School is *officially* out for the summer, but the Truham gang is back on our screens July 17 for one final heart-stopping romance. The movie picks up right where season three left off, adapting the sixth and final installment of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series alongside the Nick and Charlie novella.

Ever since the trailer–set to Olivia Rodrigo’s “stupid song“ (eek!)–dropped, we’ve been counting down the seconds until our fave queer crew returns.

Ready to experience the emotional rollercoaster with your besties? We have the best tricks and treats to host a totally iconic viewing bash. Dust off your Converse and get ready to celebrate!

Dress Like You’re Heading To Truham

Before your guests even step through the door, set a dress code that completely screams Kent. Tell your besties to channel their inner Higgs and Truham students by sticking to a green and blue colour palette.

Every Brit knows #grammarschoolcore is totally a thing. Think oversized rugby shirts, cozy striped jumpers, classic Converse sneakers and, if you’re feeling bold, a classy beret (channeling our fave ally Imogen, YKTV). Complete the look with colorful hair clips, canvas tote bags and homemade friendship bracelets waiting for everyone as they arrive.

Build The Ultimate Snack Spread

Ditch the boring chip bowls and level up your snack table with treats pulled straight from the screen. Start with leaf-shaped sugar cookies, a giant bucket of popcorn and classic sodas to recreate Nick and Charlie’s movie date.

Set up a drinks station inspired by your faves. Blend thick chocolate and strawberry milkshakes to give major Milkshake Café energy. For your besties who prefer a little fizz, set out cans of diet lemonade (Tori’s absolute staple) alongside cartons of apple juice as the ultimate Elle and Tao tribute.

DIY Your Decor

You don’t need a complicated setup to create a vibe. The cutest (and most meaningful) theme includes pastel colours and tons of fairy lights. String warm lights around your viewing area and hang printed paper leaves from the ceiling using clear fishing line.

Want to be extra? Print comic-book speech bubbles featuring your fave quotes from the show and stick them around the room. Scatter copies of the graphic novels around your snack table, then finish everything off with pastel balloons to keep the atmosphere whimsical, cozy and completely picture-perfect.

Curate The Perfect Soundtrack

The table is set, the snacks are prepped and the cupcakes are ready to be decorated. The only thing left to do is add a few finishing touches to take your bash to the next level. Before you hit play on the movie, set the indie-pop mood while your guests roll in.

Queue up a custom playlist featuring all the artists who define the show’s sound: staples like Beabadoobee, Baby Queen, Orla Gartland and Olivia Dean are all fair game. Want a throwback moment to *emotional* scenes in earlier seasons? Add “Clearest Blue” by CHVRCHES and “Want Me” by Baby Queen to your summer playlist.

To really recreate the Heartstopper magic, switch on a rainbow light projector to pay homage to Tara and Darcy’s iconic season one dance scene. Trust us: Your living room will instantly feel like Truham’s prom.

Create A Photo Corner

If there are no pics, did it really happen?! JK, but a dedicated photo area makes the perf activity for you and your friends.

To set up an Insta-worthy backdrop, hang a pastel sheet or fringe curtain against a blank wall. Layer strands of faux ivy and fairy lights over the top. Place a disposable camera and a basket of fun props (rugby balls, milkshakes, enamel pins) nearby for everyone to use. 

Play Heartstopper Bingo

The table is set, the décor’s curated and everyone’s settled in. While the movie plays, keep the fun vibes going with custom Heartstopper bingo cards. Before your squad arrives, print out blank grids and fill each square with a super-specific show moment. Maybe you’re waiting for animated leaves to float across the screen, Nick’s adorable head-tilt smile, Tao’s next dramatic meltdown, Nellie stealing the spotlight or Tori appearing out of nowhere with her signature deadpan MCE. The first person to complete a row wins—and gets first dibs on the cupcakes!

Host A Cupcake Competition

Once the final credits roll and you’ve dried your (hopefully happy) tears, it’s time for the ultimate post-movie activity: a Heartstopper cupcake decorating competition!

Bake a batch of plain vanilla cupcakes ahead of time (we recommend a store-bought mix to save time) and set out bowls of green, blue and pink icing. To channel Alice Oseman’s signature art style, provide edible ink pens so everyone can doodle little leaves, stars and speech bubbles onto their cupcakes. Scatter bowls of yellow star sprinkles, blue sugar crystals and leaf-shaped decorations across the table to represent Truham and Higgs pride.

Give everyone 10 minutes to create a cupcake inspired by their fave character or couple, then vote to crown the ultimate baking royalty of the night (it’s only fair that the host wins, though).

Tag us on IG @girlslifemag showing off your Heartstopper-premiere party!

Still not ready to say goodbye to Truham? These picks should help soften the post-Heartstopper blues:
🌈 The Perfect Summer Date Idea Based On Your Love Language
🌈 The Lowkey Signs Your Crush Likes You Back
🌈 QUIZ! Build Your Perfect First Date And We’ll Reveal The Book Trope That Matches Your Vibe

Images: @see_saw_films, @_joe.kit_, @hheaney10, @heartstopper, @readtempest, @maiasweetbakery