Our Back Porch Book Club wrapped up the year with the dreamiest holiday gathering—our Holly Jolly Book Club Christmas meeting—and it was every bit as festive, thoughtful, and bookish as we hoped.

We leaned fully into a coquette Christmas theme, setting the scene with a red sequin tablecloth, soft pink bows, and whimsical bottle brush trees that brought a vintage-meets-feminine charm to the night. Paired with twinkling lights and the glow of good conversation, the space felt warm, celebratory, and perfectly us. As a centerpiece, we used a book tree with our favorite holiday rom-coms of the season. Everyone arrived dressed in their Christmas best, adding sparkle, velvet, and bows to an already magical evening.

Before turning our attention to what’s next, we reflected on the book that brought us together this month: Broken Country. Most of us absolutely loved this book—especially its rich, layered storyline and deeply developed characters. The English countryside setting felt atmospheric and immersive, almost becoming a character of its own. While the story was undeniably heartbreaking at times, we appreciated the way it explored redemption, consequence, and the weight of difficult choices. It wasn’t always an easy read—many of the main character’s decisions were painful to sit with—but that emotional complexity is what made our discussion so meaningful and memorable.

One of the standout moments of the night was hosting a pop-up book shop with The Peachy Bookshop. Watching everyone browse, recommend favorites, and walk away with fresh reads was such a joy. The Blind Date With a Book was a clear favorite, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the evening.

We also shared plenty of laughs during our book-themed white elephant exchange, where thoughtful selections, playful steals, and unexpected favorites reminded us why book club is about community as much as it is about reading.

To close out the night, we officially chose our next book: Workhorse. It feels like the perfect way to start a new year of stories, connection, and cozy gatherings on the back porch.

Our Holly Jolly Book Club was festive, emotional, joyful, and full of heart—everything we love about the Back Porch Book Club. Here’s to more beautiful books, honest conversations, and magical nights ahead ✨📖