The Gilmore Girls' Bracebridge Dinner is the Christmas Trend We Really Need
How to host a magically Victorian-style Christmas feast like they did in Stars Hollow, because what's the point of celebrating if you can't do it in period costumes?!
Hi Friday night readers,
Move over, “Ralph Lauren Christmas” trend. If you love The Bracebridge Dinner episode of Gilmore Girls as much as I do (it’s my favorite of all episodes), then you’re in for a treat.
Before Gilmore Girls, I never heard of a Bracebridge Dinner. Now, it’s my simple dream to host one, squire costume and all. So, I curated ideas that match the aesthetic for your holiday delight! Use them in whole for an over-the-top feast, or in bits and pieces of your choice as you celebrate the holiday season this year.
What is a Bracebridge Dinner?
Simply put, a Bracebridge Dinner is a traditional Victorian-style Christmas feast that recreates an English manor’s holiday celebration from the 1800s. Charles Dickens wasn’t the only festive Englishman of the era!
A famous modern example is the annual Bracebridge Dinner at The Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park, which has been a holiday tradition for decades. (Adds to bucket list and wonders why there aren’t more around the world.)
The Gilmore Girls hosted theirs at the Independence Inn as a giant “sleepover” for the town of Stars Hollow. It isn’t just festive but also unique and quirky — just like Stars Hollow. And the dinner offered the only scene I can think of that brought together “all walks of life” on the show, from the townspeople to Richard and Emily, Jess, Paris, and even Rune! Did I mention the magically romantic sleigh rides and the snowman contest?! This episode is a 10 out of 10 any day of the year–not just Christmastime.
Here’s how it looked:
Want to Host A Bracebridge Dinner Like Gilmore Girls? Here’s How.
The Food: 7 Indulgent Courses!
“We’re talking seven courses here. Soup, fish, Peacock Pie, the Baron of Beef, the salad. Then, the Plum Pudding and the Wassail.” - Sookie St. James
Yes, a Bracebridge Dinner has, not three, but seven courses. And, boy, are they indulgent! I found some suggested recipes for you, particularly by using terms like “old-fashioned” and “traditional.” Small portions and/or bigger pants are recommended!
Soup: My friend Larisa from Eating Gilmore (who recreates food from the show) created this butternut squash soup recipe for this episode, so I had to link it. It includes apple, which, in my humble opinion, is the key to a good squash soup.
Fish: This served as a symbol of wealth at the time. My research tells me that salmon is the most classic choice, often poached whole and served cold with cucumber sauce or dill. River trout, simply prepared with butter and herbs, also works, as does baked or poached cod.
Peacock Pie: I’m not expecting anyone to make a peacock pie, but the linked recipe shares the dish's interesting history, which is worth a look either way. However, I did find a turkey pot pie that may be better suited to a modern context. (And apparently, more tasty than peacock, which is said to be tough.) Garnish the plate with a (fake) peacock feather!
Baron of Beef: The Baron of Beef is two sirloins still joined by the backbone, cut from both sides of the same animal. So, yes, it’s quite large, and it’s cut tableside. This meal is all about decadence. However, realistically, traditional prime rib would work well.
Salad: This simple course balances the earlier dishes. Think: watercress with lemon juice or mild vinegar, a little oil, and sliced radishes. While it’s odd to eat salad after dinner, it actually sounds like a palate cleanser!
Plum Pudding: Also known as Christmas pudding, plum pudding is a classic English boiled dessert that, ironically, doesn’t include plums but rather dried fruit. It’s dense, dark, and cake-like. Personally, I’d be fine using any type of fruit cake, as they are plentiful this time of year.
Wassail: Wassail is a traditional English spiced holiday drink. It means “be well” or “good health.” It’s also an act: caroling to neighbors and the apple trees (yes, really; very Stars Hollow) as well wishes. I found this Wassail cider spices kit (a handful of cinnamon sticks, ginger, and ground nutmeg) and simmered it with fresh apple cider from a local orchard for 2 hours over Thanksgiving, which was a treat for all ages. You can add bourbon or dark rum for those of age and feeling frisky!
Here’s how I made it:
The Decor That Works For ANY Holiday Tablescape
The Independence Inn was decorated so timelessly and elegantly for their Bracebridge Dinner that even Emily couldn’t complain. You can get the look, whether or not you’re hosting this feast. It’s so inspired, especially in how it incorporates a snowy, wintery look through baby blue and white, and steers away from the classic holiday reds (except for the wine, that is).
I chose this blue jacquard tablecloth because it was, by far, the most cost-effective. Why are some tablecloths so expensive?!
These evergreen and pinecone centerpieces with pillar candles can be mixed and matched with so many holiday aesthetics through the years and can even be used through winter.
While these evergreen teardrops with white bows are kind of “extra” as chair decor, I do think it would be nice for each guest to take theirs home. It would make a nice door hanging for winter.
For old-fashioned holiday china, I recommend Spode’s iconic English Christmas collection. You may even be able to find them at antique/thrift shops. Either way, they are a worthy investment for traditionalists and collectors.
This crystal drinkware hails from a famous brand but is a bit more cost-effective line, and hopefully, Paris Geller approved. We know she demands her drink be period-appropriate!
The Music Comes A-Wassailing!
During dinner, you should play wassailing songs, of course! Whether you’re hosting a Bracebridge Dinner or not, it’s a hoot to listen to. Yes, I did, and it made me giggle and feel so festive in the most quirky way.
It’s Basically Also a Costume Party
Staff attire appears more like Renaissance costumes (lords, ladies, jester), and I don’t totally understand why, despite my research, except that perhaps it’s just part of the entertaining aspect of the evening. Don’t forget to make someone “Squire Bracebridge,” like Jackson!
Hosts and guests may wear Victorian costumes (men's, women’s) or suits and gowns in a more modern context. (Lorelai wore a long black dress, and Rory wore a short brown one— both very classy and simple.)
It Always Comes Back to Books
Guess what? The whole evening is inspired by The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving, particularly the chapters that describe Christmas celebrations at a fictional English manor called Bracebridge Hall.
Reread portions together or give copies of the book as favors.
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Very informative and fun!