Whether you’ve waited months or years for this “Gilmore Girls” revival, it’s the perfect opportunity to go all out and throw a party in true Stars Hollow style. In this guide, we have three different levels of watch party awesomeness, from a low key Luke get-together to an elegant Emily affair. Don’t forget the coffee—now you’re all set to Netflix and Chilton.
Luke Danes approved
Since Luke has shown he’s not the best at planning parties, we’ve taken some festive inspiration from other favorite Stars Hollow townies.
Food: Cheeseburgers, chili fries, pancakes, eggs and bacon are a must if you’re going to be “all in.” Since we’re nearing the holidays, handmade Santa burgers would also be appropriate. You also can’t go wrong with Sookie’s magic risotto. For those who want to eat lighter, consider Caesar’s salad or Mrs. Kim’s “eggless egg salad” sandwiches. As for sweets, stick with some doughnuts and pie. Top the feast off with a small bowl of Morey’s salty nuts to snack on.
Drinks: Kick off your party with a cup of coffee for Luke, then move on to ice cream sodas for Taylor, lemonade for Gypsy and iced tea in honor of Norman Mailer. Or you could pull a Paris and go hard on Miss Patty’s Founder’s Day Punch. We won’t judge.
Details: If you’re feeling crafty, you can easily print out Luke’s Diner logos and slap them on some plain coffee cups. Print and display a “No Cell Phones” sign next to some self-help books. Fill a picnic basket with some fruits and veggies in honor of Jackson — don’t forget the zucchinis! Have everyone wear a plaid flannel and a backward baseball cap, or a cable knit cardigan a la Taylor. Set out a box of pink and blue ribbons for everyone to wear, and hide some Easter eggs around the room (just don’t use real eggs like Kirk).
Lorelai and Rory Gilmore approved
For the Gilmore girls, celebrating is a sugary science, and in their world, calories don’t count.
Food: Order the largest pizza you can find, and plenty of Chinese takeout. Set up a candy buffet with the usual suspects—marshmallows, popcorn, Twinkies, Pop Tarts, Mallomars, Red Vines—and roll up some dessert sushi. Deviled eggs would make a great appetizer, just don’t vandalize anyone’s car with them. Pudding and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream for dessert, and once you’re ready for more food, there’s always tacos and (mucho) mac ‘n’ cheese!
Drinks: If you’d like to keep it authentic, stick to coffee, coffee and more coffee. Put your Keurig to work and set up a self-serve coffee cart. Include fun flavor options such as candy canes or something to spike your cup of joe. If you’d like to go to sleep eventually, you can always fill your mug with hot chocolate.
Details: Keep the room cozy and eclectic, bonus points if you have a box of cornstarch on display. Spell out a message in Mallomars on the table. Create a Rory corner with classic books, some Harvard and Yale pennants and a framed photo of Christiane Amanpour. Bust out your trusty pair of velour sweatpants with “Juicy” on the rear, or opt for any other Lorelai staple: rhinestoned graphic tees, anything animal print or jean shorts and cowboy boots. Get some name tag stickers and label them Team Dean, Team Jess and Team Logan for your guests to rock. Break out the Bop It to play in between episodes.
Emily Gilmore approved
If you want to kick it up a notch, these touches will impress even the snobbiest DAR ladies.
Food: Emily does not mess around with menu planning, and neither should you. Salmon puffs and tea sandwiches will start your party off strong before you move on to fancier food such as a roast or lamb. Whatever you do, no walnuts in the salad. In honor of Richard, make a Johnny Machete casserole and spaghetti and meatballs to make it an exciting night (just no fighting). Snack on mashed banana on toast and apple tarts.
Drinks: You’re going to want to have the Friday Night Dinner standards: Scotch, gin martinis with a twist (no sidecars), fine white wine and of course, club soda. Add the infamous signature cocktail “The Rory,” which should most definitely look and taste pink. Grenadine should help with that.
Details: Ambiance is key. Put out some candlesticks (six inches apart, of course) and some non-scented flowers for your table centerpiece. Run to your basement and drag up an old present you’ve been hiding in storage. Set up a drink cart or tray so you can offer your guests their cocktails. Everyone wears their Friday night dinner best, bonus points for whoever dons a tiara. If you’d rather be more comfortable, cozy robes and bold “vicious trollop” lipstick should do the trick. Serve food promptly at 7 p.m. Take a break in between episodes for everyone to dance to Laura Nyro’s “Wedding Bell Blues.”
