Miss Pettigrew Book Club

" 'Oh!' though Miss Pettigrew blissfully, 'I think I'd like to die to-night before I waken up.'

They arrived."

I chose the 1930s/40s era fluffy book Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson for a recent book club, the tale of the difference one poor, dowdy middle-aged woman makes when she's thrown into the silly world of young opulence. There are romantic tanglings, sparkly jewelry, satin stockings and velvety nightclubs.

My own home, which was built during the time period, was the jumping off point for inspiring the monthly discussion, light dinner, and viewing of the movie adaptation of the book (starring Amy Adams). I accented with ultrafem pink satin ribbon, and quite literally used the book for decor.

To set the mood, I hung topiary balls made of petals from the pages of the book attached with pearl-topped pins and accented with the same white flowers I used for the centerpieces inside. I tied layers of satin ribbon on my sparkly boxwood wreath.

Inside, on our mantle and the gilded mirror behind our dining table, I hung pink tulle banners made from the charming illustrations found on the pages of the book.

I served a salad, cheeses, berries with lemon creme and a toasted coconut cake. We used my mother-in-law's cut crystal tea plates and cups.

I cleared all of the kid stuff out of our bathroom and laid out all of my fancy perfumes. The girls took home their own mini-makeover: petite pink nail polish.

Even one of our antique iron English Bulldogs got dressed up for the occasion!