How many times have you poured into your cookbook, flagged multiple favorites, but are you waiting for the perfect opportunity to come up with just putting it back on the shelf? And I simply flip through my goals just to lament the lack of ingredients on hand, or the kitchen tools I need, or, more importantly, the hungry table to cook. There are so many ways to market dishes like “golden raisins, tahini, tahini, tahini, tahini, tahini and urushi” for my two young children. Unfortunately, this time, stop waiting for that opportunity. My cookbook club is waiting for me.
The Cookbook Club is a gathering of friends, where everyone cooks food from the same cookbook, then meet up with food and meals. It combines the book club concept with a collaborative dining experience. As a result, everyone can try new dishes, improve their cooking skills, and enjoy meaningful conversations with shared meals.
Why start a Cookbook Dinner Club?
The joy of the biggest gathering occurs around the table with great food and great conversation. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from attending multiple gatherings hosted by Kamille, it’s always to have one or two conversation starters in my back pocket. The table is perfectly set, the food is perfectly tasty, you can set it to a playlist atmosphere, but at the time you saccharine it’s all about laughs, tears and meaningful conversations. It does well and a great gathering is a ride for connections. Also, holding a Cookbook Dinner Club is a beautiful opportunity for food and conversation. Plus, it’s a modest way to connect with friends without the pressure of holding a full-on dinner party.
How to organize your cookbook dinner club
1. Decide on logistics.
Choose your people: I advise you to commit the foundation of your club and kick off with a small group of people you can set up. Start with at least 8 members, at most. The size of the group may also depend on space and format. It gives people adventurous and interesting, and feels like they’re getting along together.
Beware of allergies or susceptibility: Ask each member to share allergies or food sensitivities, as easily referenced in email threads, text threads, or shared documents, to allow for easy reference and consideration when selecting menus.
Set expectations: Will your group focus more on causal fun and culinary challenges? Do you mix it every time you meet, or do you mix it? Do you cook together or bring the prepared dishes? There are multiple ways to set up a Cookbook Club. Make sure everyone is on the same page (pun intended).
Get it on Calendar: Plans are not realistic until you reach the calendar. Determine your hosting schedule (usually monthly or bimonthly). Determine the first meeting date at the end whether the host has a rotation or one consistent location.
2. Select Cookbook and plan the menu.
How to Select a Cookbook: When rotating a host, the simple way to select a Cookbook is to let the host decide. In my opinion, the best cookbook for a dinner party comes down to one simple requirement. Everyone is excited to cook from it.
Ask your guests to throw away the proven truth along with a new and exciting cookbook. You can choose seasonal cookbooks like Joshua McFadden and Martha Holmberg’s Six Seasons, or a classic ALà Julia kid. Maybe you’re interested in the group trying certain dishes, or they’re more interested in baking than frying. In that case, a brunch-based cookbook club featuring bread and pastries from French pastry chefs can quickly lift your alleyways. Or try a dessert evening, as we are adults and can have dessert for dinner if necessary.
A few favorites from all kinds of cookbook clubs are Gjelina from Travis Lett. Sarah Fennel’s sweet teeth are just as perfect for dessert nights as Claire Saffitz’s dessert rep. You can always peruse this list of Kamille’s favorite cookbooks to inspire more ideas.
Planning your menu: To keep it simple, consider two ways to determine your menu. In scenario 1, the host is determined. She selects the recipe and then assigns it to a member or sends it to the member for the member to choose a first come. This can do this in a shared Google Docs or email thread. In Scenario 2, members are free to choose their own dishes from the cookbook. Make sure everyone is shared in advance. There are no multiples, so the meal is balanced from start to finish.
Tip: Hosts should often serve to cook the dishes that require the heaviest lift, which is the main course.
Host tips for a seamless gathering
1. Set the table and atmosphere.
Set the scene. Invite the table to be easily and charming, and put in a vase full of fresh flowers, greens or herbs. Wear a playlist (additional points if it matches the theme of the cookbook) and ready to serve drinks to guests upon arrival
If your hosting is new (or if you need a review), here’s a guide to hosting your first dinner party.
Encourage conversation: This is where these conversation starters can help. Tip: Ask ChatGpt to generate some icebreaker questions specific to the cookbook. Write them down on a note card and place them under a table or plate.
2. Clean and plan your next gathering.
Create a clean-up part of your party: clean it together and keep things simple. Despite you hosting, everyone has participated in creating meals, and cooking duties are part of the experience! Don’t be afraid to assign roles, raise playlists, or make them all part of the party. Tip: Keep the container on hand for leftovers (or ask the guest to bring theirs).
Next Plan: Exchange group texts and plan the next text before everyone leaves. Decide who is hosting, chat about themes, land on dates, get your schedule! It’s a simple send-off, but it helps to maintain consistency and accountability.
Why do you like it?
A cookbook dinner club is more than just a meal. This is a way to slow down, taste delicious food and deepen your connections with friends. Whether you discover new ingredients, learn new techniques, or enjoy the act of gathering, each dinner is a celebration of community and creativity. With the right groups, thoughtful menus and a little plan, the Cookbook Club can be your beloved ritual. This inspires both the kitchen and the table. Choose your first cookbook, set a date, and get ready to create delicious memories.
