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The air is crisp, the leaves are crunchy, Starbucks has brought back pumpkin cold foam, and Gilmore Girls is on a constant loop. For most, autumn is reminiscent of apple picking, Halloween, or the comforts of still-fresh school supplies and not having yet failed an exam. However, for many, fall — more specifically, October — means something completely different: Taylor Swift is back.
For years, Swift primarily released new albums in the fall. However, the surprise drops of both folklore and evermore in 2020 shifted Swift’s release pattern into a fascinating state of unpredictability. With great speculation on what she’ll release next (the third “Taylor’s Version?” Another documentary?? A rock album???!) Swift laid the rumors to rest by announcing her tenth studio album, Midnights, at the VMAs this August.
With a new era on the horizon, Swifties must get ready to welcome Taylor’s tenth baby into the world. What better way to celebrate Swift’s brilliance than a release night soiree? So grab your cardigan and a snack, because here are nine essentials for your Midnights listening party.
- The Perfect Guest List
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The first step to any great party is deciding who to invite. The girlies are an absolute yes. Male gays? Yes. Male gaze? Absolutely not. Figure out how to kindly tell your friend that maybe this is not the best event to bring her Kanye-apologist-situationship to. Anyone who you will be uncomfy crying to track five in front of is also a no. Once you’ve got the list down, send a cute Evite, or a text message with copious star and moon emojis.
- Dazzling Decor
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Think twinkle lights and candles. If you’re trying to ball on a budget, get a few silver balloons blown up at the dollar store. We’re going for sparkly, celestial, mysterious, 1970s hot girl vibes.
- Carefully Crafted Countdown Playlist
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One thing we do know about Taylor Swift is that the woman does not sleep. I made the perfect playlist including every single song in which Taylor mentions midnight or the middle of the night (spoiler: there are many). I also added some fan favorites (“August” and “Cruel Summer,” obviously), some ’70s women in music (shoutout Stevie and Carole), and a few modern sad-girl bops a la Lorde and The 1975.
- Boujee Beverages
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Whether you’re pouring wine or sparkling cider, a classy beverage is a listening party must-have. The night will be giving serious New Year’s Eve vibes, so champagne-esque drinks are a must. A personal favorite is some edible glitter, which will take any drink to a fairy princess level.
- …But Also an Emotional Support Water Bottle
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Four words: Emotional. Support. Water. Bottle. If the tears are flowing, we are hydrating. Hold onto your Hydro Flask through this thirteen-track emotional journey. You’re gonna need it.
- Midnight Munchies
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What is a party without snacks? If there has ever been a time to make a charcuterie board, this is it. Include your favorite cheeses, crackers, salami, and fruit to make a board so beautiful you won’t want to eat it. Finish off the spread with the rest of the major food groups: chocolate, Oreos, and Antonio’s.
- Serving a LOOK
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As the host(ess), you get to set the tone for your party’s attire! Any Taylor merch— especially a cardigan — is highly encouraged. Feeling fancy? Take a page from T Swift’s style book and pay homage to a recent red carpet look. You could channel the 1970s vibes of the recent “Midnights Mayhem” TikToks with a funky sweater or some bell bottoms. And, there is always the classic pajama fit. After all, it is midnight.
- Album Bingo Cards
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Swift’s recent antics have involved announcing the names of the new album’s tracks via bingo balls. A great way to make predictions about the contents of the album is to make bingo cards. Stock up on paper and markers and have your guests get to work! Cross a box if she sings “2:00 a.m.” or drops yet another forbidden love banger. Throw in a “blue/green eyes” line or literary reference, and you’ve got yourself a bingo.
- A Safe Space
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Last but most importantly, any Taylor listening party should be a safe space. The feelings are running high, the Squishmallows are out. Your roommate will probably cry about her high school boyfriend, and it is your job to be there for her. If your best friend screams at a particular lyric, you will be screaming with her. Call this party Planet Fitness, because it’s a judgment-free zone.
In meet-cutes and heartbreaks, Taylor Swift is always there when we need her. A new album is a chance for us to gather and celebrate love in the form of our friendships. Because at the end of the day, like Taylor herself, these friends are the ones who are by our sides through it all.
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