Science Alert reports that, on average, people own 15 indoor plants, and plant growing has been a hobby for thousands of years. This means that greenery is almost always welcome in any setting, as people often feel a deep connection with plants.
Book clubs are an ideal place to have living decor, as the right plants and setup can encourage relaxation. Here are our top tips on creating a setting that’s amazing.
Choose Garden-Inspired Titles to Set the Theme
You can start by selecting books that naturally pair with a greenery-filled atmosphere. Look for novels with:
- Garden settings
- Botanical symbolism
- Nature-driven narratives
Once you’ve chosen a title, you can then pull visual or thematic cues from the story. Let these things guide your decor choices; for example, get wildflowers for a countryside novel or structured succulents for a modern setting.
Share the chosen theme with members in advance so they can know what to expect for the ambiance. They can even bring their own potted plants delivered as gifts.
This will set the tone for your entire gathering, and this ensures that your living decor feels intentional rather than decorative.
Plan Greenery-Based Decor That Enhances, Not Clutters
When using living decor, you should prioritize arrangements that are traffic-friendly and functional.
For your centerpieces, opt for low-profile choices, like:
- Small potted herbs
- Succulents
- Cuttings in jars
The above allow guests to easily see and interact with each other. You should avoid oversized plants that block sightlines or crowd table space. Arrange greenery in clusters or along table runners to guide movement naturally through the space.
In addition, choose scent-safe species, such as ferns, palms, or mild herbs. That way, you won’t overwhelm sensitive guests.
Use Plants as Take-Home Favors With Purpose
You can incorporate your greenery into the experience by turning the decor into meaningful take-home favors. The suggestions in the previous section work especially well and reinforce the theme long after the meeting ends.
You can even elevate the idea by including simple care cards that guests can tuck into their paperbacks. These can feature:
- Watering instructions
- Sunlight needs
- A short quote or note tying the plant back to the book
Your guests will then leave with not only a new perspective on the book, but also with a living reminder of the gathering.
Create a Simple Prep Checklist for a Smooth Event
It can be difficult running a book club on your own, so creating a simple prep checklist beforehand can be a huge help. Include essentials like:
- Selecting the book
- Confirming attendance
- Sourcing greenery
- Preparing centerpieces
- Writing care cards
Practical steps you should include are:
- Testing seating flow
- Ensuring adequate lighting for reading passages
- Checking for allergies related to plants
You should also plan discussion prompts that tie into your theme.
For the venue itself, set up a designated area for favors. If refreshments are included, consider light, garden-inspired options like herbal teas or fruit platters.
Offer Virtual Alternatives With Green Touches
Reading together can be wonderful, but not everyone can always make it. You can extend the experience with a virtual-friendly version of your greenery theme.
Encourage participants to bring a small plant or natural element to their space during the call. You can also share digital versions of care cards or mail simple plant cuttings in advance for a more coordinated feel.
For the video call, use a nature-inspired virtual background or ask members to position themselves near a window or greenery for added ambiance.
Have a Fun Book Club Meeting
Getting everyone together to read books can already be exciting, as you’re sharing a common interest. By adding a nice green touch, you can make the experience much more enjoyable, and people can go home with a thoughtful gift, too.
Check out our other pages to find more plant-related reads.