Celebrate National Reading Group Month with Creative Activities

As October is National Reading Group Month, it’s the perfect time to explore fun, creative activities that spark imagination and connection. We’ve selected some fantastic ways for you to embrace the autumn season, get creative, and enjoy time with others. Whether you’re meeting with a reading group or just spending time with friends and family, these activities are sure to inspire!

1. Write a Poem

Celebrate the beauty of autumn by writing poems themed around the season. Encourage everyone to use autumn elements like foods, colors, and nature. Once the poems are written, take turns sharing your work with the group. This is a wonderful activity to do over a few days, giving everyone time to thoughtfully reflect on the changing season.

2. Fruit & Vegetable Quiz

Test your group’s knowledge of fruits and vegetables with a fun quiz! Have everyone come up with a couple of questions, such as: “What vegetable is used in a famous pie and also carved out for Halloween?” (Answer: Pumpkin), or “What fruit is paired with hot water and honey to soothe a sore throat?” (Answer: Lemon). Divide into teams, ask the questions, and award points for correct answers. The team with the most points wins!

3. Put on a Play

Bring out your inner actors and create a play as a group! Decide on a theme together—whether it’s a simple story or even early preparations for a Christmas play. Write a script, or let people ad-lib as the plot develops. Don’t forget to make costumes and decorations. If you’re stuck for ideas, check out some great scripts at Generic Radio.

4. Start a Book Club

Gather your friends and family, bring along your favorite books, and start a book club! Share a few pages from each book over afternoon tea, then discuss. If you prefer, you could also read local newspapers to spark conversations about current events. It’s a perfect way to mix literature and lively discussion.

5. Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Celebrate October’s vibrant colors with a delicious homemade soup! Here’s a hearty recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 500g butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 300g sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 100g carrot, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, halved
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 litre vegetable stock

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onions on low heat until soft (about 10 minutes).
2. Add the rest of the vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the stock, bring to a boil, and then simmer for 20–30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Allow to cool slightly, then blend in batches until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with warm bread.

October Highlights

• Apple Day (October 21st) – A perfect day to celebrate apples!
• Clocks Fall Back – On Sunday, October 30th, remember to set your clocks back one hour at 2 am.
• Halloween – Celebrated on October 31st, combining Christian and Pagan autumn traditions.

Seasonal Craft & Food Ideas

• Apple Season: Celebrate by making apple pie, crumble, or scones. Not only do these dishes taste amazing, but they also bring back nostalgic memories.
• Apple Printing: Cut apples into halves or quarters, dip them in paint, and print onto fabric or paper to create seasonal bunting. Use black, purple, and orange paints for a Halloween-themed project.
• Apple Tasting: Try a variety of apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Royal Gala. Don’t forget to include dried apples and apple juice! Discuss which ones you love or dislike and why.
• Clocks Fall Back Decor: Brighten up a cozy corner with autumn leaves, pinecones, felt hedgehogs, and LED lights. Create a welcoming space for conversation or a relaxing cup of tea.
• Halloween Fun: Make themed party hats and serve dishes like stew from a witches’ cauldron (a casserole pot!). Try fun activities like stacking decorated tins or a musical game with witches’ hats.

Monthly Roundup

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Additionally, we’re stocking up on Christmas decoration craft kits, so keep an eye on our website for exciting new ideas. If you need inspiration for a particular product, feel free to email us.

Latest Products

Here are some of our newest products that could add some extra fun to your seasonal activities:

• Halloween Hanging Swirls: Add a festive touch to your celebrations with these fun foil decorations.
• Halloween Décor Kit: Packed with garlands, a banner, and balloons—perfect for setting the Halloween atmosphere.
• Answer Buzzers: Add some fun to your quiz nights with buzzers that make unique sounds.