If you're looking for ways to listen to Gracie Abrams' new album with your pals, you've come to the right place. With Daughter from Hell set to arrive, fans everywhere are counting down the days until they can hear her new album for the very first time. And what better way to celebrate than by gathering your favorite people for a cozy album release party?
Whether you're planning an intimate girls' night, a Gracie Abrams-themed sleepover, or simply want to experience every lyric together from start to finish, a little party planning can make the night feel even more memorable. From dreamy decorations and comfort food to fun activities and thoughtful party favors, these Gracie Abrams Daughter from Hell listening party ideas will help you host an unforgettable album release, which is July 17, in case you don’t already have it circled on your calendar.
1. Keep the Dress Code Cute and Cozy
Photo: pixdeluxe/gettyimages.com
Unlike a flashy pop party, Gracie Abrams' music practically begs guests to show up in their favorite oversized sweater rather than sequins. Encourage everyone to wear cozy cardigans, vintage band tees, baggy jeans, long skirts, soft knits, or anything that feels comfy. Go for neutral colors, messy buns, sneakers, and minimal makeup. Like, the kind of outfit you'd wear while sitting on someone's bedroom floor talking until sunrise.
2. Turn Your Living Room Into a Cozy Bedroom
Photo: The Good Brigade/gettyimages.com
When it comes to Gracie Abrams new album, your listening party shouldn't feel too much like a party at all. Really, it should feel like the safest place in the world. Cover the room with blankets, oversized floor pillows, candles, fairy lights, books, vintage lamps, and mismatched mugs. If you have a record player, stack a few vinyl records nearby for decoration, even if you're streaming the album. The goal is to create a space that feels intimate enough for everyone to completely disappear into the music.
3. Set Up a Journaling Station
Photo: Maskot/gettyimages.com
Gracie Abrams' lyrics have a way of making people immediately reach for a notebook. Before the album starts, leave out journals, gel pens, colored markers, stickers, and washi tape so guests can write predictions, favorite lyrics, or simply whatever emotions come up while listening. By the end of the night, everyone will leave with a few pages that capture exactly how they felt hearing the album for the first time.
4. Build a Comfort Food Snack Board
Photo: Alina Rudya | Bell Collective/gettyimages.com
You don't need super elaborate appetizers for this kind of party, so the choice is yours to go ahead and serve the kinds of snacks you'd actually eat during a movie night with your closest friends. Fill your table with cookies, brownies, popcorn, kettle chips, chocolate-covered pretzels, fresh berries, croissants, tea sandwiches, and bowls of candy. Hot chocolate, tea, iced coffee, and sparkling water fit the vibe perfectly, though you could also offer wine or signature cocktails for guests who prefer something a little stronger.
If you're making a big deal out of listening to Gracie Abrams' new album (which you totally should) and hosting a bunch of friends, consider hiring a caterer to help you get organized.
5. Name Drinks After Her Songs
Photo: Kseniya Ovchinnikova/gettyimages.com
Create a drink menu inspired by Gracie Abram's new album, along with the rest of her discography. Looking for ideas? You could always hire a bartender to help you get going, or consider making drinks like a smoky blackberry cocktail called "Death Wish," a lavender lemonade inspired by "Humming," or a cinnamon latte named "Cold Goodbyes." If you don't know which songs will become fan favorites yet, let guests rename the drinks after listening through the album together.
6. Write Anonymous Letters
Photo: Counter/gettyimages.com
One of Gracie Abrams' greatest strengths is saying the things so many people wish they'd said themselves. Place a basket of stationery and envelopes on the table and invite guests to write anonymous letters they'll never send. Maybe it's to an ex, a parent, an old friend, or even their younger self. Nobody has to share unless they want to, but it's a surprisingly therapeutic activity that fits perfectly with the emotional honesty of the evening.
7. Create a Disposable Camera Corner
Photo: Catherine Falls Commercial/gettyimages.com
Instead of asking everyone to take pics with their phones, leave a few disposable cameras sitting around the room. Capture candid moments throughout the evening yourself, or rent out a photo booth to make it all feel more official. Whatever you decide, lean into photos that are grainy and imperfect. They'll match the vibe a little more than perfectly edited Instagram pictures.
8. Listen Straight Through
Photo: Manuel Arias Duran/gettyimages.com
As tempting as it'll be to react after every single song, make one simple rule: nobody talks until the album is over. Let everyone experience the story exactly as Gracie Abrams intended before immediately dissecting lyrics or debating favorite tracks. Afterwards, pour another drink, grab another cookie, and let the conversation naturally unfold. Chances are you'll spend the next hour comparing interpretations and reading your favorite lyrics aloud.
9. Make a Memory Wall
Photo: Viktoriia Hnatiuk/gettyimages.com
Cover one wall or poster board with sticky notes, instant photos, magazine clippings, and handwritten memories from the evening. Guests can write down their favorite lyric, funniest moment, emotional reaction, or simply how they're feeling after hearing the album. By the end of the night, you'll have a collaborative scrapbook that captures everyone's first experience with the record.
Find more party ideas and inspiration on The Bash.
