How to Host the Perfect Holiday Book Exchange Party

The holidays are here, and that means it’s time for fun with family and friends, twinkling lights, and—if you’re anything like us—a whole lot of bookish fun! What better way to celebrate the season than by combining your love for books with the joy of gift-giving? Drum roll—enter the holiday book exchange party: the perfect blend of festive cheer and literary delight.

Hosting one of these parties is like some of our favorite novels—a mix of excitement, mystery, and a touch of chaos. So, grab your warmest blanket, and your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s dive into hosting a bookish bash your friends will be talking about well into the new year.

Step 1: Set the Date and Spread the Word

First things first—pick a date and rally your book-loving friends. We always think of cozy Friday night vibes or a Sunday afternoon filled with hot cocoa and festive treats.

Your invitations are your first chance to set the tone. Go all out with the theme:

• Holiday Flair: Use phrases like “Deck the Shelves” or “Merry Lit-mas” to get your guests in the spirit.
• Digital Options: Canva and Paperless Post are lifesavers for crafting cute, bookish invites.
• The Details: Make sure to explain the book exchange rules (more on that later!) and encourage creative book wrapping—because who doesn’t love a bit of mystery under the tree?

Step 2: Create a Bookish Winter Wonderland

Now, let’s talk ambiance (you know how we believe attention to detail is everything!) The goal is to make your guests feel like they’ve stepped into a literary version of a Hallmark movie. Here’s how to set the scene:

• Bookish Decor: Stack books wrapped in holiday ribbon as centerpieces, hang fairy lights, and scatter pages with your favorite quotes around the room.
• Cozy Corners: Think fluffy throws, overstuffed pillows, and maybe even a faux fireplace (YouTube has some great options if your real one is, well, not so real).
• Festive Touches: Add candles and a holiday playlist (hello, Mariah Carey!), and maybe a sneaky mistletoe over the TBR pile.
• Bookish Baubles over the TBR Pile: Place cute Christmas or book-themed ornaments or mini fairy lights over the TBR pile for a festive touch. You could even include a sign that says, “Pick a book and let the magic begin!”

Step 3: Plan Your Book Exchange Rules

Let’s get down to business and discuss the book exchange rules—the heart of your party and hopefully the source of much laughter and lighthearted drama. Here’s how to keep things fun and fair:

• Pick a Theme: You can go broad (all genres welcome!) or narrow it down (mysteries, holiday romances, or books with blue covers—get creative!).
• Wrap It Up: Guests should wrap their books to keep the element of surprise. Bonus points for over-the-top or hilariously misleading wrapping.
• Choose a Method:
• White Elephant: Guests draw numbers and take turns picking a wrapped book. Stealing is optional (in other words, all books are up for grabs! Yes, even those your book buddies have chosen), but it is encouraged for maximum chaos.
• Lucky Dip: Pile all the books on a table, and everyone grabs one. Simple, but thrilling.
• Guess the Book: Guests write a vague description of their book, and others try to guess before unwrapping. See how many you can solve!!

Step 4: Serve Festive Snacks and Drinks

Let’s be honest—a party without snacks is just a meeting, and during the fabulous festive season, no one has time for meetings! Keep your guests happy with treats that pair perfectly with bookish chatter.

• Savory Ideas: Cheese boards (bonus points for brie shaped like a book), mini sandwiches, or warm dips.
• Sweet Treats: Gingerbread cookies, peppermint brownies, and maybe a cake inspired by your favorite book.
• Drinks: Hot cocoa with all the extras (mini-marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles etc), mulled wine, or a “Once Upon a Cocktail.”

Here are some extra ideas to get your creative bookish imagination going:

• "Dial A for Appetizers" - A spread of bite-sized snacks, referencing Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto.
• "Beach Read Brownies" - A chocolatey treat for Beach Read by Emily Henry.
• "Honey Witch Biscuits" - Sweet biscuits or cookies with a drizzle of honey, nodding to The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields.

Step 5: Add Interactive Fun

Keep the party lively with activities that spark conversation and laughter:

• Book Trivia: Test your guests’ knowledge with holiday or classic book-themed questions. The winner gets a bookmark or bragging rights until next year.
• DIY Bookmarks: Set up a craft station with ribbons, stickers, and quotes for guests to create personalized keepsakes.
• Photo Booth: Make a backdrop with stacks of books and props like oversized glasses, quills, and bookish signs like, “Shhh, I’m Reading.” 

Step 6: Make It Meaningful

Add a heartwarming twist to your party by giving back. You can always encourage your guests to bring an extra book to donate to a local library, school, or charity. It’s a great way to spread the love of reading beyond your circle.

Why a Holiday Book Exchange Party?

Because nothing beats the joy of sharing books with people who just get it. Hosting a book exchange party is about more than trading stories; it’s about laughter, connection, and the shared anticipation of uncovering a new literary treasure.

So, dust off your favorite holiday sweater (yes, the one your aunt knitted), stock up on sticky tape, and get ready to host a party that’s equal parts festive and bookish. Here’s to a holiday season filled with great stories, better friends, and unforgettable memories. Happy hosting, and may your shelves be ever overflowing!

While you’re feeling in the festive mood, you may just want to check out our fabulous limited edition Christmas 2024 full box. This fabulous box features a copy of A Winter Wish by Emily Stone, FIVE stunning (and festive) gifts to bring the story to life, plus so much more!