.jpg)
While it is often recognised through school programmes and literacy initiatives, you can also celebrate in your own community or at home by bringing people together with food, drink, and a shared love of books.
Why Celebrate with a Party?
Literacy is more than just the ability to read and write — it opens doors to opportunity, culture, and connection. Hosting a party not only shines a spotlight on this important cause but also makes it fun and memorable. A gathering with food and drink encourages conversation, storytelling, and of course, book sharing.
Themed Party Ideas
Book Club Feast: Ask everyone to bring a dish inspired by their favourite novel. From Harry Potter’s pumpkin pasties to Paddington’s marmalade sandwiches, there’s so much inspiration to be found in literature.
Alphabet Buffet: Create a menu where every dish starts with a different letter of the alphabet. It’s playful, educational, and a great icebreaker.
Literary Tea Party: Brew teas inspired by famous books and pair them with cakes, scones, or biscuits. Guests can read aloud from their favourite authors while enjoying a cosy setting.
Cocktails & Classics: For an adult evening, design a cocktail menu inspired by famous literary works — think “Gatsby Gimlet” or “Sherlock’s Scotch.”
Book-Inspired Food Ideas
Here are some dishes that will delight readers and eaters alike:
Pumpkin Pasties (Harry Potter) – Mini puff pastry parcels filled with spiced pumpkin or squash.
Turkish Delight (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) – Sweet, rose-flavoured squares that tempt Edmund in Narnia.
Marmalade Sandwiches (Paddington Bear) – Fun, nostalgic finger sandwiches perfect for children and adults.
Green Eggs and Ham (Dr Seuss) – A quirky breakfast or appetiser twist using avocado-dyed eggs.
Madeleines (In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust) – Perfect for a literary afternoon tea.
Cocktail & Mocktail Suggestions
The Great Gatsby Gimlet – A refreshing gin, lime, and soda cocktail, served in a coupe glass.
Sherlock’s Pipe – A whisky-based cocktail with a hint of smoked cinnamon for drama.
Anne Shirley’s Raspberry Cordial (Anne of Green Gables) – A non-alcoholic fruity punch that’s sweet and vibrant.
Alice’s Tea Party Punch – A fun mocktail with Earl Grey tea, lemonade, and a dash of elderflower.
Moby-Dick White Whale Martini – A creamy white chocolate martini for adventurous adults.
Food and Drink as Conversation Starters
Sharing food encourages guests to relax, while book-inspired dishes or drinks spark conversation about favourite authors, memorable characters, and personal reading journeys. You could even pair dishes with short readings, encouraging guests to discover new genres and writers.
Adding a Charitable Twist
International Literacy Day is also an opportunity to support those who struggle with reading. Consider asking guests to donate a book, contribute to a local literacy charity, or help fundraise for organisations that promote reading skills worldwide. A table for donated books can easily become the heart of the event.
.jpg)
For families, a smaller gathering with themed snacks and a storytime session can be a wonderful way to get children excited about reading. For friends, it could be an excuse to revisit old favourites or discover new writers together over drinks.
Closing Thought
Celebrating International Literacy Day with food, drink, and community is a meaningful way to remind ourselves that reading connects us all. Whether with a tea party, a literary feast, or a book-inspired cocktail evening, your party can turn the power of words into shared joy and lasting memories.