Cook Book Club
There’s something special about gathering with friends over a home-cooked meal. If you're looking for a creative way to bring people together, hosting a cookbook club at your home could be the perfect way to bond and have fun. It’s part dinner party, part book club, and 100% delicious. Here’s how to get one started, keep it exciting, and make it a group effort that everyone enjoys being part of.
Start by setting the foundation: Choose a group of friends who share your love for food, cooking, or simply eating! Once your crew is confirmed, create a shared Google Form with 3–5 options for cookbooks. You might vote between themed books like Franklin Barbecue (great for summer grilling), The Martha Stewart Cookbook: Collected Recipes for Every Day (a timeless staple from the original hosting queen herself), or fan favorites like Meredith Hayden’s Wishbone Kitchen, which brings personality and flavor to any home kitchen. Everyone votes, and the top choice becomes the month's pick.
Once you’ve selected your cookbook, choose a host. Either rotate each month or stick to one central house. The host helps guide the evening’s flow, but doesn’t do it all alone. Using a shared Google Sheet or group chat, assign key roles and dishes, such as appetizer, main entrée, dessert, and cocktail or beverages. If someone isn’t comfortable cooking a full recipe, they can contribute by helping with setup, shopping, or plating.
Hosting at home doesn’t mean it has to be formal or fussy. Use what you have. Pull out candles, string lights, mismatched plates—whatever adds charm. Consider using themed décor that matches the cookbook’s vibe. If you’re cooking from The Martha Stewart Cookbook, embrace timeless entertaining—think polished table settings, cloth napkins, and a fresh floral arrangement. As Martha herself might remind you, “Entertaining should be as much fun for the host as it is for the guests.” If it’s Wishbone Kitchen, lean into Meredith Hayden’s cozy, unfussy, New York-chic style—fun glassware, linen napkins, and a cheese board will set the tone.
When guests arrive, begin with a cocktail or mocktail. A seasonal choice works well, like spicy margaritas in summer or mulled wine in winter. Enjoy the appetizer together as the final cooking or plating finishes. Then, sit down for the main course and linger over dessert and conversation. Talk about the recipes—what worked, what didn’t, and which ones you’d make again. It’s a great way to share knowledge, exchange kitchen tips, and maybe even inspire someone who mostly orders takeout to try making food at home.
Rotate hosting duties, choose a new book each month, and maintain the momentum. Perhaps next month could highlight comfort food from a Southern cookbook or feature a minimalist Nordic cuisine night. The key? Stay collaborative and keep it lighthearted.
With a bit of coordination and a lot of love, your home becomes more than just a place to eat; it becomes a hub for friendship, learning, and unforgettable meals!
