Book clubs are alive, thriving, and more rewarding than ever! They offer a wonderful opportunity
to forge meaningful social connections, explore new reading genres, and dive into the latest New York Times bestsellers. I’ve been a proud member of my book club for nearly 14 years, though the average
lifespan of most clubs is closer to 2.5 years. Over the years, we’ve tackled an array of incredible books— many of which later became movies. A fun tradition of ours is trying to predict which books will hit the big screen and debating who should star in them.
Our book club consists of seven members, and we meet every 6 to 8 weeks, rotating hosting duties among ourselves. The host not only provides dinner but also selects the book for that round. And yes, we actually read the book and engage in lively discussions! While some books spark deeper conversations than others, the variety keeps it fresh and interesting.
Last November, it was my turn to host, and I immediately knew which book to choose. Being a huge fan of Ina Garten, I selected her new memoir for our group. It was the perfect pick—a blend of warmth, inspiration, and delightful stories that resonated with all of us.
Next came the exciting task of planning the menu and tablescape. Since I own all of Ina Garten’s cookbooks, I dove into them to curate the perfect recipes for our book club dinner. For appetizers, I chose a trio of crowd-pleasers: Rosemary Cashews, Cacio e Pepe Cheese Puffs, and Jalapeño Cheddar Crackers. The main courses included Charlie Bird’s Farro Salad and a warm, comforting Winter Minestrone with Cauliflower Toasts for the soup course. To finish on a sweet note, we indulged in Meringues Chantilly with Raspberry Sauce. What makes Ina’s recipes stand out is their consistency—they’re always delicious, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed hit with any crowd.
For the tablescape, I opted for a simple yet elegant
theme using red, white, and gold tones. When I think of Ina, I picture timeless sophistication, so
I went with classic red roses as the centerpiece, evoking her modern, yet classic entertaining style. To add a touch of whimsy, I created personalized place cards featuring a fun image of Ina with her hand raised, as if she were “holding” each guest’s name card. This small detail added a playful flair to the evening’s décor.
The dinner was a hit—everyone adored the book, and the Meringues Chantilly were unanimously crowned the highlight of the night. I thought I’d also share a few of our favorite book club picks over the years for those looking for inspiration. Whether it’s the books, the food, or the camaraderie, evenings like these truly remind me why book clubs are so special!
• “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles
• “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson
• “Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness”
by Alexandra Fuller
• “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
• “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
• “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
• “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson
• “Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten
• “The Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods
• “Lesson in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
• “The Maid” by Nita Prose
• “The Tee Girl of Hummingbird Lane” by Lisa See
On a quick note, we are currently reading “Table for Two” by Amore Towles. If you’ve ever thought about starting or joining a book club, there’s no time like the present. Whether for the enriching discussions, the camaraderie, or the joy of discovering new literary treasures, a book club can truly be a highlight of your social and intellectual life.
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001