Book Club Kit: Literary Vintage

This theme is so just lovely and moody. I love everything about it! Ideas are chomping at the bit inside of me, so let's get right down to it!

This theme is perfect for really any book. Because it's so literary generic, you could simply apply it to any book you like. The main thing to think about for pulling this off is going to be color. Drill into your mind the color amber. Amber is your friend!

The Amber You Need in Your Life

• Amber drinking glasses

• Assorted amber bud vases

• Tea light holders

• Votive Holders

• Taper Candle Holders

• Amber glass drinking cups

• Amber round ribbed small vase

These amber glass pieces are not only gorgeous on their own, but add some candlelight and you will really be cooking with fire! (literally)

I think these library stamp napkins are just the cutest things ever and are right on theme. Here are a few options below. Remember if you choose Etsy or another site that doesn't offer Prime speedy fast shipping, keep an eye on shipping times.

Library Due Date Card Napkins

• My Mind's Eye

• Amazon

• Zazzle

Matching plates on Zazzle!

Food

Because this theme is so versatile, you could really pair it with any type of food. My mind immediately goes to tea served in antique tea cups, paired with small cookies and hors d'oeuvre type snacks. But, I also am a firm believer that pizza slices served on the right plate can make just as much of a statement as a fancy dish.

Earl Grey Cookies (recipe from A Spicy Perspective)

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon earl grey tea leaves about 3 bags

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 4 teaspoons lemon juice

Bacon Wrapped Dates (recipe from Gimme Some Oven)

• 10 slices bacon

• 20 Medjool dates

• 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese or feta*)

• freshly-ground black pepper and flaky sea salt

Creamy Baked Goat Cheese Dip (recipe from Well Seasoned Studio)

• 8 oz log of goat cheese, cut into ½-inch thick rounds

• 4 oz sour cherry jam, or fig jam, about 4 Tbsp

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 3 sprigs fresh thyme

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 Tbsp honey

• ¼ cup chopped pistachios, pecans, or walnuts, preferably toasted

• Crostini, baguette, or crackers for serving

For the tea, you should definitely offer a variety. Harney & Sons does offer this gorgeous Library Blend black tea. The tin it comes in is so beautiful (and right on theme!) and is a decor statement in and of itself.

Decor

Remember those amber vases you bought at the links above? I don't earn anything from the links I provide so no pressure from my end...😄

But if you did, this is the perfect time to pull them out and stuff a few flower stems in there! And this might be a little bit of a splurge, but...how cute would it be to add in some flowers made out of book pages? Here are some on Etsy but you can also make your own!

I know it's hard to tear up a book. To be honest, I don't think I have any books in my library that I would be willing to rip up. And just the action of pulling apart a book, even one I don't really like, does make me feel some type of way!

Alas, you do have options. Book page printed scrapbook paper is located at Hobby Lobby. You can also purchase these on Etsy...they're vintage books someone else already torn up so you don't have to. And one last option! You can purchase this digital download on Etsy and print on your home printer.

I lied, one more last option. You can also get this vintage notebook style scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby and write on it. If you have the time and patience, this would give you a very handwritten, DIY feel that I think would be a lovely touch!

One last note on decor. You can buy these blank library cards on Etsy. Consider scattering them around the table with pressed flowers to create a really pretty table setting.

Other Ideas

• These lamps are really awesome, but can be expensive. I don't think it's worth purchasing one just for this party (unless you just want to! No shame). But if you have one lying around...or your grandparent does...it would be really cool to have. You also scan try to thrift one to save $$.

• These amber glass beads are great filler for pretty much anything. You can use them as filler in clear vases or scatter on the table. These are broken up ones if you prefer that look.

Craft

Acrylic pressed flower bookmarks! This is such a fun craft and you can find the tutorial right here from Entertain the Idea. You can also purchase kits on Amazon to make it easy on yourself.

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I hope you enjoyed this Book Club Kit! If you use any of these ideas, I'd love to see them.

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A Quick Note: All my blog posts are written by me. Any em dashes, semi-colons, and the like all come from my own head and heart. :)

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