Plan a Fun Romance Novel Book Swap for Galentine's Day

Galentine's Day is here! February might feel like the gloomiest month, but this special day shines a light on female friendships. What better way to celebrate than by hosting a romance novel book swap?

Romance novels are a beloved part of our literary scene, thanks to popular trends and series like ACOTAR and Fourth Wing. With the most romantic day of the year approaching, a book swap is a wonderful way to share your favorite reads. The genre has expanded, offering more than just cliché plots and covers. Here's how to pull off your own event step by step!

Featured image from our interview with Sophie Collins by Christie Graham.

Candace Nelson reading romance book in armchair.

What's a Book Swap?

A book swap is straightforward: guests bring a cherished book to exchange, and everyone leaves with a new treasure. In this themed swap, invite friends to bring romance or romance-related novels. While traditionally you'd share books you've read and loved, encourage guests to bring new titles too, especially if they're new to the genre. The thrill lies in selecting a book to share!

Send Invites and Plan Your Menu

The beauty of a book swap is the flexibility in guest list size. Whether you're gathering 20 friends or just a few, it's bound to be a good time. Shoot out a group text or create an Evite, reminding everyone to bring a romance novel to share!

Next, decide on the food. Simple, self-serve dishes work best for this kind of gathering. Think light snacks and a fun signature drink to set the mood!

Craving brunch? Serve asparagus frittata with goat cheese, walnut cream cheese coffee cake, and mimosas.
For lunch or dinner, consider a big pot of soup. Greek lemon chicken soup, tortellini soup, and Zuppa Toscana are all tasty and easy to whip up.
A large charcuterie board paired with some wine is always a hit. Don't forget dessert; cast-iron skillet chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat to enjoy after the swap.

Keep it relaxed—there's no need for a formal dinner. Make it fun and casual!

Creating the Atmosphere

Preparing your space for a book swap doesn't require a deep clean, but a tidy-up is a good idea. Clear clutter and set up a designated area for guests to place their books. A central table allows everyone to check out the available titles easily.

When guests arrive, guide them to where they can leave their books, then offer a drink. Kick off the gathering with some light conversation and delicious bites. Play some upbeat music and enjoy your time together. There's no strict schedule, but be mindful of any guests who may need to leave at a certain time to ensure everyone can join in the swap!

Time to Swap Books!

When it's time to swap, gather your guests around the book table and explain the rules. Think of it like a game of White Elephant.

Write numbers on small slips of paper and have everyone draw one from a hat to determine the order.
The first guest selects a book. The next guest can either choose another from the pile or 'steal' a book that's already been picked. A book can only be taken twice, and if your book is taken, you select another one.
Keep swapping until everyone has chosen a book!

Depending on your group size and time, it can be fun for guests to share a brief synopsis of their books beforehand. If someone is sharing a book they've read, they can explain what they loved about it—like the spice level or a memorable scene. This adds excitement to the swap and might spark some friendly competition!

Celebrate with Friends and Your New Read!

A book swap offers an enjoyable way to bring everyone together and create lasting memories. By the end, each person will walk away with a new book and a smile. So take this as your sign to send out those invites and celebrate the amazing women in your life. Cheers to Galentine's Day and happy hosting!