Sure, we are all well aware how great Jay Gatsby is. Really, after all of this time, we get the appeal. He’s rich, and handsome, and secretly dark and tormented. But it’s his lifestyle that’s truly fabulous: The extravagant parties; the sleek rides; the debonair duds; and of course, the overflowing Champagne.
Now that Baz Luhrmann’s anticipated remake has officially exploded—with all of his signature bells and whistles—we can takes cues from the visual feast for a Great Gatsby-inspired shindig of our own. Sure, you may not have a multi-million dollar budget or a sprawling estate, but really, all you need are a few design elements, a nice lawn (or even an accommodating living room), some small plates, people that love to booze and voila. You’re throwin’ down Gatsby style.
SET THE SCENE
Gatsby’s parties always trickled out onto the lawn, and now that days are lingering longer, an alfresco approach adds to the romanticism of the era. Ask guests to wear ’20s-inspired clothes (yes to sequins, suits, and pocket watches of any kind) and add to the opulence with over-the-top lighting elements. Fitzgerald writes, “Caterers came down with several hundred feet of canvas and enough colored lights to make a Christmas tree of Gatsby’s enormous garden.” Replicate the look by dressing your party in paper lanterns and Christmas lights, with a row of tea lights leading up to the door. Also, opt for a cocktail party over a dinner (way less work for you), with a few bistro tables scattered throughout for people to rest their drinks. To add extra fun, hire a college kid to play bartender. Really, what says Gatsby glamour quite like a wait staff?
MUSIC MATCH-UP
Gatsby always employed a band at his parties. Set the scene with a Roaring Twenties playlist. Bernadette Seacrest and her Provocateurs bring a seductive swagger to the soiree, as do Blair Crimmins & The Hookers’ gypsy-tinged jingles. Put Laura Mvula’s “That’s Alright” on there somewhere too in between Al Jolson, Bessie Smith and Duke Ellington. Segue to Jay-Z. Let the flapping begin.
FEAST YOUR EYES
While it’s safe to assume that Gatsby likely passed up the h’orderves (forbidden love can stifle the appetite), he certainly served them up with panache. Fitzgerald mentions a buffet stacked with a spread of “spiced hams, glistening h’orderves, salads, pastry pigs and turkeys.” To play off of the theme, serve ample passed appetizers (make a few, cater the rest). Deviled eggs, caviar, small pastries and meat platters were all popular dishes of the time. Since you’re striving for luxury, look for rich dishes that are big on the details—a beautiful bite goes a long way. We could definitely imagine Daisy Buchanan nibbling on one of these elegant apricot-salmon brioche toasts from Sonoma restaurant, the girl & the fig.
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