Emily Gilmore

🔟 Emily Gilmore's Top 10 Favorite Things

Straight from Gilmore Girls, in Emily's own words.

1. 1

   Friday night dinner

   The weekly appointment I'll defend to the end.

2. 2

   Martha's Vineyard

   We always bring back something from the house.

3. 3

   Europe in the fall

   We only go in the fall. There's a correct season for everything.

4. 4

   Paris every spring

   J'adore Paris. Spring is the only time to go.

5. 5

   Rory's birthday party

   I wanted to buy her a present, and I hosted the party properly.

6. 6

   An English tea service

   Done correctly, the way the English do it.

7. 7

   The DAR

   Meetings, fundraisers and the right sort of company.

8. 8

   Daiha, the maid I loved

   Yes, I've had maids I loved. Daiha was one of them.

9. 9

   Thanksgiving with the whole family

   Everyone at the table, no excuses.

10. 10

    A painting won for charity

    I bid at the DAR Symphony Fundraiser and I won. Naturally.

🔟 Emily Gilmore's Top 10 Hartford Society Staples

Straight from Gilmore Girls, in Emily's own words.

1. 1

   Dinner served à la Russe

   Every piece of silverware has a purpose.

2. 2

   The Hartford Zoological Silent Auction

   Fine causes, finer company.

3. 3

   The Mark Twain House Restoration Fund luncheon

   Preserving history over a proper lunch.

4. 4

   The Harriet Beecher Stowe Literacy Auction

   Literacy is a cause any lady can support.

5. 5

   The symphony luncheon

   I go straight there from my other engagements.

6. 6

   A cocktail party for a new business launch

   The caterers arrive at three o'clock sharp.

7. 7

   Teaching the cotillion girls

   Fuller skirts on Saturday, ladies.

8. 8

   The country club

   Where things are done the way they should be done.

9. 9

   A proper table, never by the kitchen

   Don't stick us in the back corner next time.

10. 10

    The Christmas party

    Two weeks early, if that's what it takes to get it right.

🔟 Emily Gilmore's Top 10 House Rules (As Seen On Screen)

Straight from Gilmore Girls, in Emily's own words.

1. 1

   Human beings eat inside

   With napkins and utensils, never on the lawn.

2. 2

   Work from the outside in

   Start with the outermost fork and move toward the plate.

3. 3

   The maid brings the bread and pours the wine

   And we sit down promptly.

4. 4

   Count the place settings correctly

   A maid who sets four places when we need three is a maid who's fired.

5. 5

   Professionals who confuse their jobs get fired

   Including wedding planners.

6. 6

   Dress appropriately

   Even for a birthday party.

7. 7

   No cell phones at the dinner table

   That habit didn't come from me.

8. 8

   Hang up your dress first

   Before you do anything else.

9. 9

   Congratulate the groom, give the bride best wishes

   Never the other way around.

10. 10

    Linen and china chosen with care

    White, off-white and cream linen, with a simple bone china.

🎁 Emily Gilmore's Top 10 Gift Ideas for Fans

Gift ideas for fans, inspired by Emily's on-screen favorites. They are not official Gilmore Girls merchandise.

Heads up: some shopping links on this page may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, TopTen may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

1. 1

   Filofax Personal Saffiano Organiser, Black

   Inspired by: A proper gift.

2. 2

   Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace, 18" (New Legend Pearls)

   Inspired by: "What about pearls?".

3. 3

   Roy Kirkham English Meadow Bone China Tea for One

   Inspired by: English tea service.

4. 4

   Hiware 9" Long-Handle Iced Tea Spoons, Set of 4

   Inspired by: The iced tea spoons.

5. 5

   Emily Post's Etiquette, 19th Edition

   Inspired by: Good manners.

6. 6

   The Andrews Sisters, Greatest Hits: 60th Anniversary Collection (CD)

   Inspired by: "Oh, I love this song" at the DAR dance.

7. 7

   Rick Steves Paris 2026

   Inspired by: Paris every spring.

8. 8

   Uncle Tom's Cabin (Dover Thrift)

   Inspired by: Harriet Beecher Stowe Literacy Auction.

9. 9

   Leonidas Belgian Chocolate Assorted Gift Box, 16 pc

   Inspired by: Her "wonderful chocolate" from Belgium.

10. 10

    Blue Needles Hemstitch Cream Cotton Dinner Napkins, Set of 12

    Inspired by: Cream-colored linen (S4E6) and napkins at every meal.