Starting the new year with something simple and comforting can be just what we need after the holidays. A cozy book club brings people together during the colder months and gives everyone something to look forward to. Meeting up once a month with a warm drink, a sweet treat, and a good story is a bright spot in winter that’s easy to enjoy.
If your group is looking for a place that feels relaxed and easy, a cafe and bakery in Concord is just right. The setting is casual, and no one has to clean their house or bring snacks. You just show up, find a cozy seat, and enjoy each other’s company. At The Percantile and Creamery, the 1920s themed coffee, ice cream, and pastry shop atmosphere adds a nostalgic touch to every meetup. Plus, those quiet January and February mornings or evenings are perfect for slowing down and spending time with friends over your favorite book.
Pick the Right Time and Day
Choosing when to meet might be the hardest part of getting a club started. But once you’ve narrowed it down, everything else gets easier. Many book clubs pick late mornings or early evenings, when things tend to be quieter. If you meet midweek, it might be a little more relaxed than a busy Saturday.
Whether it’s a Monday morning after the school run or a Thursday night to end the day with something mellow, setting a regular schedule makes it easier for people to commit. It helps to agree on:
• One set week each month (like the second Tuesday or last Friday)
• A time frame that works for most, like 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Keeping meetings to around 90 minutes, which feels long enough but not too much
Of course, things come up, but once the habit is there, people tend to make the space for it.
Choose Cozy Reads for the Season
Winter is made for stories that feel warm and interesting, but not too heavy. The best picks this time of year are often ones that hold your attention without being too hard to get through. Think short novels, mysteries that keep you turning pages, or stories about strong friendships.
To keep things fun, let everyone suggest a book and vote on the next one. That way, no one feels stuck reading something they’re not into. It also helps make sure that everyone is part of the process. If you’re meeting monthly through winter, shorter titles are often the better pick since it’s easier to finish them between busy weeks.
Need a few seasonal book ideas? You could try a winter mystery, a heartwarming family story, or even a young adult novel that reminds people what it’s like to feel something big for the first time. The only rule is that it should be something people want to talk about.
Make the Space Work for Your Group
When your book club meets at a cafe, you don’t have to make the space perfect on your own. But you’ll still want to think about what keeps the group comfy. Look for seating that’s not right by the door so you’re not chilly whenever someone walks in. Ask if they have a table you can use regularly, or if there’s a quiet spot that works well for talking.
Some simple ways to make sure the space is book-club friendly include:
• Tables that are big enough for drinks, snacks, and a book or two
• Chairs with cushions or nearby booths for comfortable sitting
• Soft background music that doesn’t make it tough to chat
It can also help to call ahead or ask a barista if they’re okay with your group gathering there for a stretch of time. Some places, like The Percantile and Creamery in Concord, even offer a semi-private room that can be reserved for book clubs and small groups, which is helpful if you want a bit more quiet. That way, everything feels welcoming from the start.
Add Snacks and Sips to Share
Every good book club needs drinks and something tasty. That’s part of the fun of meeting in a cafe. You show up, order what you like, and get right into the conversation without needing to prep anything ahead of time. At The Percantile and Creamery, specialty coffee and espresso-based drinks are made with real ingredients such as local honey and maple syrup, making each drink feel like a little extra treat.
If you want to add something extra to your club, try matching snacks or drinks to the book’s setting. Maybe a London-based story goes with hot tea and something buttery. Or a mystery at the beach brings on iced coffee and lemon bars, even in winter. Themes keep things interesting and make each meeting feel a little different.
You can also switch things up by encouraging each person to order something new each time. It keeps it light and gives people something small to talk about even before the book chat starts. When everyone’s enjoying a cookie, a latte, or slice of cake, it just feels like a treat from beginning to end. Brownies, cookies, apple turnovers, croissants, and other pastries from the case are easy to share and give your group plenty of options.
Keep It Light and Fun
Book clubs should be relaxed. No one should feel like they’re cramming for a test or falling behind. Some people read every chapter. Others might only get halfway through. Either way, your meetup can still be fun and friendly.
Instead of sticking to a strict list of questions, try using simple prompts like:
• What did you like most about the book?
• Which character stuck with you, and why?
• Was there a part that surprised you?
You can also take turns leading the conversation. That makes the group feel more shared, and one person doesn’t always have to be in charge. Everyone brings different thoughts and ideas, and that’s part of what makes it worth coming back.
If your group is just starting out, don’t stress about structure. Let it be casual. Ask a few questions. Talk about the story. Then just see where the conversation goes from there.
A Warm Way to Connect All Winter
When it’s cold outside, finding small ways to connect can mean a lot. A book club offers more than just good stories. It gives people something fun to look forward to, especially in the slower stretch between the holidays and spring. Meeting at a cafe and bakery in Concord is low-pressure and full of charm, making it just right for cozy gatherings and easy conversation.
With a simple setup, friendly faces, and a warm drink in hand, these book club meetups can turn chilly days into something a little brighter. They’re moments to slow down, share thoughts, and stay connected through the heart of winter. And that’s something worth making time for.
Are you thinking about starting a book club or finding a spot to meet friends this season? At The Percantile and Creamery we offer cozy tables, warm drinks, and quiet corners that make gathering a pleasure. Whether your group is large or small, meeting at a cafe and bakery in Concord can turn an ordinary get-together into a welcoming winter tradition. We are here to help make your next meetup inviting so come by or give us a call to plan your visit.
