Be the Host

The Bookmark No. 133

I am so tired but my heart is SO full. Last night, I hosted my annual book and cookie exchange and it was so much fun. Everyone brings a dozen cookies to share and their favorite book of the year. We play White Elephant with the books, we vote on our favorite flavor of cookies, share book recommendations, and enjoy a few drinks.

This year, I also let my friends choose from some ARCs and books I no longer needed on my shelves. I think everyone had a great time and I know I certainly did. I really needed it because it’s been a difficult few months and it really was just a blast to have friends over, enjoy festive treats, and talk about books.

I think we so often are afraid to host because our home isn’t social media perfect. Mine sure isn’t! But it is such an honor to be the person that gathers people together to spend a few hours off screens and enjoy time together. Be the host! Organize an afternoon at a coffee shop! When the weather is nice, gather a group for a hike or picnic in the park. You won’t regret it.

My party kicked off a very festive weekend for me any moments I have this weekend are going to be spent resting, reading my holiday TBR, and watching Christmas movies.

The cookie table was overflowing with goodies! I have the best friends.

Grace and Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman—I kept seeing rave reviews for this book but I was unsure if I would like it. I started it after seeing Katie from Katie of Beach Reads & Bubbly share that she couldn’t put it down. The rumors are true! But check the content warnings as it does deal heavily with grief.

Merrily Mine by Jennifer Chipman—I’m still in my quest to enjoy as many novellas as possible before Christmas. This was so much fun at 182 pages. Think spicy and an FMC snowed in with her brother’s best friend.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy—This isn’t a festive book but I did just get a notification that my library hold is in…so I think I need to see what all the hype is about!

The Eras Tour: The Final Show—I saw the Eras Tour in June 2023, so I never got to see the added TTPD section so I’m looking forward to watching this!

The End of an Era DocuSeries—I’m heading to my best friend’s this afternoon to watch the first two episodes before we go to a Christmas Cocktail Party this evening!

Christmas Movies—My husband is out of town again this weekend so I’m going to watch the movies that we typically don’t watch together: Eloise at Christmastime, Happiest Season, The Family Stone, The Holiday.

Kayla Kleinman’s End of Year Journal Challenge—I’ve been doing Kayla’s journal prompts every day of December and I really like how it’s added to my goal to make myself feel my best in December rather than wait til January.

Tartan Dress—I haven’t purchased a single new plaid item this holiday season, which is wild for me. But I love this dress and feel like it would be perfect for Christmas Eve.

Blue and White Sherpa—I keep reaching for this style in another color, so I might need to add another!

Good Spirits Crewneck—How perfect for the romance reader in your life!

Book Sleeve—I’m back in my book sleeve era now that I’ve been reading more hard copies of books and I need to find a new shop to source them from! Would love any recommendations.

Little Free Library Ornament—I have this on my tree and finally found it online!

What are you reading and watching this weekend? Do you have any fun or festive plans? I know Hanukkah starts on Sunday evening so I hope everyone celebrating is looking forward to it!

Until next time,

Phoebe