How to Organize the Perfect Fall Bonfire Book Club

This is your sign to organize a bonfire book club, featuring the perfect five-star book, Fall snacks, decorations, and great conversation! 

As the days get shorter, you might find yourself tempted to retreat indoors, but this time of year is the perfect excuse to cozy up around a bonfire with friends, and, of course, a good book. Here is everything you need to know to organize a Fall bonfire book club that all of your friends will want to join.  Start a fire, get a hot drink, and have plenty of blankets available!

Finding the perfect book for your Fall book club

There are endless lists on TikTok and Instagram about what romance, fantasy, and historical fiction books to pick up this Fall, but how do you find the perfect book for your group? The best way to narrow down your choices is to decide on a genre and then have everyone make a suggestion. Lastly, vote on the options. Through personal experience, I’ve found that 4-7 people is your sweet spot when it comes to great book discussions. This way you can avoid talking over each other, fighting to get a word in, and missing big discussion points because you didn’t have time. 

Once you have 4-7 people in mind you can also rule out certain books. For example, if there’s someone in the group who hates gore, you can rule out certain authors or titles right away. Ask everyone to choose a book and then vote! Hint, hint, you can’t choose your own book. 

​More tips for choosing the right book club book:

• Decide on a genre or a theme to narrow things down. 
• Take turns picking.
• Read a book that no one has read before to keep the convos fresh.
• Check those trigger warnings, especially in the suspense/thriller genre.

Stay Cozy and Comfortable

A fire will keep you from freezing, but you want to stay cozy too. Consider using beach chairs for extra comfort and have lots of blankets on hand. You can even ask your guests to bring their own blankets and fuzzy hats. Encourage your guests to wear warm socks, slippers, and mittens, and or arm yourself with an awesome fuzzy flannel! Don’t let the chilly weather spook you!

Create a truly envious book club and order some ultra-comfy book club attire. Nothing screams book club like a crewneck with your favorite book quote on it. Matching hoodies or beanies are also the perfect way to bring your book club together. 

Book Club Discussion Questions to Get you Started

How many stars would you give this book?
Who was your favorite character and why?
Did you know what was going to happen or were you surprised?
What was the most unforgettable scene?
If you could rewrite the ending, what would happen?

The Perfect Excuse to Decorate

As if there aren’t already a hundred reasons to decorate your backyard with orange lights, pumpkins, and all kinds of other Fall decorations, gathering everyone up for a bonfire book club is a great way to get in the spirit of the season. Consider adding decorations that go along with the themes of the book to really get in the spirit. ​

The Fire Part of Bonfire

If you have a big yard with a fire pit, it will make your book club that much easier. If you’re working with limited space or simply don’t have a fire pit, don’t let that deter you. Check out your local park to see if there are any community fire pits you can use, or check out these small but effective tabletop fire pits that are just as cozy. Add a few of these to your patio and the bonfire feeling will shine through.

---

Fall Book-Inspired Drinks

The last thing you want is for your guests getting too cold to make good conversation. Keep some warm drinks on hand or get creative and make some book-inspired beverages. Hot chocolate and apple cider can stay toasty warm in a crock pot for hours, or add some whiskey to the cider and really get warmed up. Get extra creative and serve Butterbeer, blood moon cocktails, or witches’ brew!

Leaky Cauldron Butterscotch Beer

Caramel Candy Cocoa Bombs

Other Fall Activities​

Add a little extra spark to your book club and add some other Fall activities to the itinerary, such as carving pumpkins, making smores, reading ghost stories, or dressing up as characters from the book for a costume contest.

---

Other Book Club Items you Might Love