A book club gathering should be a party without the stress.
- The host provides the venue, table setting, wine glasses.
- Host can have the option to put out the spread or make it pot luck.
- Either way, guests bring the wine. Remember, there are about five glasses of wine in one standard (750ml) bottle.
Hosting a meeting at home
- Find a friendly neighborhood restaurant with a private room where you can hold your meetings.
- Arrange with the manager ahead of time a fixed price for wine, food, and service.
- Let members know ahead of time their portion of the bill so you can concentrate on the discussion and the company—no fumbling for calculators at the end of the evening!
Hosting a meeting at a restaurant
Hosting Hint: Before the end of each meeting, announce the upcoming month’s book selection--then which wines you will taste next. There should be a red (like merlot) and a white (like pinot grigio). Then ask the members to draw lots to see who will bring the wine and who will host the next gathering. (One lot can say “blush” for those who like to drink pink!). Each lot can also note next month’s meeting date and place so members won’t forget.
Visit Harper Collins Publisher's Reading Guide for discussion tips and relevant questions 
January’s Quick Tip: Try the new stemless wineglasses. They’re simple and chic!