How to Host a Dark Academia-Themed Dinner Party for Your Book ClubHello my fellow book lovers. At least, I’m assuming I’m writing this for other bibliophiles. I think we’re the only nerds who’d want to make even their PARTIES about reading! All jokes aside, you don’t have to have an active Goodreads account to throw a dark academia-themed dinner party. With a muted color palette and a likeness to a cozy library, it makes sense that dark academia is a fall aesthetic we could all get behind. It was my turn to host my book club and I decided to go all out. From decor to food to book suggestions, here are my tips for throwing the perfect Dark Academia dinner party.
Despite its resurgence on booktok, dark academia isn’t a new trend. Dark Academia is like if a gothic library had a love affair with a rainy autumn day. It’s all about moody, candle-lit rooms, vintage books, and a scholarly obsession with literature, philosophy, and ancient history. Think tweed blazers, leather-bound classics, and a dash of existential dread. While gothic fiction focuses on the supernatural and spooky, dark academia is the intellectual subculture.
Unshockingly, a lot of my inspiration for the dark academia dinner party decor came from Pinterest. I wanted classic items that fit the the vibes while being timeless enough to work for future fall seasons. After creating a few mood boards and following a palette, my vision really came to life! One of my favorite touches are the page name cards for each dinner guest!
There’s more to Dark Academia than Harry Potter-inspired merch. And after doing some digging, these retailers helped me create the perfect moody atmosphere for my book club.
I’m a chronically last minute shopper so of course I went in on Amazon. However, I ended up finding some very cute decor so I’m happy with my purchase! The vintage looking papers were perfect for a dark academia book club party. And the battery operated candles helped me create an entryway that rivaled the Great Hall at Hogwarts. (If you like this, let me know if you want a DIY post!)
You wouldn’t think these “live laugh love” stores would have what you need for a “goth girl fall.” But I found some great finishing touches and dinnerware for the party!
Thrifted items will give you the most authentic dark academia decor. You want pieces that feel a bit more loved and lived in to complete the gothic aesthetic. I found a lot of the older books at a local book store for free! Estate sales or local shops always have the best finds!
While most of the food was served potluck style, I provided a few items I knew I wanted to have. Croissant sandwiches, apple pie, and a fall salad really felt like they fit the mood. I even made a signature cocktail for the occasion I’m calling, “The Librarian.” But feel free to create your own!
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic piece of literature. It’s also known as one of the only books I enjoyed in my AP English class. The story follows one man’s pursuit for beauty in all things while the sins of his past are recorded on a portrait. Not only would I suggest this if you’re looking for dark academia literature but just as a solid novel in general.
If you’re looking for a young adult recommendation for dark academia, Divine Rivals is a perfect choice. It’s a low fantasy novel about two rival journalists searching for the truth as their country wages war against forgotten gods. Rebecca Ross writes beautiful prose and I often suggest this duology for my friends who prefer closed door romances.
As an academic herself, (seriously, she has released 6 books while obtaining 2 masters and a PhD) R.F. Kuang loves a good sociological discussion. Babel is the story of Robin, a young cantonese boy, who finds himself with a mysterious guardian who works for Oxford’s Babel institute. The school is a translating program powered by magical silver bars. The story follows Robin as he adjusts to life in England, his eventual studies at Babel, and the internal struggles of supporting the institution that saved him or uncovering the uncomfortable truths of the empire. What’s more dark academia than that?!
Now this book is THICK and honestly quite pedantic at times. It can read like an academic paper on the etymology of every language under the sun where you’re sometimes just wondering, “please get to the point.” And for that reason, I can see how it’s not for everyone nor would I suggest it to a casual reader. HOWEVER, it’s like the final 50% of the book slapped me across the face and said hold on. It’s very much worth the read and one of my favorite books of all time.
Have you noticed a theme yet? if it’s set in an academic institution with a vibe that’s slightly ominous, chances are it’s a dark academia book. And despite the pinterest searches saying otherwise, Black women can enjoy dark academia, too! Legendborn by Tracy Deonn is a fantasy novel that focuses on Arthurian mythology and one young woman’s search for the truth about her mother’s death. I love how this discussed topics of institutional racism from the lens of a Black woman attending a predominantly white Institution in the southeastern United States. Book three will be released in 2025 and I can’t wait to finish the series!
This final option I haven’t read but it’s been on my TBR list for a long time. It’s also set in an elite academy filled with secret societies and magic. So it sounds like the perfect read for fall!
Any party or look feels better with a hint of originality. Don’t be afraid to add your own take on the dark academia aesthetic to really wow your guests! Now you’re ready to host and I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Should I keep this decor up year round? Let me know in the comments!
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