How to Throw a Dinner Party Inspired by 5 Awesome YA Books

Jackaby, by William Ritter
Entertainment: Murder mystery game
Food: Meat pies and pumpkin pie
Drink: Hot tea for the nerves
Abigail loves adventure and Jackaby is an over the top character, so don’t let the fact that this book is set in 1892 New England hold you back from going all out. Channel your inner Jackaby and decorate with crazy décor, like a fake pond made out of paper in the center of the room or a giant stuffed frog in a glass cage in the corner. Ensure guests stay entertained by crafting a murder mystery for them to solve. And, as the host and expert on the supernatural, don’t forget to don your extra-long scarf and crazy-ugly hat.

Rebel Belle, by Rachel Hawkins
Entertainment: Ballroom dancing
Food: Finger sandwiches and hummingbird cake
Drink: Ice-cold sweet tea with enough sugar to make the tea unrecognizable
As a champion level Southern Belle, Harper Price knows how to throw a get-together (not a party—Harper doesn’t throw parties). This gathering will, of course, be nothing but class as your guests glide around the room in their best cotillion wear. When planning décor, avoid anything that screams high school homecoming, like balloon arches and crepe paper. Instead, stick to fresh flowers, nice serving ware, and minimal décor. Feel free to throw an impromptu beauty pageant if things get a little slow—or if no one knows how to ballroom dance.

Anna and the French Kiss, by Stephanie Perkins
Entertainment: Movie night and post-movie discussion
Food: Banana-Nutella crepes and chocolate croissants
Drink: Hot chocolate (aka chocolat chaud) and coffee
Anna is new to the School of America in Paris and struggles to fit in with its unfamiliar surroundings, so you should definitely play on the Welcome to France theme. But no need to make it fancy—Anna’s more of a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. Feel free to decorate using every French cliché you can think of, since it’s likely Anna would get a kick out of it. Just make sure to watch and discuss a classic French film so your guests can access their inner Anna and act like a movie critic.

The Selection, by Kiera Cass
Entertainment: Karaoke
Food: Brunch spread (eggs, bacon, and pancakes) and strawberry tart
Drink: Orange juice
For a Selection =-themed party think fancy brunch (even if it’s brunch for dinner). America has a hard time adjusting to palace life, including all the delicious food (and the fact that she has to wear dresses). One of her first experiences interacting with Maxon is over an incredible brunch spread, which you can easily re-create without breaking the palace bank. Remember, you’re creating a fancy atmosphere, so stick to fresh flowers and trays of delicious-looking food for the décor. Since America is a talented musician, post-brunch activities should include karaoke and lots and lots of gossip.

Bloodlines, by Richelle Mead
Entertainment: Trivia night
Food: Fondue (Adrian’s favorite) and a wide variety of pies
Drink: So. Much. Coffee.
There’s not a single activity better suited for Sydney Sage than a coffee-fueled trivia night. Forget decorations—just divide your guests into teams and start showing off your mad trivia skills. Or if you really want to decorate, have each guest channel their inner Adrian Ivashkov and draw a picture to hang on the wall. And don’t be stingy with the coffee. And if Adrian is going to be involved in these plans (and lord knows we want him to be), you’ll need to entice him with fondue and pie.