Well, I don't know how much reading I'll get to do this last month of the year (busy busy!) but I did manage to host my first Book Exchange Party.
Inspired by all the reading I did this year and always on the look out for other great books to read, I thought I'd combine that into a fun way to gather for food, fellowship, and new books!
Thanks to Evite, it was simple to send out an invitation with instructions for the book exchange.
This is what I wrote:
Hi Friends!
Bring a favorite book of any genre- fiction, non-fiction, devotional, bible, children's, etc. It can be new or gently used. Before wrapping it, place a note or index card inside and list 3 reasons why you enjoyed the book. Do NOT include your name. We can reveal names at the end. We will do a White Elephant Gift Exchange and you will go home with a new book.
I also invited people to bring either an appetizer or a dessert to share. That way, it was a lot less work on my part. Can I just tell you HOW MUCH FUN WE HAD??
Once everyone arrived, put their wrapped book under the tree, and got something to eat, we played a silly game. I don't really enjoy games at parties so I'm not sure why I decided to play one but maybe I thought it would be a good ice breaker for people who didn't already know each other. Plus, I moderated and didn't have to play. 😄
Then I gave out little prizes to the winners. What I thought would be a fast game ended up going on and on because even though the winners were announced, people didn't want to stop. It was hilarious!
Then we began the White Elephant Gift Exchange where we picked numbers and the book was considered dead after 2 steals. And we had some great laughs and fun steals!
Of course, everyone left with a new book and some, even made a booklist for future reading.
I also gave out prizes for the best appetizer and dessert. All in all, such a fun way to share our love of reading and bring a little festive cheer to our friends. We can't wait for next year's party!
Faith working on her first ever charcuterie board.
It turned out gorgeous!
(Just like her. Oh my! 😍 #thosedimples)
Here's a close up.
The Winter Wassail at TJ's is the perfect holiday drink. I had several people ask me for the recipe. 😉
All we did was add a few cans of Apple Cranberry La Croix and garnished with sliced oranges and cranberries. Go get you some!
We also had a hot chocolate bar.
These two precious daughters of mine are at such a fun age.
I don't think I could pull off any party without them!
All we made was the charcuterie board and bacon wrapped dates (which are so easy!).
The food started coming in as the guests arrived.
Karen and Ellie.
Neighbors and friends.
Love these sweet girlfriends of mine.
Devon and Faith.
Game time where everyone had to stand up and ask each other questions.
Sarah, Laurie, and Shannon.
Listening to the description of the book.
Fun to have kids there as well. We laughed so hard when the boys got a book on sacred marriage!
Everyone with their new books.
Happy reading in 2020, friends!
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