How To Host A TV Viewing Party Slideshow

The one question for guests before attending the viewing party: Are you a Blair or a Serena? Basically, are you a Betty or a Veronica? An Audrey or a Marilyn? The answer was clear when the doorbell rang and the door was opened to a headband and a skirt or pumps and skinny jeans.

When hosting a viewing party — whether it's for a show like Boardwalk Empire, Glee, Modern Family, or Game of Thrones — if you have guests dress to impress like their favorite character or in attire from that era, you can skip the decorations, as the clothes will create an ambiance all on their own.

In this instance, lush décor consisting of peonies (Blair's favorite!) and Upper East Side glamour were enough to create the look we were going for — luxury speaks for itself in the world of Gossip Girl, especially at one of the show's premier shooting locations, The New York Palace. As for tunes, we just played the songs of the series — our Gossip Girl Viewing Party Playlist — as we quizzed each other on milestone moments that happened when each song played.

For your own viewing party, music is key. Every show has a soundtrack, either officially or unofficially. With Pandora and Spotify, it's easy to create the feel of the show with its tunes. As for décor, think like a producer. Hosting a Boardwalk Empire party? Go '20s with feathers, a champagne tower, and tons of glitter and sparkle. Hosting a True Blood party? You'll need to go dark — red, black, and bloody — for show, obviously. 

For our bash, the menu was a no-brainer. The chefs at The Palace are no strangers to cooking for a Gossip Girl crowd, as they played host to the official wrap party back in October and have cooked for the actors on set plenty of times. In addition, food has played a vital role on the show, from the elaborate dinner parties at the Waldorf's to the constant parties week after week. For instance, whenever a problem arises, Blair Waldorf buries herself deep in French macarons, so these gorgeous ones from Canard scattered our tables.

Think about episodes from your favorite show where the characters have eaten together, whether at a restaurant, at a party, or at home. What was served? Pay attention! 

It wouldn't be a party at The New York Palace without Chuck Bass' signature truffled grilled cheese — season one reference, anyone? 

A gorgeous spread of luxe bites created an immediate upscale vibe, from tuna tartare to a charcuterie board and Cajun shrimp. 

Remember, small bites are ideal party bites like these goat cheese skewers.

This 20-layer crepe cake was a must, especially since it is a favorite of Blake Lively's, as The Palace chef divulged to us when we planned the event. Light, airy, and perfect, it served as the ideal wedding cake for both couples during the finale — and we served it when the "reception" happened on the show. 

Macarons and chocolate-covered strawberries played the perfect sweet sides and created a wonderful dessert spread alongside the cake. 

Champagne, champagne, and more champagne. Though Blair's vintage Dom Perignon '95 was a little out of reach, we found a perfect substitute in Veuve Clicquot. As for the liquor lovers and Chuck Bass-like brooders, Scotch was on hand, though no one was really brooding last night, were they?

For your own bash, especially if you're on a budget, declare it BYOB. Have your guests create their own signature drinks in honor of their favorite character and bring the fixings along. If you're creating a bar, think about the era — "moonshine" for the '20s, beers for sports-inspired shows, etc. 

Give a nice toast that celebrates the mutual love everyone shares for the show and enjoy the events as they unfold — onscreen and off. 

..and sit down, watch, and enjoy! 

As for dessert, stay inspired like Gossip Girl's costume designer Eric Daman, who riffed off the pastel colors of Jordan almonds for Chuck and Blair's wedding attire!