Daytime Emmys

On May 5, 2019, the 46th Daytime Emmy Awards will celebrate the best in television programming between 2am – 6pm by honoring a variety of show formats, including talk shows, game shows, and morning news programs. It’s an especially big night for soap opera fans, when they get to see their favorite soap stars outside of their fictional towns like Port Charles. Get in on the excitement by throwing your own Daytime Emmy Awards Viewing Party with a retro-inspired menu, complete with wine pairings.

Set a 1980s Vibe

No matter your age, no soap opera fan will ever forget Luke and Laura’s wedding on General Hospital in 1981. One of the biggest pop culture moments of the ‘80s, that episode was watched by 30 million viewers — and is still going strong, with hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. For your Viewing Party, start off with a tender moment by playing Luke and Laura’s wedding song. Then get everyone in the dancing mood up with a playlist packed with ‘80s music! Decorate your space ‘80s style with neon colors, balloons and lots and lots of baby’s breath, just like Luke and Laura’s wedding day.

Serve a Retro-style Menu with a Modern Twist

Can you believe that all four nominees for 2018’s Outstanding Drama Daytime Emmy were shows that have been on the air consecutively for 50 years or more? Days of Our Lives premiered in 1965; General Hospital in 1963; The Young and the Restless in 1973; and The Bold and the Beautiful in 1987. When these shows originally debuted, television viewers had one thing in common: They really knew how to party! For your Daytime Emmys Viewing Party, we created a menu inspired by popular party dishes from the 1960s to ‘80s and gave them a modern twist with wine pairing suggestions.

Start with a ‘60s-Inspired Appetizer

Some of the most beloved soap operas debuted in the ‘60s, like Days of Our Lives (1965) and General Hospital (1963). At the time, serving crudité with onion dip made from dehydrated soup mix was popular. For a more contemporary – and healthier – take on that dish, try this French onion dip loaded with richly browned onions paired with Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Pinot Grigio.

Serve Cheese Like They Did in the 60s and 70s

Cheese was big at parties throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, especially cheese fondue. It’s still a great party dish, especially for a Viewing Party, since your group can leisurely graze while watching the award show. Making fondue is easy as long as you have a fondue pot: Use good quality cheese and don’t be afraid to mix a few together, such as gruyere, fontina, and gouda. Grate the cheese, toss with cornstarch to thicken and add chicken or vegetable stock. Serve with a variety of things to dip, like bread and apples, alongside Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Pinot Noir.

Not into fondue? Then fast forward to the 1970s and make a cheese log, or go outside-the-log by assembling a perfect cheese board.

Throwback Main Dish from the 80s

When The Bold and the Beautiful premiered in 1987, Sloppy Joe’s were all the rage. Use the classic recipe, or try this updated take on a Sloppy Joe that uses mustard and brown sugar. Serve with Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Claret.

Cap Off with Crepes

Crepes were in vogue during the 70s. They can be made savory or sweet, but our favorite version is the classic Crepes Suzette with a Grand Marnier-based sauce, especially when served with Sofia Blanc de Blancs.