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    Home » Blog » Book Club

    All the Book Club Dinner Ideas You'll Ever Need

    Published: Jan 27, 2023 by Tiffany Dahle · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    The photo collage shows a book club party on the top and several dinner ideas below.

    Plan the best book club party with the best book club dinner ideas that pair great book picks with themed dinner recipes to really get your book discussion going!

    A book club party at a dinner table next to a photo of a pile of books and two recipe ideas.

    For every book we've chosen for the Peanut Blossom Book Club, I've included a fun party menu that goes along with the book's theme.

    I think this is such a fun way to incorporate a little playfulness to your book club group but it doesn't need to be difficult!

    If you want to plan ahead for a full year of book club dinner ideas to share with your group, I've pulled together some of my favorite books along with simple dinner menus you can share together.

    Jump to:
    • How to Plan a Book Club Dinner
    • Easy Book Club Books and Dinner Idea Pairings
    • Summery Beach Menu
    • Around the World Dinner
    • English Tea Party
    • Tropical Getaway Dinner
    • Classic American Dinner
    • Irish Dinner Ideas
    • BBQ Potluck Dinner
    • New York Theme Dinner
    • Book Club Dessert Party
    • Spooky Dinner
    • Christmas Holiday Party

    How to Plan a Book Club Dinner

    There are two ways you could approach a book club dinner:

    1. Every member takes turns hosting: The host picks the book, plans the meal, and does all the work once and then gets to enjoy all the other book club meetings as a guest.
    2. Potluck style: Every member takes turns hosting and picking the book of the month. The host plans the theme for the book club dinner but then all the members sign up to bring dishes on the theme potluck style. This means everyone chips in every month.

    I've been to book club parties that operated both of those ways and there are pros and cons to both. They are both excellent choices, it just depends on your particular group.

    Just have a chat about what works best for everyone before you start.

    Easy Book Club Books and Dinner Idea Pairings

    Pairing a book club book with a dinner theme doesn't need to be complicated but if you've never done it before, you might be feeling stuck.

    I've gathered some of my favorite book club picks from the last 8 years of the Peanut Blossom Book Club and paired them with a simple dinner theme to get you going.

    Summery Beach Menu

    Our annual summer beach reads are always such a fun break to the book club routine!

    Enjoy a book club pick that is set in a beach town or somewhere warm and sunny and then pair it with a light and easy summer menu:

    • Easy Cheesy Crab Melts
    • 5-minute Spicy Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
    • Caprese Salad
    • Fresh Strawberry Bruschetta
    • A copy of Malibu Rising sits on a table surrounded by books.
      Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
    • The Guncle by Steven Rowley sits on a table.
      The Guncle by Steven Rowley
    • A copy of A Hundred Summers sits on a table.
      A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
    • A copy of The Weekenders sits on a table.
      The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews
    • A platter of cheesy crab melts have green onions sprinkled over the top.
      Easy Cheesy Crab Melts
    • A blue plate has a pile of spicy shrimp with two lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro over the top.
      5-minute Spicy Shrimp
    • A serving of pineapple salsa has been spooned over a shredded chicken taco.
      Pineapple Salsa
    • A sliced tomato, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze on a plate with a fork.
      Caprese Salad {3 Fun Ways to Serve It}
    • 2 crostini toasts are topped with diced strawberries and a sprinkle of fresh basil to show the strawberry bruschetta appetizer. A plate of crostini sits in the background.
      Fresh Strawberry Bruschetta

    Around the World Dinner

    Pick a book from someplace you've never been and "travel" together as a book club!

    Then, plan your dinner to include recipes from that area of the world and taste something new.

    You could read a book set in Italy like The House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner and then plan an authentic Italian dinner.

    • A copy of The House at the Edge of Night sits on a table.
      The House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner
    • Bolognese Meat Sauce has been served over large rigatoni noodles and a fork is stirring them together.
      Classic Beef Bolognese Sauce

    Read The Light of Paris by Eleanor Brown and then make French Onion Soup with Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée for dessert.

    • A copy of The Light of Paris sits on a table.
      The Light of Paris by Eleanor Brown
    • A serving of creme brulee with fresh strawberries. A spoon has cracked through the sugar topping.
      Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée for Beginners

    Read Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan and serve Oriental Chicken Layer Dip.

    • A copy of Crazy Rich Asians sits on a table.
      Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
    • A plate of layered Asian dip is served next to butter crackers.
      Oriental Chicken Layer Dip

    English Tea Party

    Mix things up and plan a book club tea party with finger sandwiches, tea and cocktails, and some easy sweets:

    • Easy Spiced Sausage Rolls
    • Easy Blueberry Scones
    • Treacle Tart
    • A photo collage shows historical fiction books about the royal family along with modern biographies of Prince Harry and Princess Diana.
      16 Books About the Royal Family Fans of The Crown will Love
    • A copy of The Royal Nanny sits on a table.
      The Royal Nanny by Karen Harper
    • A copy of Sweep by Jonathan Auxier is on the table.
      Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

    Tropical Getaway Dinner

    Read a tropical getaway book and while everyone is imagining a palm tree covered island, serve up an easy tropical themed dinner:

    • Creamy Piña Colada Fruit Dip
    • Spicy Caribbean Chicken Soup
    • Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing with Sweet Potato chips for dunking
    • Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs Stir Fry
    • A copy of The Bungalow sits on a table.
      The Bungalow by Sarah Jio
    • The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
    • The book "You Had Me At Hola" sits on a table.
      You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria
    • A serving of teriyaki meatballs with pineapple and vegetables over rice.
      Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs Stir Fry
    • A bowl of caribbean chicken soup has fresh cilantro sprinkled over the top and corn bread muffins in the back.
      Spicy Caribbean Chicken Soup
    • A mason jar with creamy homemade ranch dressing has a spoon showing the texture in a drip.
      Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing
    • Yellow mojito salsa is drizzled over a spicy grilled tilapia on a blue plate next to a serving of white rice.
      Sweet Mojito Salsa
    • A ruffled bowl of pina colada dip has shredded coconut on top and is surrounded by fresh strawberries, pineapple, and gingersnap cookies.
      Creamy Piña Colada Fruit Dip

    Classic American Dinner

    Choose a book about American history and then serve a classic American dinner. This would be super fun for July in honor of the 4th:

    • Easy Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
    • Slowcooker Boneless Turkey Breast
    • Air Fryer Green Beans
    • Make-Ahead Apple Slab Pie
    • Easy Cherry Pie {With Frozen Cherries}
    • A collage of 4 photos of historical fiction books about the American Revolution
      Best Historical Fiction About the American Revolution
    • The roasted chicken sits on top of roasted vegetables in a round roasting pan.
      Easy Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
    • A white plate has a pile of freshly roasted green beans hot from the air fryer basket.
      Air Fryer Green Beans
    • A square piece of apple pie has a fork taking a bite.
      Make-Ahead Apple Slab Pie
    • A cherry slab pie sits in a metal baking pan and has heart-shaped cut outs for the top crust.
      Easy Cherry Pie {With Frozen Cherries}

    Irish Dinner Ideas

    Perhaps in March your book club could pick an Irish book and pair it with an easy Irish dinner for St. Patrick's Day:

    • Irish Beef Hand Pies
    • Easy Fried Cabbage with Caraway Seeds
    • Irish Soda Bread with Raisins {Oven or Bread Machine}
    • Collage of four book images Carnegie's Maid, An Irish Wish, Angela's Ashes, and What the Wind Knows.
      12 Irish Books About Love and Luck
    • A serving of Irish Beef Hand Pies on a white platter.
      Irish Beef Hand Pies
    • A serving of crispy fried cabbage with caraway seeds is in a white serving bowl.
      Easy Fried Cabbage with Caraway Seeds
    • A loaf of Irish soda bread is being sliced on a bread board.
      Irish Soda Bread with Raisins {Oven or Bread Machine}
    • A photo collage shows several easy St. Patrick's Day sugar cookie ideas.
      2-Color St. Patrick's Day Cookies

    BBQ Potluck Dinner

    Any time of year would be fun to choose one of these books about ranch life for fans of Yellowstone. Pair these cowboy books with a classic BBQ party including:

    • Pulled Pork in the Oven or Slow Cooker
    • Light and Sweet BBQ Sauce
    • BBQ Chicken Sliders
    • Grandma's Buttermilk Cornbread
    • Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
    • Southern Style Peach Cobbler
    • Collage of four book covers: Lonesome Dove, Kings of Texas, Badluck Way, and Holidays on the Ranch.
      12 Cowboy Books for Yellowstone Fans
    • A metal baking pan has 3 rows of baked bbq chicken sliders showing the melted cheese oozing out.
      BBQ Chicken Sliders
    • A blue baking dish filled with mac and cheese with bread crumb topping. A serving spoon has removed a portion to show the creamy elbow noodles.
      Make Ahead Mac and Cheese
    • A barbecue pulled pork sandwich is on a plate next to potato chips.
      Pulled Pork in the Oven or Slow Cooker
    • A white ruffled platter has large squares of homemade buttermilk cornbread.
      Grandma's Buttermilk Cornbread

    New York Theme Dinner

    Have fun with an easy New York Party theme and pair it with a book set in New York:

