Some party themes take a lot of effort to pull together. But when you already have a script to work from, the planning becomes much easier.
The details fall into place quickly when you build your party around a television series. The menu comes from memorable scenes. The décor reflects the setting. Even the invitation and dress code are already planned. Instead of starting from scratch, you’ve got a head start.
Whether you’re planning an elegant Bridgerton garden party or a chaotic Love Is Blind cocktail night, these TV show themes make it easier to create an event that feels cohesive, creative, and memorable.
Love Is Blind: Enter the Pods
Netflix’s Love Is Blind is a reality dating show on Netflix that follows single men and women who date and build relationships without ever seeing each other. They spend 10 days dating in separate rooms divided by a wall, known as “pods,” and decide if they want to get engaged before meeting face-to-face. The show is known for its emotional reveal moments, over-the-top proposals, and the now-iconic gold wine glasses that seem to be in every scene.
Naturally, your party should include gold drinkware. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to establish the theme. If you have the space, set up separate seating areas to mimic the pod concept. Incorporate a speed dating game to get the guests moving around and talking. Then have each of them pick their favorite connection and stage a fake proposal.
For food and drinks, offer champagne or sparkling cocktails along with shareable foods like charcuterie, chocolate-covered strawberries, and small desserts.
When inviting your guests, frame it as a Love Is Blind-inspired cocktail party and encourage cocktail attire to match the show’s engagement-night theme.
Tell Me Lies: The College Party Era
Hulu’s series Tell Me Lies centers on college relationships that unfold over several years. It perfectly captures the chaos of early-2000s college life, where parties, relationships, and late nights blur together. Recreating that atmosphere is super simple.
Stock up on red plastic cups, disposable cameras, beer pong tables, and a throwback playlist to send your guests straight back to a frat party in 2005. The more relaxed and imperfect the space feels, the better.
For food and drink, stay casual with pizza, chips, and other simple party snacks. Whip out the old Jungle Juice recipe and serve cheap beers and simple cocktails like vodka sodas or Jack and Cokes.
Let guests know they’re stepping back into their college party era. Encourage early-2000s-inspired outfits and props (flip phones, digital cameras, and iPods).
The White Lotus: A Luxury Resort Escape
HBO’s The White Lotus follows a cast of characters vacationing at luxury resorts. While each character’s storyline develops throughout the show, the commonalities among all the guests are poolside days, long dinners, cocktail hours, and lots of underlying social tension.
Recreating the show’s tropical settings and upscale resort aesthetic can be done with lots of tropical plants, candles, and simple, neutral table settings. If you have an outdoor area, use it! Poolside or patio seating helps capture that relaxed resort feel. Greet guests with a signature cocktail and a small gift when they arrive to add an immersive touch.
For food and drinks, focus on vacation favorites like Aperol spritzes, margaritas, fresh fruit, and shareable appetizers. You can also create signature cocktails that nod to the different location settings featured in the show.
When inviting guests, describe the event as a night at a luxury resort. Encourage resortwear, like linen suits, breezy dresses, sandals, and sunhats.
Bridgerton: An Elegant Garden Gathering
Set in early 1800s London, Netflix’s Bridgerton follows members of high society as they attend elaborate balls, afternoon teas, and garden parties. The show’s pastel color palette, beautiful floral arrangements, and elegant outdoor gatherings make it a natural fit for a spring and summer party theme.
To recreate the aesthetic, focus on soft colors, fresh flowers, and classic tea party details. Tablecloths, tiered trays, and mismatched teacups create that Regency feel. You can find a lot of these items at thrift stores. If you have an outdoor space, host the party outside to mimic the garden settings seen throughout the show.
For food and drinks, serve a variety of hot teas alongside champagne, finger sandwiches, scones, and small, pretty desserts like macarons and petit fours. These bite-sized options bring the high-tea vibes that are true to the theme of Bridgerton.
When inviting your guests, encourage garden-party or daytime-formal attire. Flowy dresses, floral prints, gloves, and light colors will all fit the theme perfectly.
