Everything You Need for a Bookish Cocktail Party

15 hours ago 1

vintage-inspired art prints with different puns on book titles with drinks

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Susie (she/her) is a queer writer originally from Little Rock, now living in Washington, DC. She is the author of three rom-coms: QUEERLY BELOVED, LOOKING FOR A SIGN, and BED AND BREAKUP, all from Dial Press/Random House. Susie is also a bookseller at her favorite local indie bookstore and a cupcake enthusiast. You can find her on Instagram @susiedoom.

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Whether you’re trying to class up your next book club meeting, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a reason to sip some tasty drinks with friends while chatting about your latest reads, a bookish cocktail party is just the thing. There’s nothing classier than giving a nod to your favorite literary classics with some tasty sips and snacks. Set the bookish vibes just right and your guests are sure to have a ball.

Of course, your cocktail menu is important to consider. If you’re looking for inspiration, there are plenty of boozy cookbooks to guide you. Tim Federle’s Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist is a classic at this point. Personally, I’m a fan of Buzzworthy: Cocktails Inspired by Female Literary Greats by Jennifer Croll and Rachelle Baker. But the more creative you can get with your own favorite books and ingredients, the more impressed your guests will be. Even better, consider asking your guests to come up with their own literary cocktail recipes to share at the party. As for the barware, paper goods, and decorations you’ll need, we’ve got you covered.

Photo of a white and blue party invitation that says "The Girls Book Club" with an illustration of a stack of books and a wine bottle on top pouring into a wine glassImage from BoldEraCreates on Etsy

First up, you’ll need invitations! This downloadable template will assure guests that both the drinks and the book recommendations will be free-flowing. $8

image of a short rocks glass with the cover and some text from the Legend of Sleepy Hollow imprintedImage from WellTold on Etsy

This maker’s collection of book-inspired glasses makes me want to collect them all. $20

The Goods

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Image of a short rocks glass engraved with three measuring lines; the lowest says "short story", the middle says "long story", and the top says "tall tale"Image from FlyPaperProducts on Etsy

Set your guests up for any book length with these rocks glasses. $15

image of four small square linen white napkins with black embroidered cursive text "welcome to book club"Image from ACraftyMotherTucker on Etsy

These embroidered linen napkins transition seamlessly from book club to bookish cocktail party. $25

Image of a white tea towel with black cocktail illustrations, descriptions, and recipes from classic booksImage from HelloGiftSmith on Etsy

You’ll get cocktail inspiration and cute decoration from this literary libations tea towel. $19+

Image of four rectangular paper plates illustrated to look like classic books a la Jane AustenImage from jollityandco on Etsy

Every snack you serve will look smart on these gorgeous bookish paper plates. $10

Image of a small paper journal titled "the cocktail log book" with an example page designed to record cocktail recipesImage from justinryanbooks on Etsy

For a “make your own literary cocktail” party, invite guests to create recipes and swap them in these adorable journals. $10

Image of cutout paper garland that says "let's get lit" with wine bottle and books interspersedImage from InkAndPaperCuts on Etsy

Set the lit(erary) tone right away with this garland. $11

Image of six vintage-inspired art prints with different puns on book titles with drinksImage from KayanaIllustrations on Etsy

From classics like “Pride and Prosecco” to new favorites like “A Court of Gin & Tonic”, these vintage literary-inspired cocktail prints are decorations you’ll want to leave up far after the party is over. $18


Looking for more boozy bookish ideas? Check out:

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