The holiday season is upon us. There are drinks to mix, decorations to put up, and gatherings to host. Yes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year — but we’re not talking about Christmas.
As you may have already heard, Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theatres this week, and celebrations are imminent. Here’s how to ensure your Star Wars party goes as smooth as a J-type 327 Nubian starship entering hyperspace.
Obvious, yet delightful, snack options include stormtrooper or droid cake pops and character cupcakes. Die-hard fans can scour the Internet (or Wookieepedia) for a more authentic menu. For example, a hummus and pita platter could replicate the Bantha Platters sold at Gep’s Grill, though you may want to substitute salamander sticks with carrot sticks.
If coming up with creative saga-themed snacks requires too much effort, you can purchase character cookie cutters from Etsy or ThinkGeek to transform Christmas cookies into Clone cookies.
Or, if your party is turning into a movie marathon, you can make Death Star-shaped waffles for your breakfast course (available at hmv.ca)!
With these easy recipes, you and your trusty Wookie sidekick won’t have to venture all the way to the Cantina in Mos Eisley to turn up:
The Qui-Gon Gin
- Mix together 1 oz. gin, 2 oz. melon liqueur, and 1 splash of lime juice in a highball glass.
- Top with tonic water and a lime wedge.
The C-3PO
- Combine 3 tbsp boiling water and 3 tbsp honey in a small mixing bowl and whisk vigorously until they form a thin syrup.
- Whisk in half a cup of bourbon whiskey and 2 oz. of lemon juice.
- Refrigerate until it’s time to serve (serves 2 droids).
The Master Yoda
- Combine in a tall glass ½ cup orange juice, 1 oz. coconut water, 20 mL blue curacao, and 30–40mL vodka. (We recommend 40 — after all, do or do not. There is no try.)
The Stormtrooper
- Combine in a shaker 6 oz. milk, 2 oz. coconut rum, 2 oz. vodka, and ice.
- Shake until chilled.
The Wookiee: A drink so strong that even Chewie starts to make sense
- Combine ½ oz. Martini Bianco (dry Vermouth), 1 ½ oz. white rum, 1 oz. vodka, 1 oz. tequila, 1 oz. cola, and 1 oz. orange juice.
- Pour over ice.
And if you want to uphold the theme of your party, consider shot glasses inspired by The Force Awakens, available at spencersonline.com.
As for decorations, you can never go wrong with R2-D2 string lights or Christmas tree decorations shaped like classic characters, such as C-3PO, Darth Vader, or R2-D2.
If you want to take your event up a notch, let your guests know that there’s a strict dress code to abide by. Three possible options are:
- Black tie (think Oscar’s/movie premiere gala): this dress code would require similarly sophisticated decorations and hors d’oeuvres.
- Costume: invite everyone to dress up as their favourite Sith or droid.
- Pajamas: Dozens of shops, including Forever 21 and ThinkGeek, are now carrying Star Wars pajamas for all budgets. Plus, wearing pajamas (or Jedi-style bath robes) ensure maximum comfort while watching all 794 minutes of cinematic excellence. And if the festivities turn into a slumber party, shock and delight your guests by choosing to sleep in the belly of a beast over crashing on the couch; tauntaun sleeping bags are cozy, authentic, and adorable (if not slightly morbid).
Festive activities can range from easy to facilitate, such as limboing under makeshift lightsabers, to difficult DIYs, such as making your own Death Star pinata. Of course, you can never go wrong with a marathon of some of the most beloved movies of all time.
Appropriate music isn’t hard to come by either. YouTube offers videos and playlists such as The Best Music from Star Wars and several remixes of the beloved Cantina band. Or, instead of listening to a Cantina remix on repeat, consider a more authentic auditory backdrop for your fiesta: a one-hour loop of friendly Chewbacca noises.
So whether you’re celebrating in style by throwing your own red carpet event, or curling up with your dog (who may or may not be dressed up as an ewok), here’s hoping you have a very merry New Star Wars Day!
