If you’re looking to throw a party like your onscreen faves, look no further. You might *think* that Auradon Prep’s royal flair and Manhattan’s Upper East Side are too far out of reach for your summer staycation—but we’ve got ideas that would have both the VK squad and Blair Waldorf herself begging for an invite. The best part? You don’t even have to leave your backyard. 

Descendants

Dress to impress: Have your friend group surprise each other by dressing up as the Disney parent that matches your vibes (heroes *and* villains welcome, ofc). When you make your grand entrance, each friend can take turns guessing who is who! Don’t be afraid to go *all* out with accessories. You could take the smoky eye and leather jacket route to match Maleficent’s whimsy-goth energy, or style cute bows and hair tinsel for Fairy Godmother magic. 

Activities: The Descendants girls know how to experiment when it comes to fashion and beauty, so consider adding some DIY to your party itinerary. Take inspo from Mal’s Isle of the Lost graffiti art and try painting your own tote bags, jean pockets or T-shirts. If Dizzy’s beauty-based fun is more your style, have a spa night where your group gives each other royal makeovers (think glitter nail polish, bright eyeshadow and bold hairstyles). You could also take a page from the Queen of Hearts’ book and put on a magic card show for your squad, where each friend is responsible for performing one magic trick.

Must-Have Snacks: In addition to the show-stopping dress-up, a Descendants party also gives the perf opportunity for each friend to bring a delish dish inspired by their Disney parent. Enter: Mal’s chocolate chip cookies, Evil Queen’s candied apples and Tiana’s beignets. 

Teen Beach Movie

Dress to impress: Your party fit will serve as your vote in the surfers vs. bikers debate (so choose wisely)! If you’re going the surfer route, stick to vibrant colors and lightweight material: flowy skirts, loose rompers and your best pair of sunglasses will have you prepped for fun in the sun. Biker gals, style some dark denim, bandanas and sharp eyeliner to have your fit “Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’.” 

Activities: No Teen Beach Movie party is complete without a *little* healthy rivalry between the bikers and surfers! In place of beach waves, bring out the water balloons to test which side has ultimate reign over your backyard’s splash pad. Once everyone’s all dried off, it’s time to immerse yourself in your own made-up movie-musical. Go full “Can’t Stop Singing” mode and challenge your friend group to continue your party as a musical (the more dance moves, the better)! We know Brady is a retro movie-lover, so end your night with some popcorn and your fave summer throwback.

Must-Have Snacks: As much as we want to pull a Mack-and-Brady and teleport back to Big Momma’s 1960s Diner, there seems to be a shortage of supernatural waves this summer. But DW, you can still blend up some milkshakes (with whipped cream and a cherry on top, tyvm) for ultimate diner vibes. Better yet, turn on some 1960s music from your kitchen to *really* get that Teen Beach experience. 

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Dress to impress: Take the series’ title as inspo to dress up in the fit that makes you feel like you’ve just had the ultimate glow-up. Maybe you’ve been *dying* to rewear your hoco dress, or you’ve been seeking an opportunity to debut your latest thrift find–consider this party your runway. Alternate option: Take after TSITP’s farewell party to the Cousins’ house and find any retro, ’80s-esque accessories to style. Feel free to turn to your mom’s closet for help (with permission, ofc).

Activities: You don’t have to go on a vacay to get to Cousins Beach! Tell your friends to bring their best beach towels and sunglasses to sprawl in the sun. To bring the beach to you, snag a pack of seashells from the craft store that you and your girls can decorate together. Painted seashells are v. cute for jewelry holders, statement necklaces or simple room decor. When the sun goes down, host your own Cousins-inspired bonfire and have a s’mores cook-off with your group! 

Must-Have Snacks: Jeremiah may have had a *slight* overreaction to Belly’s chocolate mirror-glaze cake mix-up. But tbh, it was a pretty iconic part of the season. A TSITP party is your chance to indulge in Jeremiah’s chocolate taste with some chocolate cupcakes (bonus points if you get your TSITP crew to decorate together). If chocolate isn’t your thing, recreate Susannah’s fruit Fourth of July cake, or look up a lemon bar recipe to copy Laurel’s speciality. If you just want a quick way to satisfy your sugary cravings, you could also go with Belly’s classic Sour Patch and Swedish Fish.

Gossip Girl

Dress to impress: You know the drill, Upper East Siders. To make your party match the busy streets of Manhattan, take notes from B and S’s iconic school uniforms. Plaid skirts, white button-ups and headbands will help you stay picture-perfect at all times (bc, you never know when Gossip Girl is watching). 

Activities: Everyone is Gossip Girl for a night. Have each friend draw a name out of a hat (that’s your secret assignment). Each friend will try to take pictures of their target throughout the night without getting caught by the friend. Whoever is caught last wins the game and gets crowned the *ultimate* Gossip Girl. 

Must-Have Snacks: In proper Blair fashion, pretend you’re dining in your fave French bakery with some bite-size macarons, croissants or chocolate-covered strawberries (perf to pair with the tea that you’ll spill)! 

Tag us in your iconic on-screen inspired bash on IG @girlslifemag!

Need more must-haves for the summer sched? Check out these articles:
☀️How to host a spooky, yet sweet Summerween party
☀️How To Slay Solo Summer
☀️Host the perfect BFF vision board party

Images: @lola.tung, @maliabakermsb, @thesummeriturnedpretty, @warnerbrostv