Stranger Things: A Night of Nostalgia
Netflix’s Stranger Things follows a group of kids in the 1980s as they uncover supernatural forces threatening their small town. While the show is filled with sci-fi elements, it’s also known for its strong 80s setting. From basement hangouts and arcade games to Eggo waffles and Christmas lights used to communicate across dimensions, there are plenty of everyday details to make your party theme pop.
String lights instantly set the tone and help recreate the show’s aesthetic. Add retro games, cassette tapes, and thrifted décor to recreate that basement hangout feel.
For food and drinks, serve toaster waffles, frozen pizza, candy, and soda. You can also serve simple cocktails inspired by classic mall or arcade drinks.
When inviting your guests, encourage 80s-inspired outfits and let them know to expect a throwback night. Dress in denim, graphic tees, scrunchies, and sneakers. Build a playlist around the decade to transport guests straight back in time.
Grey’s Anatomy: Scrub In for the Night Shift
ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy follows surgeons working inside Seattle Grace Hospital, where long shifts, medical emergencies, and personal drama all collide. The hospital setting turns your party into a night on call.
Incorporate simple medical-themed details like printable hospital name badges, clipboards, and labeled drink stations. A blue and white color palette helps create the right atmosphere and small touches like signage or labeled “supply stations” add to the experience without much effort.
For food and drinks, stick with items that feel quick and easy, like individually portioned snacks, snack trays, or simple appetizers. A tequila station is a fun nod longtime fans will immediately recognize and adds personality to the theme. Serve specialty shots in syringes and drip bags to add to the theme.
When inviting guests, describe the party as the start of their shift and encourage medical-inspired outfits if they’d like to participate. Scrubs, white lab coats, and of course, some latex gloves will bring some uniformity to the party.
The Office: The Dundies Return
NBC’s The Office takes place inside the Scranton branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, where everyday office life turns into comedy. Between awkward parties, breakroom celebrations, and the infamous Dundie Awards, the show offers plenty of inspiration for a semi-awkward workplace-themed event.
You can use items you already have to decorate. Office supplies like paper, folders, and desk accessories double as décor, and handmade signs or banners add to the low-budget feel of the show’s parties. Bring in a whiteboard and some Post-Its for added interactive elements.
For food and drinks, consider a good old office potluck or channel the brown paper bag lunch foods like sandwiches, chips, pretzels, and homemade cookies. Include 2-liter sodas and punch with a sheet cake for dessert.
When inviting your guests, encourage business casual attire and let them know they’ll be attending the Dundie Awards. You can create personalized awards for each guest, along with certificates or small trophies.
Game of Thrones: A Feast for the Realm
HBO’s Game of Thrones follows noble families competing for power across the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. The show’s dramatic feasts, political gatherings, and candlelit celebrations make it an ideal theme for a more immersive dinner party.
Lighting plays one of the biggest roles in setting the atmosphere. Candles, darker colors, and simple table settings can instantly transform your space and make it feel more medieval without requiring elaborate decorations. Fabric table runners or layered textures can add to the effect.
For food and drink, serve hearty options like roasted meats, bread, cheese, and wine. These rustic foods reflect the feasts seen throughout the series and help reinforce the theme. You can even consider hosting a sit-down dinner with a medieval-inspired meal.
When inviting your guests, encourage themed outfits or darker, more formal attire. Small details, like long wigs, swords, capes, and furs can create the feeling of stepping into this fantasy world.
Conclusion
One of the biggest advantages of using a TV show as your party theme inspiration is that so many of the decisions are already made for you. The setting guides your décor. The characters influence how guests dress. Even the food and drinks become easier to plan once you have a clear reference point.
No matter which show you choose, you don’t need to recreate every detail to make the theme work. A few thoughtful details, like a signature drink, a specific dress code, or one recognizable prop, can quickly establish the setting and help everything else fall into place.
Start with the elements that feel the most fun and manageable, then build from there. Whether it’s a dramatic proposal moment, a tropical cocktail hour, or a candlelit dinner, those small details are what turn a themed party into a fully realized experience your guests won’t forget.
Kadi McDonald is a freelance writer, marketing strategist, and proud Cleveland sports fan.
