Last week we had the pleasure of hosting our annual Beth’s Book Club Christmas Party – our first in-person event in two years (thanks Covid!) – at The Luxury Picnic Cafe in Battersea, which has recently opened. We were joined by nearly 50 of our wonderful members, many of whom had travelled from far across the country to celebrate with us.
As a virtual Book Club, we don’t often get the pleasure of meeting our members. It was so special to see lots of names and faces that we recognised from our Facebook group and Zoom events in person! Best of all, lots of people came alone, knowing nobody, and left with a contact book full of new friends and promises to meet up for brunch in the new year. Nothing makes our hearts happier than the sense of community!
Upon arrival, our guests all enjoyed a welcome drink from Kocktail, either a rhubarb and cucumber or lychee and elderflower spritz. The Luxury Picnic Cafe then catered the most delicious Festive High Tea spread including mini beef and yorkshire puddings, mince pie scones and Rudolph chocolate brownies. Now, don’t even get us started on the sage and onion sausage rolls – there was no chance of having any of those leftover! For those with dietary requirements, chef Ally prepared beautiful festive wreath grazing plates or vegetarian versions of the high tea. The boho decor made the perfect backdrop and lent itself beautifully to adding a few Christmassy touches!
It was an absolute joy to hang out with some of our wonderful members over brilliant food and bubbles with Christmas music playing in the background. New friendships were formed and plenty of laughs were had!
At the end of the afternoon, each guest took home a beautifully curated (if we do say so ourselves!) goodie bag featuring some absolutely gorgeous items from brilliant businesses. The theme was self-care and we so hope our members have since enjoyed a moment of peace with one of their new books, a Kocktail, face mask and accessories.
The goodie bags featured…
A copy of Baby It’s Cold Outside by Emily Bell, courtesy of Michael J Books (Penguin)
An advanced reader proof (how exciting!) of First Born by Will Dean, courtesy of Hodder& Stoughton
A gorgeous beaded affirmation bracelet from Blush and Bloom Beads
An individual festive cocktail by Kocktail complete with garnish and tasting notes!
A beautiful handmade Christmas tree decoration by the super talented Ivy Inks Paper Co.
A gorgeous, sustainable wooden book mark from Secondhand Bookshelf
A blank Christmas card from Eyeowna Design ready to send to a friend!
A stationary or affirmation gift from The Inspired Stories – our favourite stationers
The perfect pamper companion in the form of an AHA Glow Mask from Balance Me
A Pure Ceramides Elastic Eye Boost Serum from Beauty Pie
A pair of party-ready false lashes from Eylure
A pair of fake nails from Elegant Touch in beautiful shapes, colours and designs!
Photos by @sarahellen_photography
Got a little FOMO going on? Come and join us ready for 2022!
Sign up before the 31st December to lock in 2021 pricing.
