Recipe for a delicious Book Launch Party

(Note: I was chosen to host a party as part of a #SoapboxInfluenceCampaign and compensated to do so. Opinions are my own.)

Today I’m excited to share with you my recipe for a book launch party. It’s a failsafe recipe in my opinion with classic ingredients that will culminate in a delicious time for all. The recipe involves Ghirardelli Chocolate and Josh Cellars wine (#ASweetPairing) along with a few other magical elements.

The main ingredient is the hardest to come by. A newly published book. If you haven’t written a book, I have the perfect substitution for you. Have a book club party instead. Choose a book to read and discuss (might I suggest The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee?) and follow the simple recipe below.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Here’s a little more detail…

DECOR

Since The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee is set in the Mississippi Delta of Arkansas and Gracie Lee’s Daddy was a farmer, I decorated with cotton. Arranged in copper pots and Mason jars, cotton stalks added just the right touch, and since I have cotton on hand, it was a simple decoration for me. I also added a vase of fresh flowers because, really, every party calls for fresh flowers. For your party, select simple decor to tie in with the setting of the book.

I set out bowls of “I’m with Gracie Lee” pins because pins are in and fun for all ages. Tip: Midwest Buttons is the place to get pins. Thanks for the recommendation, Sarah Shotts!

FOOD & WINE

Chocolate should always be showcased so I pulled out all my favorite vintage platters. And like any good hostess, I sampled before serving.? Tip: You can’t have too much Ghirardelli on hand. Ghirardelli comes in a variety of flavors, and the individually wrapped squares are perfect for a party—no muss, no fuss.

I set up a self-serve wine area on a corner of the kitchen counter complete with wine glasses, several wine bottle openers, and napkins. If you’re lucky like me, your sister-in-law will see to it that everyone’s glass remains filled while you attend to other things like the Virtual Facebook Party happening online—another post for another day. (Remember to drink responsibly y’all.) We sampled five varieties of Josh Cellars—cabernet, merlot, pinot noir, a red blend, and chardonnay. Although I’m no wine expert, the Pinot Noir was my favorite with the decadent Ghirardelli.

In addition to the featured Josh Cellars wine and Ghirardelli chocolate, I included extra sustenance such as plain crackers, salty nuts and a variety of cheeses. These foods also cleanse the palate between chocolate and wine tastings. Tip: For easy shopping, you can pick up both Ghirardelli and Josh Cellars at Walmart—score!

FRIENDS & FUN

Take lots of pictures and encourage everyone to take pics as well. Spread your party across social media with specially selected hashtags. In the case of my party, we used #GracieLee #AccidentalSalvation #MustRead #ASweetPairing. Tip: Invite bloggers and this will take care of itself.

Make sure everyone leaves with a party favor to mark the occasion, after all, a first book only happens once. For my party, I assembled gift bags with pre-ordered copies of my books, along with a few other related goodies like a bookmark, a “What Would Gracie Lee Do?” journal, and more Ghirardelli chocolate to enjoy while reading.

Furry friends like to get in on the action, too. After all, they’ve endured enjoyed the writing of the book as much as anyone. (Of course, no chocolate for them…)

Thanks to all my friends who made this special time even more special. And thanks to Kendal King Group, Ghirardelli Chocolate and Josh Cellars for taking it up a notch.

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]Delicious #booklaunch recipe @LoveGhirardelli @joshcellars @KendalKingGroup #ASweetPairing #AccidentalSalvation #ad[/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:
Michael Buble, I’ve Got You Under My Skin