We love Thanksgiving. It is a time for reflecting on all that is good in your life, and for us, that is family, friends, great health, happiness, and books of all kinds. If you’ve ever wanted to try something a little different this holiday season, a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving book club gathering might be just what you need! 

It’s the ideal way to connect over great books, fabulous conversation, and a table that celebrates incredible stories with both food and friendship. And, of course, no gathering would be complete without the perfect conversation starter: your latest favorite read. Once Upon a Book Club’s Adult Book Box is the perfect Thanksgiving gift; it is, as we like to say, the gift that keeps on giving. Our famous surprise gifts bring moments from each story to life.

And on that note, we would like to take a moment to thank our CEO, Michelle Wollet, for founding Once Upon a Book Club and bringing the joy of reading to everyone’s door. We can’t imagine a world without Once Upon a Book Club! The thought of book boxes without surprise gifts bringing each story to life is one we definitely don’t want to think about!

Why a Thanksgiving Book Club Gathering is the Perfect Tradition

Thanksgiving has always been about gratitude and togetherness, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate that spirit than through a shared story. A Thanksgiving book club gathering brings a whole new level of meaning to your traditional get-together. 

Beyond the turkey and pie, it’s a chance to slow down and connect—not just with food, but with each other. Books naturally open doors to deeper conversations, and when you’re surrounded by people you care about, those discussions about love, family, and life’s small blessings can feel especially powerful. 

Whether you’re hosting your long-standing club or inviting friends for a Friendsgiving-style evening, this tradition can easily become a highlight of the season. Plus, with the rise of “literary dinner parties”, this blend of books and celebration is right on trend—a thoughtful, modern twist on classic holiday hosting.

 

Fall Book Club Ideas — Menu, Décor, and Icebreakers

Book Club Menu Ideas for a Festive Feast

When it comes to planning your Thanksgiving book club menu, think cozy, creative, and delicious. You can take inspiration from your current read or lean into autumnal flavors that feel like a warm hug in food form. 

Start with something simple yet comforting like pumpkin risotto or a harvest salad with roasted butternut and cranberries. For dessert, an apple tart or mini pumpkin cheesecakes will be an instant crowd-pleaser. Add a festive touch with a themed charcuterie board that celebrates the season—arrange aged cheddar, figs, walnuts, and dark chocolate on the Murder, She Wrote Serving Board for a nod to mystery lovers. 

And for those all-important drinks, serve mulled wine, spiced cider, or a nonalcoholic cranberry spritzer that keeps everyone toasting well into the night. 

 

Cozy Book Club Décor Ideas

You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful setting for your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving gathering. Start with the basics: soft lighting, warm tones, and a few bookish touches that make the evening memorable. 

 

Stack vintage books as centerpieces, tie them with twine, and add a few dried leaves or fairy lights for an effortless autumn vibe. Candles are a must; the Southern Gothic Apple Candle adds just the right blend of glow and fragrance. You could even incorporate our Quote Print Bundles as place settings across the table so guests can discover literary gems as they sip and chat. 

If you want to take things up a notch, create a “gratitude jar” where everyone writes a note about something they’re thankful for, whether it’s a passage from the book or a personal reflection. Not only does it set just the right tone, but it also sparks meaningful discussion that lingers long after dessert is served.

Icebreakers and Games to Get the Conversation Flowing

No one likes awkward silences, especially when the mashed potatoes are being passed around. Start your Thanksgiving book club gathering with a few lighthearted games that bring everyone together. Try a round of “Book Bingo” with squares like “mentions food,” “set in autumn,” or “has a dramatic twist.” Another crowd favorite is “Guess the Quote,” where you pull memorable lines from your chosen book or past OUABC selections. For an extra laugh, ask guests, “Which book character would you invite to Thanksgiving dinner and why?” The answers are usually hilarious—imagine Beth Greer (The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James) carving the turkey or Lizzie Bennet debating side dishes. These simple icebreakers help everyone relax and bond before diving into deeper discussions.

Thanksgiving-Themed Book Club Discussion Questions

Once the plates are cleared, it’s time for the main course of your gathering: the book discussion. Since this is a Thanksgiving-themed event, keep the questions centered around gratitude, reflection, and human connection. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Which character has reminded you to slow down and appreciate something small?

• What lesson from the story resonated most with the theme of gratitude?

• If you could share a meal with any character, who would it be and what would you say to them?

• Did any part of the story remind you of your own family traditions?

These open-ended questions encourage deeper reflection while still keeping the atmosphere warm and welcoming, perfect for the season of thanks.

 

Book Recommendations for Your November Book Club

Choosing the right read can set the entire mood for your Thanksgiving gathering. Look for novels that celebrate connection, hope, and second chances. Check out these ready-to-ship full book boxes just waiting for you! Each box contains an exciting novel and our famous surprise gifts!

Book Club Unites: Get ready for The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson.  Murder, mayhem, and mismatched readers! Can this chaotic book club solve a crime before their next meeting?

Within the Garden Walls: Featuring Under the Tamarind Tree by Nigar Alam. Four friends. One deadly night. Decades later, the truth is still waiting beneath the tamarind tree. 

A Medieval Adventure: We think you will love This Will be Fun by E.B. Asher. Saving the realm was easy; surviving a reunion with your ex? That’s the real adventure.

Tips for Hosting on a Budget

Hosting a Thanksgiving book club doesn’t have to break the bank. After all, it is a time of sharing, so ask everyone to bring a dish or drink for a potluck-style feast; it makes the meal so much fun and keeps costs low. 

You could also host a book swap instead of purchasing new reads; everyone brings a favorite book to exchange, adding a fun and personal twist to the evening. And if you’re feeling crafty, reuse your Once Upon a Book Club packaging for décor. Our whimsical boxes make great table displays, and it’s a fabulous way to add some bookish charm to the evening.

 

A Final Page of Gratitude

Hosting a Thanksgiving book club is about more than just good food and great reads; it’s about taking a moment to appreciate the people we love and the stories that have brought us together. We always take a moment to be grateful for the small moments like shared laughter between those we love, the taste of a great pumpkin pie, and the discovery of a new favorite book or author.

So this year, gather those you love, light a few candles, and host your own Friendsgiving book club with Once Upon a Book Club’s Adult Book Box. Because sometimes, the best stories aren’t just read—they’re lived, together.

For more inspiration on hosting, see The Role of a Book Club Leader: Tips for Effective Facilitation.

 

Sources

Oprah Daily Editors. (2024, March 8). How to create a successful book club. Oprah Daily. https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/a64491824/how-to-create-successful-book-club