Everything You Wanted to Know About Cookbook Clubs

How to start a cookbook club

Starting a cookbook club is an exciting way to bring together friends, family, or colleagues who share a love for cooking and food. The process involves gathering interested members, selecting a cookbook or theme, and planning the logistics to ensure smooth and enjoyable meetings. 

By organising and hosting the first meeting, you set the stage for a fun and rewarding culinary adventure that can be enjoyed by everyone involved. Here’s how to get started.

1. Gather interested members 

The first step in starting a cookbook club is to find people who share your enthusiasm for cooking and trying new recipes. Look for friends, family members, or colleagues who enjoy culinary adventures and are eager to participate. Aim for a group of 6-10 people, which is large enough to offer a variety of dishes but small enough to keep things manageable. 

Having a diverse group with different cooking skills and tastes can make the club more interesting and fun for everyone.

2. Choose a cookbook or theme 

Selecting a cookbook or theme is a key part of setting up your cookbook club. Choose a cookbook with a variety of recipes to suit different skill levels and dietary preferences, or pick a theme that interests the group, like Italian cuisine, vegetarian dishes, or holiday baking. 

Make sure the choice has a range of recipes so everyone can find something they want to prepare. This helps ensure that each meeting offers a delicious and diverse spread of dishes for everyone to enjoy.

3. Plan the logistics 

To ensure your cookbook club runs smoothly, it's important to plan out the details in advance. 

First, decide how often the club will meet—whether monthly, bi-monthly, or at another interval that suits everyone. 

Next, choose a regular meeting spot, such as a member's home or a community centre, where there’s enough space for everyone to gather and share their dishes. 

Lastly, develop a system for assigning or selecting recipes to avoid duplicates. This could involve randomly assigning recipes, letting members choose from the cookbook, or focusing on specific types of dishes for each meeting. 

By addressing these logistical aspects, you'll help create a well-organised and enjoyable experience for all participants.

4. Organise the first meeting

To kick off your cookbook club, start by sending out an invitation with all the essential details for the first meeting. Include information about the chosen cookbook or theme and assign or suggest recipes to each member. Make sure everyone understands the plan and has enough time to prepare their dish. 

On the day of the meeting, ensure that everyone arrives with their prepared dish and is ready to share their cooking experiences. During the meeting, enjoy the meal together, discuss the recipes, and plan the next steps for future gatherings.

5. Enjoy and review 

At your cookbook club meeting, savour the meal and enjoy the company of your fellow members. As you taste each dish, take the time to discuss the recipes and share your cooking experiences. Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for next time. 

This is also the perfect moment to decide on the next cookbook or theme for your next meeting, ensuring that the club continues to be engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved.