What happens when a smutty book club, a Masquerade Ball theme, and a whole lot of intention come together for one special night?
This past weekend I hosted a Masquerade Ball for the women of my Dark Romance book club — and their partners — to celebrate finishing Lights Out by Navessa Allen. Full mask theme, couples-focused, and honestly one of my favorite nights I've ever hosted.
In this episode, I'm taking you fully behind the scenes — the Pinterest board, the games (yes, I'm sharing a couple), the playlist, the menu, the surprise element, and everything I learned hosting a co-ed, on-theme event from start to finish.
This isn't a generic hosting guide. This is the real, full story — mess and magic included.
Inside this episode, we explore:
How the theme came together around our book club read — and why staying true to the book made everything else easier to plan
Why I made this a couples event, and how I kept it inclusive for partners who hadn't read the book
The exact way I picked the date with the group (hint: it landed on Lion's Gate, 8/8 — unplanned and perfect)
Why I chose a home-cooked menu over potluck this time — and how I accommodated gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, and allergy needs without losing the "abundant" feeling
The on-theme spicy games I created — including the Dark Confessions Box and the Hot Seat Reading Game
How I organized 16-20 game ideas into an evening the group could vote on and collaborate on together
Building the playlist — and why I brought my husband in as the co-curator
The decor details that made the room feel like a real masquerade, not just a theme
The one surprise element that came together last minute (thanks to a book club friend's generosity)
The truth about "wanting it to be perfect" — even after years of hosting
This episode is for you if:
You're part of a (smutty) book club, friend group, or community that loves to gather around a shared theme
You want to host something for couples, not just women
You've ever wondered how to turn a Pinterest board, book, a color palette, or a vibe into a full event
You want real examples of interactive games and activities that build connection
You're curious how AI tools like Claude can actually support the planning process
You've been waiting to feel "ready" to host — and just need permission to start
👑 A quote from this episode: "Imperfection creates connection. Intention creates beauty."
🎭 A peek at the games: The Dark Confessions Box — anonymous, unhinged, read aloud at dinner. The Hot Seat Reading Game — draw a quote, draw a style, perform for your life.
💫 Want to see how it all came together? Follow me on IG to see how it all came together. Pinterest board and playlist linked below.
Let's Connect on Instagram:
@IAmMelissaPeters
Mentioned Resources:
Lights Out by Navessa Allen paperback on Amazon
Lights Out by Navessa Allen on Spotify
Masquerade Ball Pinterest Board
Masquerade Ball playlist
Bonus Resources:
I forgot to mention in the episode I ended up doing 🍆 shaped napkins... because WHY NOT!? I love going the extra mile with silly little details that make people laugh!... And I found this hilarious tutorial on YouTube that I know you'll love!
Party Decor Idea: Naughty Napkins
Enjoy!
xoxo,
Melissa Peters
