THANK YOU to our 2021 Novel Night Hosts!

THE 2021 NOVEL NIGHT DINNERS

The Awesome 80’s Prom
 Ken Davenport
​Link to PHOTOS

“Sweet Dreams Are Made of This,” Pelham. That’s right, it’s time for every “Uptown Girl” and “Material” guy to flash back to the 80’s for a “A Night to Remember.” When planning your totally awesome prom attire, remember that more is more. We’re talking big hair, bright colors, ruffles, shoulder pads, sequins, suspenders, and more. You’ll start your evening by posing for a prom picture, and then move on to a classic American party food buffet. After dancing to hits from the most rad decade ever it’ll be time to vote for the prom king and queen. Even if you don’t win, “Don’t Stop Believin”!
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Party Size: 50 
Setting: Indoors and Outdoors

The Big Lebowski and Philosophy: Keeping Your Mind Limber with Abiding Wisdom 
edited by Peter S. Fosl
​Link to PHOTOS

The past 18 months have handed us “no end of misfortune,” but “life goes on” and we must abide by the words of The Dude and “forget it... let’s go bowling.” We can worry about the rug that “tied the room together” another night. Don your comfiest bathrobe, Pendleton sweater, or bowling team colors and join us for a fun evening of bowling, mystery unraveling, dream sequences, mistaken identities, Dude-isms, and eclectic music, all served up with ample White Russians and a hearty pub fare buffet dinner.

Party Size: 48
Setting: Indoors

Boogie Nights
Paul Thomas Anderson
​Link to PHOTOS

Looking for a party that’s a little bit naughty and a little bit gaudy? Have visions of roller skates dancing through your head? Dust off your platform shoes, glue on your mustaches, and get ready to boogie at a glam late 70’s/early 80’s soiree. You’ll enjoy cocktails and a buffet style dinner while you mix and mingle with fellow dreamers, schemers, and wannabe stars. Some may call us sleazy, but what do we care? We’re just having fun and making a buck here in the Valley until Hollywood comes knocking.

​Party Size: 48
Setting: TBD

Bridgerton: The Duke and I
Julia Quinn
​Link to PHOTOS

Dear Reader, this season’s opening ball is a most highly sought-after invitation, indeed! Every darling Debutante from the Manor to Chester Park will be on display. Bring your dance card and be ready to eat a delightful buffet meal, drink, and dance the evening away!

​Party Size: 100 
Setting: Outdoors (indoors if raining)

Butch Cassidy: The True Story of an
​American Outlaw 
Charles Leerhsen
​​Link to PHOTOS 

Come kick up your heels at the old American West Saloon. Here, men and women who love a cold drink, a hearty meal, and a good gamble are welcome. Western wear suitable for the dusty ranch is just fine for this casual dinner featuring meat, potatoes, and frosty mugs of beer. If you run into Butch and his wild bunch at the bar, just tip your hat and say hello. At this bash, outlaws mingle with law abiding folks, and that’s the way we like it.
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Party Size: 28
Setting: Outdoors (indoors if raining)

Charlie and the
​Chocolate Factory 
Roald Dahl
​​​Link to PHOTOS

It’s golden ticket time, baby! You and the other lucky winners are invited to a Willy Wonka-themed party, featuring a whimsical buffet dinner and a psychedelic candy bar...just be sure to avoid the blueberry pie chewing gum, as it’s not ready for human consumption. At this sweet 1960s-style bash, guests might run into Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, or Mike Teevee, all of whom will be decked out in their brightly-colored mod best. 

Party Size: 24 
​Setting: Indoors and Outdoors

Classic Fairy Tales
​ illustrated by
​Scott Gustafson
​​​​Link to PHOTOS

Venture into the enchanted woods of Germany—the Black Forest is where many of your favorite tales take place—dressed as your favorite fairy tale character to mix and mingle in an outdoor “cottage” for an Oktoberfest celebration with fun, friends, grilled food and plenty of beer! Prost!

Party Size: 36 
Setting: Outdoors

The Gangs of Birmingham: The True Story of The Peaky Blinders 
​Philip Gooderson
​Link to PHOTOS

By order of the Peaky F’in Blinders, you are invited to a proper night of festivities  October 2, 1921 at The Garrison pub in Birmingham England. There will be drinks, music and games of chance.  The Shelby family is expecting you.
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Party Size: 36 
Setting: Outdoors

Golden Girl
Elin Hilderbrand
​Link to PHOTOS

There’s nothing quite like Nantucket in the summer. Beautiful beaches, picture-perfect homes, and leisurely meals. Recapture that preppy summer magic at a delicious clambake dinner where conversation--and cocktails--will flow. Be sure to break out your favorite Nantucket Reds, madras plaid, or Lilly P. We’ll catch a cool ocean breeze and enjoy the good life! 
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Party Size: 36 
Setting: Outdoors

The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
​​Link to PHOTOS

“...men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” No one throws a party quite like Jay Gatsby. Join us for a poolside soiree at Gatsby’s lavish Long Island estate, circa the 1920’s. Champagne and gin will flow and guests will show off their Jazz Age best at this party that features a seated dinner and dancing. Writers, flappers, and beautiful fools...all are welcome at Gatsby’s.