    • Easy Candied Nuts {New York Style!}
    • Classic Cheese Pizza
    • Homemade Black and White Cookies
    • Cover of the book Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson sits on a table.
      Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson
    • The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms
    • A copy of The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn sits on a table.
      The Arrangement by Sarah Dunn
    • A copy of Delicious sits on a table.
      Delicious by Ruth Reichl
    • A homemade cheese pizza is sliced and ready to serve.
      Classic Cheese Pizza
    • A dish of candied nuts has a red heart decoration. The nuts are coated in a thick sugar crust.
      Easy Candied Nuts {New York Style!}
    • A serving platter filled with black and white cookies.
      Homemade Black and White Cookies

    Book Club Dessert Party

    Skip dinner and head straight for dessert! Plan an evening with your book club friends and have everyone bring their favorite baked treat. Pair the dessert buffet with a book that talks about a bakery:

    • Easy Cheesecake Toppings for Delicious Desserts
    • Make-Ahead Apple Cake
    • Quick and Easy Hello Dolly Bars
    • Cookies and Cream Blondie Bars
    • Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
    • A copy of Midnight at the Blackbird cafe sits on a table.
      Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
    • A copy of The City Baker's Guide to Country Living on a table.
      The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller
    • A copy of The Secret Ingredient of Wishes sits on a table.
      The Secret Ingredient of Wishes by Susan Bishop Crispell
    • A copy of The Union Street Bakery sits on a table.
      The Union Street Bakery by Mary Ellen Taylor
    • Easy Cheesecake Toppings for Delicious Desserts
    • A metal baking pan is filled with hello dolly bars topped with shredded coconut and chocolate chips.
      Quick and Easy Hello Dolly Bars
    • A square slice of apple cake topped with soft frosting and pecans sits in front of the metal baking pan it came from. A bite is missing.
      Make-Ahead Apple Cake
    • A tray of cookies and cream bars have OREOS sitting next to them.
      Cookies and Cream Blondie Bars

    Spooky Dinner

    In the fall, plan to pick a spooky book for book club from one of these fun book lists. Pair it with a Halloween themed dinner:

    • The Easiest Cheddar Snack Board
    • Easy Stovetop Beef Stew with Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
    • 3 Easy Halloween Cupcakes from 1 Box Mix
    • Collage of four book covers: The Witch's Daughter, The Black Witch, Dorothy Must Die, and The Once and Future Witches.
      Best Witchy Books You Need to Read
    • Collage of four books: The Sundown Motel, Home Before Dark, The Searcher, and The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, four of the best thriller books ever.
      Best Thriller Books Ever
    • A collage of book covers for Murder Mystery Book suggestions
      Best Murder Mystery Books for Book Club
    • A round snack board has sliced green apples, spreadable cheese, slices of cheese, ruffled slices of various meats, and a bowl of fresh blackberries.
      The Easiest Cheddar Snack Board
    • A two-tier cake plate has cute Halloween cupcakes in lavender polka dot wrappers. There is a dish of candy corn on the side.
      3 Easy Halloween Cupcakes from 1 Box Mix

    Christmas Holiday Party

    At the end of the year, enjoy some holiday festivities with your favorite book club friends and plan your own little Christmas party.

    Choose one of these fantastic Christmas books for book club and then pair it with a simple festive dinner:

    • Make-Ahead Sausage Lasagna with Easy Homemade Garlic Bread
    • Jalapeño Artichoke Dip which has a fun red & green color combo
    • Easy Gingerbread Cookies
    • Make-Ahead Yule Log Cake
    • A photo collage of cozy christmas book club books.
      Cozy Christmas Book Club Books
    • Collage of four book covers: The Christmas Party, Meet Me in London, Christmas in Peachtree Bluff, and Christmas at Holiday House.
      Romantic Christmas Book Recommendations
    • A slice of lasagna sits on a festive holiday plate with a green salad and slice of garlic bread.
      Make-Ahead Sausage Lasagna
    • A dish of baked jalapeño artichoke dip shows diced red peppers and green onions. There's a serving spoon taking a scoop. A bowl of crackers sits in the back.
      Jalapeño Artichoke Dip
    • Gingerbread cookie dough is rolled out and has a few letter shapes cut out and put on a baking pan.
      Easy Gingerbread Cookies for Kids
    • A chocolate and cream Christmas yule log cake roll with sugared cranberries sits on a cake platter.
      Make-Ahead Yule Log Cake
    The photo collage shows a book club party on the top and several dinner ideas below.

    More Best Book Club Picks

    • A cover of the book What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
      What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
    • A copy of the book club book The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon is on the table.
      The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
    • A copy of The Last Thing He told Me sits on a table.
      The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
    • A copy of The Hygge Holiday sits on a table.
      The Hygge Holiday by Rosie Blake

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    Hi, I'm Tiffany!
    I believe a great family recipe is one that makes everyone at the table happy, not just the kids. I'm the author of two bestselling cookbooks for kids that are chock full of recipes everyone in your family will love. I'm also the hostess of the best online book club for moms.

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