I absolutely fell in love with Guardians of the Galaxy when we saw it in the theater over the summer. Seriously LOVE. One of my favorite films of the year for it’s hysterical humor and fun action. When it was scheduled to come out via digital download, I purchased and watched it the very first day. We’ve watched the thing probably 5 or 6 times since, and was thrilled when I had the opportunity to #OwntheGalaxy once again when the DVD/Blu-Ray released this Tuesday. (Actually, shhhh! I’ll be gifting the DVD for Christmas to loved ones, but I can’t spill the beans and tell you who!)
Anyway, we actually have shown the kids the film but at age 4, it’s pretty grown up and a bit scary for Ellie with bad guys like Ronan. She didn’t really pay attention though, which for some parts I thought was a good thing. Our Ronin who is 7 just loves that the bad guy has his name (although spelled differently) and he liked the film. We also have a thing for Rocket because we get lots of raccoons in our backyard and absolutely hate them. So it’s funny to us that we actually like a raccoon.
Seriously, any film that can make me love a raccoon is a winner in my book. So as a homage to our favorite character, I created a Rocket Raccoon Veggie Tray for a Guardians of the Galaxy “Parents Night In” Movie Night we hosted this weekend. Oh my gosh, I just love how it turned out! I’ll include instructions below if you’d like to try it out. We all got such a big kick out of it.
John and I decided to make it an adults only movie night. After the kids went to bed we invited our friends Caesar and Alyssa over to watch. They saw the film in the theaters twice, and already had the Blu-Ray on pre-order so I knew they’d enjoy it.
We were all excited to hang out sans kids, have a few creative snacks and drinks, and laugh our butts off. Before we watched the film we of course had to listen to the soundtrack: Awesome Mix Tape #1. We have not been able to get “Hooked on a Feeling” out of our heads for months.
We enjoyed another Guardians-inspired treat, these baby Groot Cupcakes made with Tootsie Rolls. (Instructions below.) The champagne with slice of kiwi is a homage to Gamora, the lovely green female bad ass from the movie. By the way, all of the treats you see are gluten-free.
Guardians of the Galaxy Gift Ideas
With it being the holiday shopping season, I’m excited to give the DVD/Blu-Ray as a gift. It has an exclusive character sleeve, exclusive music zinepack and a 64 page magazine with cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes photos and trivia, plus a custom “cassette” laptop decal. So cool! There are also other awesome Guardians toys and merchandise in stores right now that would make fun gifts for just about anyone in your life. I picked up these walkie talkies for the kids and they have been having so much fun.
The Starblaster lego set is another really cool gift idea for fans of all ages. There are t-shirts (like Ronin’s above) and PJs for kids, and I even found t-shirts in the men’s and women’s sections. I’m really digging my old school pink T.
Ronin actually got that awesome Disney Infinity 2.0 Rocket Raccoon for his birthday in October. I think we may have to get him Groot for Christmas.
Gift Buying Tip! Right now, buy Guardians of the Galaxy Disney Infinity characters including Rocket, Groot or Drax and you’ll receive a $5 Walmart gift card with purchase till 12/13.
Planning to throw a Guardians of the Galaxy Birthday Party or Movie Night? Here’s how to make my super fun themed treats:
Rocket Raccoon Veggie Tray
What you’ll need:
Large platter
Small white bowl
1 package of large brown mushrooms and 2 packages of small brown mushrooms
Cauliflower
2 cans of olives (large and medium)
Stick pretzels and knot pretzels, these are: Glutino gluten-free pretzels
Spinach dip (or dip of choice)
Baby Groot Cupcakes
What you’ll need:
Silicon flowerpot cupcake baking cups, these are from the Blooming Cupcakes Decorating Kit
Chocolate cake mix, this is: Betty Crocker Gluten Free Devil’s Food Cake Mix)
Chocolate frosting and chocolate sprinkles
3 large packages of Tootsie Rolls 2.25 oz bars
Toothpicks
I seriously am not super crafty when it comes to food, but these were very simple ideas. If I can do it, I promise you can too. Please Note: Be sure to warn your guests about the toothpicks in the Baby Groots.
Did you love Guardians of the Galaxy as much as we did?
Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links.

You are too stinking adorable! I very this party and wish I had been there. #client
Thanks Janet! I had so much fun putting it together and we had a great time. 🙂
You always throw the best parties! I want to come to your house!
wow loved all te options those cupcakes and the spread all themed! This is one of my favorite movies too I wish I was invited to the party =)
I really cannot get over how cute this is! I haven’t seen the movie yet but you can bet that I’ll be watching it now!
Great food! Love that tray and those cupcakes!
Such fun food ideas for a Guardians party. Pinning!