Book Club Night Kit

Homemaking With Babs

Barbara Costello

Cozy night

Barbara Costello, the grandmother millions know as Babs, shares warm, practical wisdom on keeping a home that feels loved. It reads like a visit to a favorite grandma's kitchen, which makes it an easy, heartwarming pick for a gentle night in.

Come Over, the Kettle's On

Join us for a cozy evening of Homemaking With Babs, with warm drinks, comfort food, and stories from the kitchens that raised us. Bring slippers and a favorite family recipe if you have one.

Reading level: Easy

Best for: Relaxed clubs, multigenerational groups, and friends who love a good kitchen-table story more than a debate

Discussion

Warm-up

1.When you opened this book, whose kitchen or home came to mind first, and what did it smell like?
2.Which tip or bit of advice from Babs made you smile, or had you saying 'my grandma did that too'?

Digging in

1.Babs treats everyday chores as small acts of love. Is there a household ritual in your life that feels more like caring for people than a chore?
2.Who taught you the first 'grown-up' home skill you ever learned, and how did they teach it to you?
3.Which part of the book felt most comforting to you, like a warm hand on your shoulder, and why do you think it landed that way?
4.Babs found a new community sharing her know-how later in life. Is there something you know how to do that you would love to pass on to someone younger?

Going deep

1.The book suggests a home is made more by attention and care than by perfection. Did reading it change how you feel about the 'messy' parts of your own home or routine?
2.If you could sit down for coffee with Babs after finishing the book, what would you want to thank her for, and what would you want to ask her?

On the table & to sip

To eat

Warm Cinnamon Coffee Cake

A brunch classic that feels just right for a book by the author of Brunch with Babs. Bake it in one pan and serve it warm.

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

Old-fashioned, from-scratch comfort food that fits the book's homemaking spirit. Use store-bought pie crust to keep things easy.

Grandma's Cookie Tin Assortment

A tin of homemade sugar cookies or chocolate chip cookies, the kind every grandma seems to have on the counter. Invite guests to bring a family recipe to share.

To sip

Hot Spiced Apple Cider (no alcohol)

Simmered on the stove with cinnamon sticks and orange slices so the whole house smells like a welcome. Non-alcoholic and good for everyone.

Fresh Pot of Coffee with Real Cream (no alcohol)

The heart of any grandma's kitchen table. Set out a creamer pitcher and sugar bowl for an old-school touch.

Irish Cream Hot Cocoa

Rich hot chocolate with a splash of Irish cream and a dollop of whipped cream, a little indulgent and very cozy.