Today, Star Wars fans around the world annually celebrate the saga, the franchise, the life-changing experience that is Star Wars! Why today? Because it’s May The 4th, as in May The Fourth (Force) Be With You!
How does one celebrate Star Wars Day, you ask?
You could go to one of the many shops offering special once-a-year deals on Star Wars merchandise, you could cosplay as your favorite Jedi or Sith and duke it out with your friends in a lightsaber battle, or (if you’re like me) you can relax at home with friends and enjoy good eats & one of the current 8 films!
To commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Episode IV: A New Hope, we popped in the Blu-ray and ate Episode IV specific food (with minimal prep)! If you’re in a pinch for time, here’s an easy way to enjoy Star Wars Day:
First, a Star Wars Day Party isn’t complete without a game! It keeps things social while you’re watching the movie and there’s always a new game to try out! I always love playing some version of Star Wars Monopoly. There are tons to choose from, whether it’s the Saga Edition, the 1997 20th Anniversary Edition, or this year’s 40th Anniversary Special Edition!
And what’s a game without some prizes? Lucky folks got to walk away with a nostalgic piece of collecting with a 1990’s Star Wars figure!
I luckily got to keep the Snaggletooth!
But onto the food!
The cups, plates, napkins, and tablecloth were from Party City. They seasonally cycle through new styles & designs but currently they carry many Episode IV-friendly designs (in addition to the existing Episode VII prints). Plus using this party-ware makes cleanup easy and keeps dish-washing at a minimum!
The signs I made for the dishes were inspired by the classic Star Wars silver “double racetrack” with the 40th Anniversary logo. Once you have the art & font, they’re easy to make and you can print a few on a page (preferably cardstock).
The menu (clockwise from top-left):
Vader-ade: Not necessarily Gatorade! Simply mix your favorite drink together, add coloring to a Sprite/Sierra Mist type soda, or purchase a pre-colored drink for effect. I chose red because of the Sith Lord’s lightsaber, of course!
Mos Eis-Tea: Mos Eisley’s most popular sweet drink (maybe not)! This can also be your favorite recipe of iced tea, sweet tea, green tea, etc. or pre-made tea drink.
Greedo’s Doritos: Green tortilla chips. You may get lucky and find avocado chips but any green chips will do! Spinach, lime, etc. But if they’re not green, then you’ve missed the point. Stay on target.
Sorry About The Mess: Accompanies the chips! After Han fries poor Greedo, who knows what kind of Rodian guts spilled… but everyone can enjoy salsa!
Jek’s X-Wings: Honor fallen X-Wing pilot Jek Porkins and enjoy the wings of your choice. We went with Korean style soy garlic wings.
Tatoo-weenies: Simply pigs in a blanket… or is it? Unlike Luke & Tatooine, you’ll be sure to return to these over & over!
Potato Wedge Fries: Named after multi-battle survivor Wedge Antilles, this side can obviously be potato wedges, steak fries, or any fry of your choice.
Yavin 4 Cheese Mac: This was store bought, so I don’t know how accurate the “4 cheese” is… but you get the idea! Bonus points if your mac gets closer to the orange/red color of Yavin!
Han Burgers: White Castle slider case is cheap & quick, and it’ll help you make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs! (This is not actually guaranteed.)
Pad TIE: We picked up a container of Pad Thai from one of the many Thai places near us… “There’s too many of them!”
Chewie Cookies: In the past, I baked Wookiee Cookies with a Chewbacca cookie cutter. But this year we cut corners and bought a pack of S’mores Chips Ahoy! Quite chewy!
Imperial Suckers: These Stromtrooper lollipops were a last minute addition for fun. I tried thinking of a name like Luke’s Lollipops but it made no sense. Finally, I realized that the Empire sucks!!
Multi-Leia Chocolate Cake: And finally, the pièce de résistance… a delicious chocolatey cake in the name of everyone’s favorite Princess. I cannot stress how *vital* it is that your cake truly has multi-layers!
And some extra parting gifts in the form of a goody bag!
Yes, actual vintage 1977 Topps trading cards, a Funko Pop Stormtrooper pin, a pen/stylus, and some Jelly Belly sparkling Chewbacca jelly beans!
Of all the years I’ve had a Star Wars Day Party, this was the one to go all out! 40 years and going strong! It’s a thrilling ride to be a part of this amazing Star Wars culture and to be able to celebrate with a galaxy full of fans who are deeply into it as much as it is in them.
But there’s more than one way to celebrate! How will you enjoy Star Wars Day today?
May the 4th be with you!
LesDudis 