Just three days to go! “Site Unseen: An Emma Fielding Mystery" premieres this Sunday, June 4, 9/8c on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries! As promised, I've made some suggestions for throwing a viewing party.
The Set-Up
Make sure there are plenty of seats for everyone—pillows on the floor work, too!—with a good view of the television screen!
Provide food that isn’t too difficult to eat picnic-style and set it up in easily-accessible places. Have plenty of soft-drinks and water on hand. I chose several menu suggestions that would fit the characters in Site Unseen.
If you're feeling super ambitious, you can brush up on your early American historical archaeology by reading James Deetz's In Small Things Forgotten or leaf through Ivor Noel Hume's A Guide to the Artifacts of Colonial America. (I know I'm not the only one who loves a reading list!)
These fun cakes from Digventures.com probably should be saved for the after party.
Grad Student: At that stage of my career, a party was my excuse for salty snacks from the corner store, though my friends had much better nutritional instincts. Pizza or burger sliders would work here. Hummus—someone always brings hummus and crudites—or salsa, or maybe even guacamole, for a big treat. Popcorn and chips are always appropriate, and cheap beer was a staple. (Full disclosure: I still love salty snacks, but try to be well-behaved. Mostly.)
Untenured Professor: Emma might let loose and order take out for a special occasion. But something healthy because adults now, but not salad or tacos—too messy to eat on the floor. Craft beer, or inexpensive bourbon, for drinks.
Senior Faculty/Civilians: Pauline had pretty awesome taste and a budget to match. I think she’d choose a really gorgeous wine, to evoke thoughts about sun and soil and passing time. It's always an option do a variation on these foodie themes.
Always a good idea to watch out for seagulls when you're eating...
If you don’t have cable:
1. Find a friend with cable, and offer to bring treats!
2. Sling TV is a good option to stream the Hallmark Channel online without cable TV.
Tweet during the show!
If you're into live tweeting, @hallmarkmovie is Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and I’m at @danacmrn. Don’t forget to use the tags #EmmaFielding and #Sleuthers (if you’re a regular follower of Hallmark mysteries like featuring sleuths like @RealCharlaine ’s Aurora Teagarden mysteries or @katecarlisle ’s “Fixer Upper Mysteries.”
The most important tip: HAVE FUN!