Browsing Tag

tablescapes

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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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

9 In home/ home decor

10 Beautiful Fall Tablescapes

10 Beautiful Fall Tablescapes

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To say I am honored for today’s post is an understatement. Today I am bringing you the best fall tablescape ideas from women who I truly admire and look up to in the blogging/home decor world and they have asked me to join them.

I’m sharing 10 Beautiful Fall Tablescapes and decor ideas from 9 other talented ladies. This is the time of year when we kick off gathering around the table with friends and family. There is truly something for everyone here whether you’re looking for something more relaxed, or upscale, or even for dining alfresco.

So let’s go!!!

 

A Beautiful and Cozy Tablescape from Wendy at WM Design House

Wendy has such a talent for making her guests feel special and welcome. I love the color palette she chose for her table decor!  And wait until you see what she used as a vessel or vase for her flower arrangement! So creative.

Fall table decorations

A relaxed autumnal table in gold hues by yours truly, Our Tiny Nest

I’m showing you how to use what you already have at home to create a relaxed table for a fall dinner party or Thanksgiving. The blue chargers are my favorite and they pair beautifully with gold accents and autumn leaves.

 

Fall Table with Pumpkins and Mums from Shiplap and Shells

You’ve no doubt decorated your porch with mums this time of year but have you ever brought them into your table decor? The result is beautiful.

Fall table with pumpkins and mums

 

This Cozy Harvest Table from Bricks and Blooms

Stacy is the queen of all things gardens and flowers. So naturally, she created this lush tablescape with elements from her own gardens. Click to see how to create your own centerpiece using a vintage toolbox and natural elements.

How to Set a Cozy Fall Harvest Table

Harvest Table for Alfresco Dining from Living Large in a Small House

If I’m being honest, I think alfresco dining in the summer is over rated with the heat and all the bugs. But in the fall, now that’s where it’s at. Lynn created this beautiful harvest alfresco dining table for her guests. I love the little cheeseboards.

a view of the harvest tablescape looking at my gardens

 

Easy Ideas for a Fall Tablescape from Vintage Home Designs

I always love to see what Michele creates because she has an eye for creating beautiful things in a neutral color palette and I love neutrals. Wait until you see these placemats she made using sheet music!

place setting for a simple fall tablescape sheet music placemat white dinner plate layered with white salad plate large dried leaf on plate silverware tied with striped ribbon on plate

Creepy Chic Halloween Table from Trueman Treasures

Kylie is showing you how to make a Halloween tablescape that is equal parts creepy and glam! Her centerpiece with moss, skulls and bones is my favorite!

A Foraged Fall Tablescape from South House Designs

Diane is a girl who takes after my heart. I’ve been known to forage and bring home some plants and things I find on my walks to decorate the house. She created this tablescape using dropcloths and elements of Mother Nature and it is stunning!

A casual Thanksgiving Table from The Tattered Pew

Kelly’s got the right idea when it comes to setting the table for Thanksgiving – keep it casual! Candles and free printable placecards add just the right touch and make it personal.

How to set a casul Thanksgiving table for family and friends.

A Rustic Elegant Table from The Peacock Ridge Farm

Renae used artichokes, grapes and beautiful flowers and candles to create this elegant yet rustic tablescape. I feel like I’ve been transported to a vineyard in Italy. I love the vintage bike too for that old world feel!

I hope you are able to take away little pieces of inspiration as you dine with friends and family throughout the holidays.

 

I’m linking some of my favorite elements for dining below. Just click the photos to shop.

gold candlesticks wine glasses glass votives gold flatware

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