Plan Your Oprah Show Finale Party

Legends Party

In May 2006, Oprah shared a weekend with a select group of Legends—the women who paved the way for her generation— and"young'uns"—those who had also benefited from the Legends' trailblazing actions. She called it her Legends Weekend, and you can host your own day of honor as you and the important women in your life say farewell to The Oprah Winfrey Show. 

The Guest List
Your mother, your grandmother, your aunt, your daughter, your niece, your favorite teacher, the woman who mentored you—all the women in your life you couldn't imagine living without. 

The Décor
One word: flowers. Oprah held her event at her Santa Barbara home, which is filled with and surrounded by beautiful blooms.

The Menu
Over her Legends Weekend, Oprah served brunch, a luncheon and dinner. If you and your guests have the day free, enjoy a leisurely lunch outside before the show starts. If you prefer a later meal, serve preshow cocktails before and discuss the show after it airs over a delectable dinner. If you have to watch the show the weekend after it airs, there's no better way to kick off a Sunday than with friends, food and a finale to remember.

Get menu inspiration from these Legends Weekend recipes created by Rachael Ray

The Activities
This gathering is all about honoring the people you love most, so create a wishing well. Set up a table with small pieces of stationery and a big glass bowl. When your guests arrive, have them write one thing they admire most about every guest at the party and one wish they have for each guest's future. Drop them in the bowl when they're done and choose a few during each commercial break to read aloud to the rest of the party.

The Playlist
Create a mix of your favorite songs from some of the artists who attended Oprah's Legends Ball. Get started with some of these:

• "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
• "Simply the Best" by Tina Turner
• "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys
• "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan
• "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Diana Ross

• Send your guests home with a letter you've handwritten each person about what they've meant in your life.
• A copy of the Pearl Cleage poem, "We Speak Your Names"
• All the well-wishes guests placed in the bowl
• A small token your guests can carry to remind them of your get-together. Oprah gave earrings, but your gift doesn't have to be extravagant—just from the heart.