Wendy McMonigle
    January 27, 2023 at 6:46 pm

    So darn cute! I love this theme! Anything to do with books, I love.

  • Reply
    Donna
    January 27, 2023 at 7:43 pm

    Hey 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

    • Reply
      Nicolle
      January 28, 2023 at 6:16 am

      Thank you so much Donna! Wouldn’t it be fun if you all came?

  • Reply
    Becky
    January 28, 2023 at 8:05 am

    What 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!

  • Reply
    Cara
    January 30, 2023 at 7:06 pm

    Thank 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.

  • Reply
    Create With Joy
    February 24, 2023 at 7:09 pm

    Nicolle 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!

  • Reply
    Sarah MumofThree World
    July 12, 2023 at 1:27 am

    What 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.

  • Reply
    Renae Frey
    August 9, 2023 at 9:49 am

    I love this idea. You are so creative.

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