Book Club: Where'd You Go Bernadette

I host a charity book club with a group of friends, and it is always a challenge when my turn comes around to set the tone for the evening. You want to serve items and decorate around the theme of the book. Of course we had to include some penguins, and I wore the yellow scarf and sunglasses part of night.

The highlight was Pioneer Woman's Blackberry Cobbler in celebration of blackberry bushes that took over her backyard. I also served little Trader Joes Pizzas, just like the pizza cart they had in the disastrous party. At the bar I served a Pink Sangria (equal parts Rose wine and Blood Orange Soda, with fruit garnish) that I dubbed The Pink Penguin.  Here is a great article called "Where'd You Go (for dinner) Bernadette?" that links up the actual Seattle version of the fictional family's meal plan and might give you more ideas.

Table Setting:

I made my little chalkboard menu from black butcher paper, which works just like a chalkboard! I love using black butcher paper and black poster board as a chalkboard, it is so easy and super inexpensive! I collect cool wrapping paper too, and use it for all sorts of project, but rarely to wrap a gift (go figure!). Here I used it as a table runner since it's an easy way to add color and patterns to the table. The vase is a reused olive jar the I used thin painters tape and gold spray paint on to add some shine.