Sip, Snack, & Discuss: How to Hauste a Book Club
Haven’t you heard? The hot girls are reading!
If you and your friends are looking for a new excuse to gather with a fresh theme to get excited about – host a book club! Before your brain goes to jello salad and yawn-worthy novels from your grandma’s book club, the only inspiration we’re taking from past iterations is the 9pm bedtime.
Hauste’s modern take on the classic book club gathering involves plenty of sips, snacks & discussions about smutty reads you and your besties won’t be able to put down. No PhD in literature or fancy home library necessary. We’re sharing our tips and tricks to help you curate a book club gathering that’s as captivating as Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance, as sisterhoodly as the March Sisters of Little Women, and as bubbly-filled as one of Gatsby’s parties.
Simply select your favorite novel then follow our outlined narrative for a book club gathering worth a thousand words.
Pick the Right Book
Easier said than done, choosing the right book is as essential as Lily is to Atlas (swoon). Opt for books that inspire discussion – ones with complex characters, thought-provoking themes and juicy plot twists. And in case you needed a reminder: a little smut never hurt anyone.
Set the Mood
Whether you’re new to Hauste or a longtime co-hauste, ambiance is our thing. Transforming your place into a warm and inviting space is every great host’s secret ingredient. The non-negotiables: soft lighting (with candles for endless vibes), ultra-comfy seating, and a stack of your favorite novels for on-brand decor. The goal is to curate a cozy, European bookshop vibe that encourages conversation, shared insights and sink-back-into-the-cushions bliss.
If you’re ready to get on to book-clubbing without the extra thought, we’ve created a Hot Take that outlines decor inspo, outfit ideas, recipes, & more! From “once upon a time” to “happily ever after,” these guides detail every component so you can be the book club hauste with the most, without actually doing the most.
Plan the Snacks
What’s a book club without snacks? Our go-to spread is a board of bites and treats that are easy to munch on while discussing literary revelations. Think mini sandwiches, bite-sized pastries, and a variety of dips. Don’t forget something sweet!
Sip in Style
Elevate your book club game with a selection of bevs to match your theme. Go for aromatic teas, related wines, or fun cocktails inspired by your book. Trust us, sipping a specially-concocted beverage while chatting about your latest read is pure bliss.
Facilitate the Discussion
It’s perfectly normal for the first couple of book clubs to experience a bit of awkwardness as people get accustomed to sharing their opinions with the larger group. In order to kickstart conversation, have discussion prompts at the ready. We’ve developed a list of thought-starters in our Book Club Hot Takes that ensures the dialogue is flowing right along with the wine. These prompts explore characters’ motivations, dissect plot twists, and even debate the author’s intentions. Encourage everyone to share their take – the more out of box the better! Friendly debates over Verity’s actions are more than welcome.
Lean into Themed Decor
A primary draw for readers is the escape into some fantasy land outside of our own responsibilities and daily to-dos. Encourage all of your guests to fully immerse themselves in this mental escapade by incorporating decor elements inspired by the book. From color schemes to props that represent key moments, to paper butterfly-topped cupcakes and fish net-wrapped vases in honor of Kya and her connection with the crawdads. Draw inspiration from every syllable of your book. A simple supplement we add to every book club is a thrifted vintage frame displaying a print out of the book cover.
Mix it Up
Variety is the spice of book club life. Rotate hosts and allow each member to choose the next book. This keeps things fresh and ensures everyone gets the opportunity to share their love of various genres and writing styles. You never know what plot line might pull you away from your current lineup of Colleen Hoovers. A book lottery is another way to bring freshness without placing the spotlight on one person: have everyone write down a few books they want to read, add them to a hat, and leave the random order of the universe to decide your book club queue.
Keep ‘em Busy
The right book selection will ensure each gathering is filled with conversation and energy, but if you’re worried about lulls in the night, consider incorporating these activities:
Have each guest create a powerpoint containing their thoughts on the book including favorite character, their preferred casting for a movie, and the lines they go to bed thinking about.
Make it a potluck! Invite every guest to bring a dish or beverage inspired by a character.
Watch an episode (or two) of the show the book is based on!
While we all set reading expectations for ourselves, getting around to that chapter-a-night goal falls victim to the wildly easy to watch Love Island. To combat this vicious cycle, add some mid-week socializing to your calendar, and stick to your New Year’s reading resolutions, take a page from our new-and-improved book club. You and your book besties will be rewriting the script on the age-old tradition that’s soon to be the trend of 2023.
