If you're a fan of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, throwing a Stranger Things party is the perfect way to celebrate your love for the show. With its 80s-inspired aesthetic, supernatural elements, and beloved characters, there are plenty of ways to bring the world of Hawkins, Indiana to life for a fun and memorable gathering. Here are some tips for how to throw a Stranger Things party that your guests will never forget.

Choose a Theme and Decorate Accordingly

Choose a Theme and Decorate Accordingly for a Stranger Things party

Photo by Alicia Quan on Unsplash

The first step in planning your Stranger Things party is to choose a theme. You could base it around a specific season of the show or a particular episode, or you could go with a general 80s vibe. Once you've chosen your theme, it's time to start decorating. Some key elements to consider include: 

Christmas lights: 

One of the most iconic images from Stranger Things is the string of Christmas lights that Joyce uses to communicate with Will in the Upside Down. Hang some lights around your party space to create a cozy and eerie atmosphere. 

80s memorabilia: 

To really capture the vibe of the show, incorporate some 80s-themed decor. Think neon colors, cassette tapes, and Rubik's cubes.

Upside Down elements: 

If you want to add a creepy touch to your party, consider incorporating some elements from the Upside Down. You could hang black vines around the room, or use black spray paint to create spooky silhouettes on the walls. 

Plan Some Stranger Things-Inspired Activities

To keep your guests entertained, plan some activities that are inspired by the show. Here are a few ideas: 

Dungeons and Dragons: 

The show's main characters are big fans of the classic role-playing game, so consider setting up a game for your guests to play. 

Hawkins Lab experiments: 

In the show, the Hawkins National Laboratory is the site of some pretty shady experiments. Create a "lab" station where guests can participate in their own experiments, like mixing chemicals or dissecting fake specimens. 

Eggos station: 

Eleven's favorite food is Eggo waffles, so set up a station where guests can make their own waffle creations. Provide toppings like whipped cream, berries, and chocolate chips.

Serve Themed Food and Drinks

Stranger Things party food and drinks

Photo by emiliesanschichi

No party is complete without some delicious food and drinks. To keep with the Stranger Things theme, here are some ideas for what to serve: 

Barb's cocktail: 

Pour blue Curacao, pineapple juice, and vodka into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with a strawberry. 

Demogorgon dogs: 

Grill up some hot dogs and serve them with black olive slices for eyes and cheddar cheese for teeth.

Upside Down cake: 

Bake a cake and then flip it over so that the bottom becomes the top. Frost it with black icing and add red icing to create the look of blood dripping down the sides. 

Dress the Part

Stranger Things party dress code ideas

Photo by stegusporta1

Encourage your guests to get into the spirit of the party by dressing up in Stranger Things-inspired costumes. Here are some ideas: 

Eleven: 

Wear a pink dress, a blonde wig, and some white socks with black shoes. Add a little bit of fake blood to your nose for a touch of authenticity.

Steve: 

Dress in 80s-inspired clothing, like a denim jacket and a bandana around your neck. Slick back your hair with some gel and add some fake bruises to your face for a "post-fight" look. 

Joyce: 

Wear a flannel shirt and some high-waisted jeans. Carry around a string of Christmas lights and a phone to complete the look. 

Have a Screening of Your Favorite Episode

Of course, no Stranger Things party would be complete without watching at least one episode of the show. Set up a screen and projector or TV and choose your favorite episode to screen for your guests. Make sure to have plenty of popcorn and other snacks on hand for everyone to enjoy while they watch. 

Use Music from the 80s

To really set the tone for your Stranger Things party, play music from the 80s. The show features an amazing soundtrack with hits from bands like Joy Division, The Clash, and Toto. Make a playlist of your favorite 80s songs and play it throughout the party. You could even create a dance floor and encourage guests to dance along to their favorite songs. 

Make a Trivia Game

Another fun activity to include in your Stranger Things party is a trivia game. Create a list of questions about the show and its characters, and have guests answer them throughout the party. You could even offer a prize for the guest who gets the most answers correct. 

Create a Photo Booth

Stranger Things photo booth ideas

Photo by filmobsessedem

To capture memories of your Stranger Things party, set up a photo booth area where guests can take pictures. Here are some ideas for how to create a fun and memorable photo booth: 

Backdrop: 

Set up a backdrop that fits with your theme. You could use a sheet or blanket to create a DIY backdrop, or you could purchase a pre-made one online. 

Props: 

Provide some props for guests to use in their photos, like fake Eggo waffles, Hawkins Lab badges, and a string of Christmas lights.

Hashtag: 

Create a hashtag for your party and encourage guests to share their photos on social media using the hashtag. This will allow everyone to see all the fun photos from the party. 

Throwing a Stranger Things party is a great way to bring your love for the show to life and create a fun and memorable experience for your guests. By choosing a theme, decorating accordingly, planning activities, serving themed food and drinks, dressing up, having a screening, and creating a photo booth, you can make your party a huge success. 

If you're looking for Stranger Things party decorations and supplies, check out Home & Hoopla shop for a great selection of items that will help bring your party to life. With a little bit of planning and creativity, your Stranger Things party is sure to be an unforgettable event.