When it comes to reading, do you prefer actual books or the electronic kind? I love the anticipation of turning the page to see what happens next. But with electronic books I’m never without something new to read. For your next book club meeting, treat your fellow readers to dinner using their favorite titles.

It was a little difficult to tear the covers off books, but, they were old books and I used both parts. The covers are the perfect size as placemats. Look for titles that suit the personality of each guest. 

So everyone knows where to sit, make place card holders of book pages. Cut a section from a paperback book, fold each page in half two times until you get an accordion “stand.” I printed names on more pages using my computer.

Since everyone likes to know what the next course will be, share the menu on printed pages. 

For the centerpiece, I tied stacks of book pages (sans covers) to give height to buckets of yellow and white daisies. For fun, I added glow sticks. 

I like games and this conversation starter is perfect for your book club. I printed the first lines from classic books. Mix it up with quotes from contemporary, 20th century and some very old novels. I cut them into strips and curled each using scissors (the same way you would curl ribbon). Scatter them around the table and have everyone take turns guessing which book the line is from and for added points, name the author.  Be sure to have the answers handy. Everyone will have so much fun, you may never discuss your current book!

(Answer to “It was a pleasure to burn.” Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury)