BOOKS How To Host a Book Themed Shower
Looking for ideas to host a book themed shower? Here are decor, food, games and party favor ideas for a shower that’s all about books.
If you have met me for five minutes, you know how much I love a good book.
I write them.
You can see all my books (and the twins’ books) here. There are 10 books in all (can you even believe it).
I read them.
You can see my favorite beach reads here.
And my list of the best bookclub books here.
I even decorate with them.
You can see how I decorate with vintage books, here.
But never. Never ever. Never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever have I attended a bridal shower that was all about books.
Until now.
Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about planning a book themed shower.
Okay.
Before we get started, I wanted to make an exciting announcement.
I actually got my mother to let me share her picture on the blog.
As far as I know, this is the first official “mother” picture. We took one in front of the book wall.
Isn’t she beautiful?
I also want take a moment to point out that our choice of footwear totally defines our personalities. She’s wearing tennis shoes (function over form). I’m wearing beaded heels (form over function).
(total aside and fun fact): my mother does NOT like the word mom, so she’s been “mother” to me my entire life.)
How To Host a Book Themed Shower
This was a shower for my cousin and she LOVES to read.
(total aside: I think she’s brilliant because we like exactly the same type of books).
Her sister planned the entire shower and I’ve broken down the details into decor, games, party favors and food.
Decor Ideas
1. The star of the show? This book photo wall. She made it with books attached to a large piece of wood.
2. Cut triangles out of book pages and make a garland.
3. Welcome everyone with a “Once Upon a Time” welcome sign.
4. Add a typewriter to the welcome book where people come and sign in.
5. Paint the spines of the book with the bride’s and groom’s name for the head table.
6. Stacks of vintage books as centerpieces.
7. Frame literary quotes and add them to the table as decor.
8. Use printable library cards as a photo booth.
9. Add place setting cards that look like vintage card catalog cards.
10. Cut out the center of a book and add a vase of flowers.
Games
1. “Would the Bride Rather” Give a list of this or this (in hilarious news, we all put “read a book”, but she said “go for a hike”
2. “Who Said It?” Have party guests guess which famous book couples said the quote.
3. “Book title scramble” Scramble the titles of books and have party guests unscramble.
4. “Guess the Book” Give party guests the first line of a book and have them guess the book.
5. “Book Charades” Play charades with book titles.
Food ideas for a book themed shower:
1. “Grapes of Wrath” fruit tray
2. “Brew and Bagels” with bagels and coffee
3. “To Brie or Not to Brie” cheese board
4. “Much Ado About Muffins” pastries
5. “Wuthering Bites” sandwiches
6. “Tale of Two Cookies” cookie tray (you could also have cookies printed with book titles, too)
7. “The Secret Garden” veggie tray
8. “Bookworm” gummy worm snacks
Party Favors
They had two cute options for party favors that were adorable (and easy).
1. Flower bar
There was a station set up with stems of fresh flowers.
There were paper-backed flower sleeves (I think you can order them off Amazon) and you selected the flower stems that you wanted and added them to the flower sleeve.
Then you could choose jute twine, gold twine or ribbon to wrap the flower sleeve in.
I loved this because it was an activity and a party favor, too.
2. Wrapped books
As you left the shower, there was a crate full of wrapped “mystery” books.
Each book had a pen, a soap and stickers.
When you got home, you could unwrap your mystery book (mine was a beach read). Most of the books weren’t new—they were from the bride’s collection (even better).
If you have a friend who loves to read?
This is the CUTEST idea for a shower.
I left with flowers and a new book and tons of book conversation to fill up my heart.
Congratulations to my sweet cousin and her groom.
Wishing you the best and all the “happily ever afters.”
PS We are about six weeks out from launching Thistle & Co (our online boutique with makers) and this is our printed tissue paper for packaging orders.
I had to share because I think it turned out so cute.
disclosure: affiliate links are used in this post.
Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.
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DeAnna
Jul 14, 2025 at 10:26 am
Love meeting your mother…even if it’s through the world wide web!!!! She’s beautiful and obviously the best mother ever!
Renee
Jul 14, 2025 at 10:26 am
What a fun and clever shower idea??? Is everyone in your family creative? And yes, your Mother is beautiful — her shoes are very practical! Seems as if everyone had a fun day…
TONI
Jul 14, 2025 at 10:29 am
Amazing and wonderful shower idea…so fun and creative. Love it! I also love your book recommendations and have read most of them! Thanks.
Jodena Beale
Jul 14, 2025 at 10:31 am
The shower looks amazing and so clever. But your mother was the star of this story. We all feel like we know her, and now we kind of do. Thank you for sharing her.
Sue Sims
Jul 14, 2025 at 10:34 am
Congratulations on your new venture! Wishing you the best of luck and much success! P.S. Your mother looks much too young to be your mother! Great skin!!!
Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
Jul 14, 2025 at 10:35 am
It looks like my kind of shower! I LOVE LOVE books. How nice to “meet” your mom. I missed the announcement, what is Thistle & Co? I tried to find it online but the company that came out sold paint.
Mary-Beth Bacallao
Jul 14, 2025 at 10:45 am
Thistle & Co??? Youbdrop that at the very end?? To be continued? The shower theme was brilliant and hello, Mother, but.. the suspense is killing me!
Katherine
Jul 14, 2025 at 11:01 am
Hi KariAnne, It’s nice to see a picture of you and your mother together. You both look adorable together. Her dress is beautiful, yes for sneaks. It’s what I live in because I have to. Comfort is everything at a certain age. Your cousins shower was super clever, lots of thought went into it. Book lovers unite. Your tissue paper is cute. This is an exciting time for you.
Peg
Jul 14, 2025 at 11:20 am
Love seeing you and your mom! Beautiful!! xx
Nuss Laura
Jul 14, 2025 at 11:22 am
love this idea! someone just told me about floral arrangements at a shower! love it!
JC
Jul 14, 2025 at 11:49 am
Loved “meeting” your mother! We already know her a tiny bit, so seeing her “in person” is the cherry on top!
Rizae
Jul 14, 2025 at 12:05 pm
Holy Moley! How old are you really??? Your Mother looks younger than me (70) so that makes you very very young. She is a beautiful lady and we now know where you and the twins got your good looks. Big Hugs
Kay Welch
Jul 14, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Loved the ideas for a book shower. I think many of them could translate to any celebration for book lovers. When I was little, my mom gave me a book birthday party. My daddy built a book doorway for all the attendees to enter through. Everyone was suppose to dress as their favorite character – the rest of us had to guess their character. My cake that my mother made herself was an open book with writing specific to me and my birthday. She made garlands and decorations from books. Party favors were books – can’t remember if she wrapped them or let the kids choose. Can you tell it was one of my favorite birthday parties. This was a great post. Thanks
Debbie
Jul 14, 2025 at 1:14 pm
Ohhhh look at you and your beautiful Mother!!!!How sweet is she in her gorgeous summer dress and cute sneakers!! Love love love️ Oh and that shower theme is amazing!!! How creative and fun!!!
Marlene Stephenson
Jul 14, 2025 at 1:19 pm
What a cute idea for a shower. Your mother is a beauty just like her daughter and a wonderful picture of you two.
Donna Marie
Jul 14, 2025 at 1:21 pm
Glad to see a photo of your mother. She looks so young! Love the bridal book shower idea!!!
Cathy Gutierrez
Jul 14, 2025 at 1:51 pm
Wow is right about your gorgeous Mother! Easy to see how her KariAnne is so stunning! Theme shower is magical, thank you@
Teresa Gonzales
Jul 14, 2025 at 2:40 pm
Nice to see a photo of the mother you speak about so often! I see the family resemblance 🩷 Both of you are beautiful!. Btw my mother was also called “mother.” As an avid reader I loved the book bridal shower theme! So unique🩷. Also love the tissue paper for Thistle!
Kris
Jul 14, 2025 at 2:53 pm
Fun, fun, fun! My book-nerd self was cracking up at the names for the snacks. I love sneakers with dresses–your mother (oops, almost wrote “mom”) is a fun fashionista and has beautiful, classic facial features. What a joyful day you had with family. Thank your mom for being willing to have her photograph shared with us.
Susan Sikes
Jul 14, 2025 at 3:19 pm
Oh my goodness! These are the cutest shower/party ideas!!! Your mom is beautiful!!!
Leslie Watkins
Jul 14, 2025 at 3:45 pm
Love that shower! How very cute! And an amazing flower bar and leaving with those wrapped books! The best🩷
Linda
Jul 14, 2025 at 4:19 pm
Love the book shower idea! You and your Mother are adorable. Thank you for making a great day even better for me.
T J
Jul 14, 2025 at 4:41 pm
Oh what a treat – your beautiful Mother and you! And I love the book shower. What a great idea!
Victoria
Jul 14, 2025 at 4:52 pm
A book themed shower, how creative, as were the favors! Love it! Sounds like it was a fun day. I wish them a life of happiness!
Victoria
Jul 14, 2025 at 4:53 pm
By the way, your mother is beautiful. So glad you have such a nice picture together.
Sara Hassler
Jul 14, 2025 at 6:51 pm
This is AMAZING! I love everything about this- and of course the picture of you and your beautiful mother is icing on the cake.
Michele M.
Jul 14, 2025 at 7:22 pm
What a NEAT idea, KA! I bet you had a blast! And oh my gosh, your mother is truly beautiful! I ADORE her prettily perfect white hair, too. I love we finally got to “meet” the mother of a fabulous mother! Super sweet post and great ideas.
Maureen
Jul 14, 2025 at 8:36 pm
Such an amazing shower…a real “page turner”What a honey of a mother you have!! You 2 gals are so lucky to have each other!! I truly don’t think I can wait 6 weeks for Thistle&Co…can you hurry it along?🤣
Karen B.
Jul 15, 2025 at 7:03 am
Your mom’s smile is so sweet and it’s no wonder her daughter, YOU, possess the same sweetness in your smile and all you share with your readers. What a fun idea for a bridal shower. Karen B.
tina/mormormedstiletter
Jul 15, 2025 at 8:31 am
Great ideas -I already picked a few for my next Ladies Night:-)
Susan Christiansen
Jul 15, 2025 at 8:52 am
Love books, I was such a book worm as a kid , but got away from it. Happily , since I’ve retired from nursing, I’ve reconnected to my book worm self. Currently have 14 unread waiting on the bookshelf! My bookclub is “Read between the wines” , we are reading “The Crash” by Freida McFadden ….. normally not a high fan of thrillers , but let me tell you, I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend! Love your blogs, def a daily boost of sunshine! All the best! Susan
Sue
Jul 15, 2025 at 3:40 pm
Loved the picture of you and Mother! She is beautiful and exactly how I pictured her when you talk about her on the blog. Great ideas and LOVE the tissue paper (anxiously awaiting the launch of Thistle and Co!) but WHERE DID YOU GET THAT DRESS! It looks amazing on you and I want one too LOL.
Lisa
Jul 17, 2025 at 5:46 pm
I just wanted to say hi! I love this bridal shower idea and think I’ll do something similar for my Back to School party I put on for my grandkiddos every year! For some reason I haven’t been getting emails from Thistlewood lately, and I miss them . I had to go searching for you. What do I need to do?🤷️