Party Size: 60 
Setting: Outdoors

A Moveable Feast
​ Ernest Hemingway
​​Link to PHOTOS

Ahh, to be young, talented, and carefree in Paris, circa the 1920’s. The années folles! Join Hemingway and the rest of the Lost Generation for an evening celebrating culture, literature, extravagance, diversity, and wine...we can’t forget the wine. Guests, dressed in their Jazz Age best, will enjoy a Parisian-inspired dinner and sparkling conversation with fellow expats. Painters, writers, jazz musicians...anyone who’s anyone will be there! Join us, won’t you?

Party Size: 26
Setting: Outdoors

The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern
​​Link to PHOTOS

Ladies and Gentleman, step right up! It’s the big top, Victorian era style.The magical circus is only here for a night, so don’t delay. Patrons and performers will enjoy a buffet dinner that includes circus treats and craft cocktails from Pomp & Whimsy. A magic show will amaze and delight guests at this Victorian circus-themed affair.

Party Size: 36
Setting: Outdoors and Indoors

The Paris Wife
​Paula McLain
​​​Link to PHOTOS

Be part of a Left Bank chic dinner party at the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion. Whether you’re en route to run with the bulls in Spain or just arrived from the States, stop by Paris for cocktails on the terrace followed by dinner in the mansion’s conservatory. Make sure that your conversational skills are sharpened, as you might find yourself seated next to Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, or Zelda Fitzgerald.

Party Size: 24 
Setting: Indoors and Outdoors

That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely Smith and
​the Golden Age of Las Vegas
Tom Clavin
​​​​Link to PHOTOS

In the 1950s, Louis Prima brought his New Orleans style jazz and one-of-a-kind charisma and style to the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas and the late-night scene would never be the same. Louis, his co-star and wife Keely Smith, and his band, Sam Butera and the Witnesses, performed sold out raucous shows every night from midnight until sunrise earning the title of "The Wildest Show in Las Vegas".  Between the hot music and the constant stream of glamorous movie and entertainment stars in the audience, like Frank Sinatra and Sophie Tucker, Louis's show was the hottest ticket in town. Come join us for a night of golden age Las Vegas with live music, classic cocktails, tasty food, and of course, great company!

Party Size: 26 
Setting: Indoors and Outdoors

My Big Fat Greek Wedding
 Nia Vardalos
​​Link to PHOTOS

You’re getting married? Opa! “Did you know the original concept of marriage was originated by the Greeks? Of course…everything comes from the Greeks. In fact, there are only two kinds of people: Greeks and everyone else who wishes they were Greek!” Come be the bride and groom at My Big Fat Greek Wedding and be Greek for a night! Ladies, wear your own (or your favorite) wedding dress ….or be the bridesmaid (again) and come have a Greek feast, buffet-style! If you have any problem, a little Windex will fix it. You don’t eat meat? It’s ok, I make lamb! Opa!

Party Size: 40
Setting: Outdoors

A Pirate
​Looks at Fifty
Jimmy Buffett
​​Link to PHOTOS

Calling all parrot heads and leisure lovers, it’s time to head on down to Margaritaville...we’ll get there just in time for the Carribean sunset. Flip flops are suggested but shoes aren’t required at this tropical bash featuring a Cheeseburger in Paradise food truck buffet dinner. It’ll be a night of music, mingling, and adventure. After the past year, we all need “a license to chill”! 
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Party Size: 24 
Setting: Outdoors

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail 
​Bill Bryson
​​Link to PHOTOS

Come in off the trail and put your feet up by the fire. You’ll hear stories about adventures in the woods, play leisurely games and perhaps even pick up some useful survival skills. Take a casual culinary journey along the trail, starting with appetizers from the great mountain ranges of the South. Then climb your way through the mid-Atlantic region for the main course and top things off with dessert from the mountains of Maine. Come dressed for outdoor adventure and prepare to meet some new friends along the way.
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Party Size: 32 
Setting: Outdoors

The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great
Eva Stachniak
​​Link to PHOTOS

Welcome to court life at the Winter Palace, where vodka is served with a side of scheming and a coup is always just around the corner! Please show off your most fabulous imperial court dress for this seated dinner featuring elevated Russian cuisine. While Catherine is a shrewd and ruthless leader, she also loves gossip, intrigue, and a bit of whimsy. For this party, guests may embrace historical accuracy or be inspired by the Hulu comedy-drama, “The Great.” If the crown fits...take it!
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Party Size: 24
Setting: Indoors and Outdoors

You Couldn’t Ignore Me If You Tried: The Brat Pack, John Hughes, And Their Impact On A Generation 
Susannah Gora
​​​​Link to PHOTOS

Break out the frosted lip gloss and powder blue tux, because you are cordially invited to the ultimate Brat Pack prom! Partygoers will enjoy 80’s culinary favorites at a buffet dinner before rocking out to an 80’s band at this totally tubular party. Whether you’re channeling your inner queen bee or feeling some wallflower vibes, all will be right with the world--at least for one night--at this feel-good party that would make John Hughes proud.  
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Party Size: 100 
Setting: Outdoors

Daisy Jones &
The Six
 Taylor Jenkins Reid
​​​​Link to PHOTOS

It’s L.A. in the early 70s and you’re invited backstage to hang out with the band. Enjoy cocktails and canapes that showcase the best of California cuisine (is that Wolfgang Puck serving chinois salad bites?!) before moving on to a buffet dinner set to a classic rock soundtrack. It’s a party where roadies mix with celebs and anything can happen. So skip the Sunset Strip and join us for the night.
 
Party Size: 40 
Setting: Outdoors