We all love fairy-tales, and Disney’s animated feature “Cinderella” from 1950 is a classic. There’s so much to feel good about: the talking mice and birds, a pumpkin that turns into a twinkling carriage coach and the awesome fairy godmother, just to name a few.
Whether you’re hosting a slumber party for your kids and their pals, or the single grown-ups are in need of a pick-me-up after a few gruesome online dating experiences, a princess story will do the trick. So why not serve a themed menu for dinner when everyone comes over to watch this timeless tale?
Want to see more? Check out our other Dinner and a movie features here!
And don’t worry; we aimed to make this one adult-friendly as well. After all, grown-ups can be princesses, too.
Dress the part
Calling all crafty peeps! With a little can-do attitude, you can whip together a lovely ensemble for your viewing party. To mimic Cinderella’s ball style, start by sliding on a sweet headband and breaking out a black velvet choker (’90s kids, rejoice!). If you have a ball gown lying around, even better. Complete the look with a pair of Jellies.
If low-key, sleeping-by-the-fireplace Cinderella is more your speed, layering is key. Pair a light brown A-line skirt with a long-sleeved blue t-shirt. Top that with a dark brown tank top, a lower-body apron and a blue bow in your hair.
For the minimalist, rock a green cap and yellow t-shirt in tribute to everyone’s favorite rodent friend, Gus Gus. Or find a hooded cape, tie a big magenta bow around your neck and go around bippity-boppity-booing everyone as the fairy godmother.
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Get your “Cinderella” on
Before you can nosh on fairy-tale-inspired fare, you have to get the movie ready:
MOVIE: Disney’s Cinderella (Don’t have it? Get it at Amazon or see more options)
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour, 14 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1950
RATING: G
STARRING: Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, Lucille Bliss
Dinner and a movie: Your “Cinderella” menu
And now, for our feature presentation …
BEVERAGE: (Fairy) Godmother cocktail
Kick things off with a toast to the lady who made it all happen! Yes, the animals are instrumental in helping Cinderella’s destiny come together, but we all know the Fairy Godmother is the real MVP.
Raise a toast to her boundless magic and wisdom with this awesome cocktail from Genius Kitchen. A simple yet whimsical combination of vodka and amaretto served on ice, it will definitely have all the grown-ups in the room feeling optimistic about their romantic futures.
APPETIZER: Spicy mini bacon cheeseballs
A cheese ball is always a hit before the main course, and this spicy miniature version is great for smaller hands. As a bonus, Cinderella’s mice friends would’ve loved it — and yes, we picked a “ball” on purpose. (Do you see what we did there?)
ENTRÉE: Steamed prawn with tofu glass noodles
Cinderella loves her animals. We see her clothing the rodents, hand-feeding the chickens and basically bonding with every critter in the Tremaine household and on the farm. That’s why we picked a pasta made with prawn — fewer guilty feelings here.
Plus, no Cinderella menu would be complete without an ode to the iconic glass slipper, and this tasty dish from Quay Po Cooks is made with tofu glass noodles for the perfect “fit” to your meal.
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SIDE DISH: Haricots verts and mushroom casserole
Did you know that Disney’s Cinderella takes place in France? Our beloved Disney cartoon version is actually based on the French fairy-tale Cendrillon by Charles Perrault. (Click here if you’d like to read the original fairy-tale for inspiration.)
This tasty casserole from Boulder Locavore swaps classic green beans with French green beans, or haricots verts, and replaces fried onions with a French breadcrumb and slivered almond topping. It really offers that certain je nais sais quoi, if you know what we mean. With all fresh ingredients and a yummy Gruyère cheese base, it pairs well with the shrimp pasta.
DESSERT: No-bake whipped pumpkin pie
Ah, the humble pumpkin. It ushers in the season of autumn after the bittersweet departure of summer, and it ushered our girl Cinderella to the royal ball, where she met the love of her life. Give this decorative gourd the recognition it deserves with a no-bake whipped pumpkin pie. It’s so easy, even the kids can help make it.
MORE: Dinner and a movie ‘Disney’s Toy Story’
BONUS! “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” nightcap
Whether you’re hosting a non-alcoholic gathering or simply want to wind the night down on a sweet note, this dream tea is just the thing to serve to your guests. It’s supposed to help you recall your dreams — and what better way to make them come true?