Browsing Tag

entertaining

17 In Books/ parties

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

14 In DIY/ home

Simple Thanksgiving Place Setting Idea

Simple Thanksgiving Place Setting Idea

Having a beautifully set table just makes a meal that much more special. And what meal is more special than Thanksgiving? I’m showing you how I made this simple Thanksgiving place setting for your guests. It’s mostly free, and you can put it together very easily, even if you’re someone who isn’t super crafty.

I like going with a neutral, warm color palette with mostly whites, tans, oranges, and browns. Add some fresh greenery down the middle of the table and a few candles throughout to add a glow.

And be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom of this post for more Thanksgiving ideas! Including this easy tablescape idea!

Simple Thanksgiving Place Setting Idea

You will need:

Simple Thanksgiving Place Setting Idea

Start by writing each of your guests names on a separate piece of paper or cardstock.

Take each name and use a push pin to push through the leaf.

Gather your linens in the middle and tie with a piece of twine. Place on top of each dish and place each leaf on top.

Simple Thanksgiving Place Setting Idea

Effortless and adds just the right touch I think!

Simple fall table setting idea linen napkin Simple fall table setting idea Simple Thanksgiving place setting gold pen

Check out this easy harvest table centerpiece

For Thanksgiving recipe ideas, click here! I’m sharing my favorite vegan, dairy free sweet potato casserole and more!

And be sure to subscribe to the blog for an exclusive email from me with more ideas for your Thanksgiving week!

 

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simple thanksgiving place setting idea

10 In food

How to Make Banana Split Apple Nachos

Banana Split Apple Nachos

These banana split apple nachos are a healthier option for when you’re craving a banana split! They’re also a great snack to use those fresh picked apples during apple picking season or any time of year for that matter. Scroll down to learn how to make Banana Split Apple Nachos.

Banana Split Apple Nachos

Banana Split Apple Nachos

You will need:

  • Apples (I used Pink Lady but Honeycrisp are also a good option)
  • Bananas
  • Whipped Cream
  • Chopped pineapple
  • Sliced strawberries
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Nuts (I used leftover glazed nuts I had for salad toppings but you can also use peanuts)

Directions:

Arrange thinly sliced apples around the outer edge of your tray or dish.

Layer with sliced bananas.

Add your whipped cream, chopped pineapples and strawberries.

Drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Finish off with maraschino cherries and chopped nuts!

Enjoy!

This is a super easy snack to prepare and will be a huge hit whether it’s just at home or for entertaining!

How to make banana split apple nachos

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How to make banana split apple nachos

 

How to make banana split apple nachos

And since it’s apple picking season, here are some of my other favorite apple recipes:

Apple and brie flatbread with hot honey

Apple pie die with pie crust cookies

Apple pear sangria

My apple cinnamon french toast casserole

 

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