How to Start a Cookbook Club (and Actually Keep It Going), According to a Longtime Host

At first glance, a cookbook club might seem like just a themed potluck or a book club with dinner on the side. In reality, it’s so much more—a chance to share food, discover new recipes, and connect with friends new and old. My first cookbook club experience was in Brooklyn, at the back of Archestratus, a bookstore and Sicilian café in Greenpoint. Joining turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I don’t remember the exact book we cooked from that first time, but I’ll never forget the feeling: being surrounded by people who loved food, food writing, and community. Every month brought new people, dishes, and fresh energy.

I’ve since moved to a small town of about 3,000 people. What I miss most about the city isn’t the pizza or endless Thai takeout options (though I miss those too), but that cookbook club. So I reached out to Paige Lipari, Archestratus's founder and longtime host, for her best advice on starting one.

Figure Out Logistics

The meat and potatoes, if you will, of planning a cookbook club is determining those big-picture details and logistics: size, location, and frequency.

Size

A cookbook club can range from a few friends to over 20, depending on space. "My Brooklyn club meets at a bookstore, so regulars and newcomers are all welcome," says Lipari. Small groups feel intimate, while larger ones offer more variety and connections. No matter the size, the spirit matters most.

Location

The key is finding a welcoming setting that makes sharing easy. Try rotating hosts for smaller home gatherings, while a community center or other public space may be better for large groups.

Frequency

The Archestratus club meets every four to six weeks, which is often enough to maintain momentum, but spaced so no one feels stretched thin. It gives everyone time to try recipes and keeps each gathering special.

​Choose the Cookbook

From working your way through Martha's many (many) cookbooks to exploring unfamiliar cuisines, get creative when choosing your cookbooks. Don't be afraid to mix it up—there's so much to try!

Keep Things Fresh

“There are no bad cookbooks to choose from, but if you’re not excited, others won’t be either,” says Lipari. Mix it up with new releases and older favorites. “It’s important to celebrate the classics alongside the hits,” she adds.

While it’s good to expand with more challenging technical cookbooks or unfamiliar cuisines, be mindful of intimidating recipes with long ingredient lists. Looking for a starter book with approachable, delicious recipes? “Ottolenghi Simple is a great crowd-pleasing pick,” says Lipari. For classic books, she recommends trying Richard Olney’s Simple French Food or Honey from a Weed by Patience Gray (one of my favorites, as well).

Make the Book Accessible

At Archestratus, Lipari chooses the monthly book and stocks the shelves with extra copies, so everyone has easy access. Smaller groups may want to hold a vote or let the host for that month make the choice.

For my small-town club, I’m working with a local bookstore to order extra copies timed to our gatherings. It’s also encouraged to borrow books from the library or share copies so people can snap photos of recipes. Some of my favorite cookbooks are ones I bought after our potluck, once I’d tasted dishes and seen how excited others were about them.

Select the Recipes (or Just Go With the Flow)

Keep things organized—but don't get too hung up on what to make.

Choose What You Want to Make

To avoid repeats, some clubs use a shared spreadsheet for self-assigned recipes. Others, like the Archestratus club, keep it casual and let members choose freely. Even with upwards of thirty attendees, we found that doubling up rarely happened (and if it did, it was fun to compare versions of the same dish).

Don't Stress About It

Everyone should bring something, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. “Being together consistently is what matters most,” adds Lipari. I improvised myself on several occasions: I once ran out of time to cook something from the vegetarian cookbook that was the pick of the month, so I showed up with a store-bought carrot cake. After a meal of nothing but vegetables, everyone was thrilled to see dessert.

Prep as Much as Possible in Advance

It's almost time! As the excitement builds, try your best to prep ahead so you can better enjoy the fun and conversation.

Get Ready Early

Do as much as you can ahead of time so you’re free to mingle. Have plates, flatware, napkins, water carafes, and drinks ready. “Set the stage as much as possible, and you’ll set yourself up for success,” says Lipari. “When people start to roll in, they will know exactly what to do, and you can float about enjoying everyone’s company.”

Serve It Up

Label each dish with its name and maker; for larger groups, note if it’s vegetarian, vegan, or contains nuts or dairy. Ideally, dishes arrive with utensils, ready to serve. Smaller clubs allow more flexibility, but don’t rely on the host’s kitchen for last-minute prep.

Provide Drinks

BYOB works well, or the host can create a signature cocktail to match the cookbook’s theme (think an Aperol spritz for an Italian cookbook or an herbal champagne drink for a seasonal summer book). If you’re meeting outside a home, check the venue’s rules about serving alcohol. And make sure to always offer water and non-alcoholic options.

Set the Vibe (and Play Up the Theme, If You Like)

Choose a Martha-themed cookbook collection? Pair it with Martha-inspired straw hats and a cocktail bar featuring her favorite beverages.

Set the Scene

If you’re hosting, set the scene with tablecloths, candles, and music. Consider the cookbook’s theme—is it centered on a particular region or cuisine? While it’s not necessary, adding small thematic details can make the evening even more fun and immersive.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

A cookbook club should feel welcoming, not competitive. It’s about conversation and connection, not perfect dishes. “Keep things inclusive and let the conversation flow,” says Lipari. At Archestratus, we start the gathering with chats about the book and recipes, and then it evolves into a relaxed dinner party. Openness and flexibility help everyone feel welcome.

Wrap It Up

You did it! Here's how to end the night on a high note—and make it so you actually want to host your cookbook club again.

Have an Exit Plan

Make end-of-night clean-up seamless by being prepared. “Make sure you have a big garbage bag at the ready, paper towels, and lots of take-out containers,” advises Lipari.

Let Everyone Pitch in

Don’t forget that being a good host doesn’t mean doing it all yourself. “If everyone pitches in a little bit at the end, it makes it much more sustainable for you to continue,” says Lipari. “People want to help and work together. We rarely get to care for each other in this way.”