How Allrecipes Allstar Aimee Broussard Celebrates Valentine's Day With Her Book Club

Name: Aimee Broussard
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
The Reason to Gather: Valentine’s Day and Book Club
Number of People at the Party: 5

As a cookbook author and Allrecipes Allstar, Aimee Broussard loves creating special moments for family and friends through thoughtful décor and delicious recipes. This month, Broussard will host a special Galentine’s Day book club gathering that centers around the love shared between friends, complete with delicious appetizers, desserts, and a “blind date with a book” exchange that will inspire her friends to fall in love…with a great new read! We caught up with Broussard to learn more about her Galentine’s Day book club gathering and why it’s always important to make time for friends.

Tell me about your book club and why you decided to celebrate Galentine’s Day as a group.

Our group typically gathers every six weeks to discuss the latest chosen book, enjoy delicious refreshments, and collectively vote for the next read (the host passes around three potential book choices, and we each vote by placing a sticky note with our name on our pick). When we realized our next group meeting was falling in early February, we decided to merge the themes of Valentine’s Day with those of our book club.

How does “Blind Date With a Book” work?

Each book club member brings a wrapped book to hide the title and author, but must leave a few clues, like the type of book it is (mystery, romance, self-help, etc.), available to read outside the wrapping. During the get together, each member gets to pick a book based on what they can see (and think they might like). It’s a take-home favor, but we’ll still choose a group book to read for our next meeting.

Tell me about any extra decorating you’re doing for the event this time around.

I really dressed things up for this special get-together, but not specifically in a Valentine’s way. The look centered around a chinoiserie planter that belonged to my grandmother. A passionate reader, my grandmother was a retired teacher who obtained a master’s degree in the 1930s. She would love knowing that she is continuing to inspire me…and that I, too, am continuing to read! I used the chinoiserie vase for arranging flowers (pink did look fabulous in it!), then copied the motif to create personalized bookmarks, which also functioned as place settings.

What are some of your favorite recipes for Valentine's Day?

Strawberry anything! The beautiful hue and sweet taste of strawberries are so perfect for Valentine’s Day. For our Galentine’s Day book club, I’m planning to serve a Strawberry Bellini and this Fruit Dip (see full menu ideas below).

Are there any grocery staples you’re leaning on for the event?

Phyllo dough is an entertainer’s best friend! In this case, it  elevates the appearance and texture of the King Crab Appetizers I’m planning to serve.

Why is celebrating love of friends–your Galetines!– important to you on Valentine's Day?

Life gets busy! Taking a moment to pause and acknowledge the special bonds with those you do life with is incredibly important from a mental health standpoint. What I love about organizing a Galentine’s Day gathering is that it also allows those friends who may not be in a committed relationship to still be celebrated and to feel included on a day dedicated to love. And, if you’re like me and happen to be in a committed relationship but your spouse calls Valentine’s Day “a Hallmark holiday,” a girly day devoted to your gal pals is just what the doctor ordered.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to host a get-together like yours?

Just do it! While I personally love a themed get-together and an excuse to get dressed up, I also appreciate our routine no-frills book club gatherings best enjoyed while wearing yoga pants. The important thing to remember is it’s about the people and conversations, not the décor.

Aimee's Sweet Galentine's Day Menu

• Strawberry Bellini

• Easy Strawberry Lemonade

• Red Velvet Cupcakes

• The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

• Valerie's Fruit Dip

• Dried Fruit Cheeseball

• King Crab Appetizers

• Fig and Ricotta Crostini

• Oreo® Cheesecake Truffles
  

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