You know that feeling when you open a gift that is unique, and it’s clear that the giver thought of you specifically?
As you open it, you’re thinking about how amazing the gift is, and how cool they are for finding it, and you are just blown away (and maybe a little worried because you re-gifted something from your stash at home… yikes).
Well, we created a fun evening where everyone was able to create awesome book-lover gifts for their family and friends, and have fun in a retro-cool space while they were at it!
#1: THE BOOK BAR
Stacks of books were set up for adults, teens, and kids, featuring a diverse selection of stories from our tried-and-true collections. There was a little something for every reading personality!
Some of the “flavors” on our Book Bar Menu included: Light and Refreshing Beach Reads, Deep and Twisty Suspense Stories, and Warm and Comforting Feel-Good Tales.
#2: THE GARNISHES
After selecting a story or two, guests were invited to browse our curated book pairings (high quality products, thoughtfully vetted from local small businesses) and had a blast matching our suggested items with their books or Book Boxes…
For the “sipper” there were looseleaf teas from TeaLula, wines from Hickory Creek Winery, cocktail infusion kits from In High Spirits, and wine glasses, short tumblers, and ceramic mugs from Fly Paper Products.
For the “nibbler” there were rich chocolates from Veruca Chocolates and olive oils from City Olive.
For the “relaxer” there were limited edition scented candles from Edgewater Candles, divine body nectars and lip balms from Homebody Candle Co, boozy soaps from Soap Distillery, and even heavenly shower steamers.
For the “cozy reader” there were whimsical novelty socks, soft knit throws, and gorgeous USA MADE loungewear from MAJAMAS EARTH (for after their relaxing pampering, perhaps).
For the “book fan” there were magnets, journals, and bookmarks featuring quirky quotes from Fly Paper Products.
For the “little readers” there were warm-weather hats, flying wish paper, and interactive toys to match the kids books.
There was definitely something that every kind of reader would enjoy!
#3: THE BARTENDER’S TOUCH
Boxes, bags, crinkle paper, ribbons, and stickers were available to zhuzh up the presentation so friends could take their unique and meaningful gift to go!
You could say we gave a whole new meaning to BYOB (Build Your Own BookBox)!
POP-UP EXCLUSIVE PAIRING PACKAGE
As if that wasn’t enough fun for one night, we also had a Zoom appearance from Viola Shipman, the author of The Secret of Snow!
Shipman shared some of the inspiration behind the bestselling story, and guests got to have a quick Q & A Session before the evening came to a close.
We even pulled together a LIMITED EDITION Book Pairing Package for our event that featured:
TeaLula Winterfest Tea
Veruca Chocolates Slow Roasted White Bar
MAJAMAS EARTH Polsino Pant in Hope Blooms or Spiced
Edgewater Candles Mistletoe Evergreen
“Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. And it’s much cheaper to buy somebody a book than it is to buy them the whole world!” ― Neil Gaiman
It was a great night to laugh together and we all discovered some small business goodies that were a hit with both gift givers and receivers. Watch for more Book Bars to come… in person AND online!
In fact, if you’re located in Chicagoland or the Midwest, SAVE THE DATE for our next Pop-Up Event and Book Bar on Saturday, April 30th from 4:00-6:00 P.M. in Park Ridge! More details to come soon, stay tuned…
– Connie O, New Book Joy Founder
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