The One Where You Throw a Friends Themed Party
Avril Whelehan
Contributor
Could this party theme BE any more fun? If you and your crew are as tight-knit as Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey, then it’s time to turn your next get-together into the ultimate Friends themed party! Picture this: Central Perk-style vibes, throwback entertainment, and themed snacks straight from Monica’s kitchen (yes, we’re talking about The Moist Maker).
Whether you’ve seen every episode a dozen times, like us, or are a new fan thanks to all of the streaming services, this party will be a blast to the past to remember all the laughs, iconic moments, and friendships that made Friends a timeless favorite. Channel the 90s nostalgia during your Friends party for an epic bridal shower, birthday celebration, or even a Friends themed bachelorette party if you've found your lobster.
1. Central Perk Coffee Cart
You may not be able to actually visit Central Perk, but you can bring the coffee house to you at your Friends themed party! Get your caffeine fix by finding a local coffee cart to make delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and other fun drinks for the perfect Friends TV show themed party drink. These baristas will bring the authentic coffee house experience, just like Gunter!
2. Nestlé Toulouse Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who could forget Phoebe's grandmother’s secret chocolate chip cookie recipe? It turns out, ‘The One with Phoebe’s Cookies’ happens to be on the bag of Nestle Toll House chocolate chips. Whip these up for a dessert that will be the perfect treat for your Friends themed party.
3. Friends Inspired Outfits
You’re never too old to dress up as your heroes, so this is your sign to recreate the gang's iconic looks with Friends themed outfits. Invite guests to do their best when it comes to putting together a costume based on their favorite character.
From Chandler’s sweater vests, Ross’ slicked-back hair, and Phoebe’s funky hats and accessories, to Rachel’s chic style, Monica’s miniskirts, and Joey's comfy casual, there is plenty of inspiration to be gained from the show’s stars.
4. Tiki Death Punch
Recreate Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe’s slumber party with their tiki death punch. Combine dark rum, white rum, gold rum, strawberry syrup, pineapple juice, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice to make the perfect cocktail for your Friends show themed party.
5. Bartender
Friends is set in the heart of Manhattan, where there are unique and trendy bars everywhere you turn. Take your Friends themed party to the next level by booking a bartender to mix up show inspired drinks and cocktails.
Guests can ask for signature cocktails and or you can even create your very own custom menu complete with drink names that reference the show. (Any takers for a “How You Doin’” highball?) Or, choose a bartender who has a list of ready-made refreshments that will go down a treat with your friends.
6. Poker Night
Remember The One With All The Poker episode when the girls outwitted the boys over a card game? If your Friends themed party is an intimate affair with your nearest and dearest, why not arrange a spirited poker game in honor of the show?
Pro Tip: Take the poker vibes to the next level by booking casino games on The Bash for your Friends show themed party.
7. Keyboard Player
Ross found his sound playing the keyboards in college, so find the sound for your Friends themed party with a talented keyboardist. These musicians will be able to play their “wordless sound poems” just like Ross.
8. Ross’ Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwiches
Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. No, we aren’t talking about serving your regular Thanksgiving Day feast—we’re talking about Ross’s iconic Thanksgiving leftover sandwich! Make sure to include the ‘Moist Maker’ in between: an extra slice of bread soaked in gravy!
9. Purple and Yellow Details
The purple door with the gold frame around the peephole is a crucial part of the decor for your Friends themed party! Whether you want to incorporate the purple and yellow color combination into table centerpieces or wrap your door in purple fabric, it’ll be hard for guests to not know your theme. Just make sure to include the signature gold frame for the finishing touch.
10. Cups and Ice
Monica will rue the day she put Phoebe in charge of cups and ice! We can’t forget about Phoebe’s contribution to Rachel’s birthday party, cups and ice! Whether your ice is crushed, cubed, dry, or you make a cup hat, cup banner, or just have plenty of cups, these are party staples you’ll definitely want to have on hand.
11. Live Band
If you are going all out á-la-Phoebe with the cups and ice in Season 5, then why not hire a live band for your Friends themed party? Whether you want a band who can play 90s and 00s hits and covers, or an acoustic duo with a fun, upbeat setlist, a live band is a great way to set the tone for a fun night.
Guests are bound to want to boogie at your Friends show themed party when they hear their favorite hits of yesteryear. Nothing takes a party to the next level quite like a busy dance floor. Your friends will be singing “I’ll Be There For You” at the top of their lungs in no time.
12. Friends Food Signs
Friends has some of the best food throughout the show that’ll have to make an appearance at your Friends themed party. Allow your guests to know what they’re getting themselves into by adding Friends themed signage to all your dishes like Chandler’s righteous mac and cheese and Joey’s ride along sandwiches. Make sure to keep count of how many times someone says, “Joey doesn’t share food!”
13. 90s Music
Create a 90s-inspired playlist as the ideal soundtrack for your Friends themed party. You can choose hit songs from the decade and add songs by artists mentioned on the show like Sting, U2, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Lionel Ritchie. Of course, you can still include some of Phoebe's hits like "Smelly Cat," "Two Of Them Kissed Last Night," and "Sticky Shoes."
14. Phoebe Inspired Entertainment
In honor of the quirky and eternally lovable Phoebe, also known as Regina Phalange when caught in a bind, why not go niche and hire a variety act for your party? A tarot card reader, fortune teller, or psychic will add magic, illusion, and intrigue as guests share the interesting results of their readings. This entertainment option is perfect for a Friends themed bachelorette party!
15. Opening Credits Umbrellas
If you need more Friends themed party decor ideas, adding a few yellow, red, and blue umbrellas around your venue is an easy detail. Not only will these remind your friends of the special show opening, but they’ll double as props for the photo booth.
16. Stolen Cheesecake
No need to steal cheesecake like Chandler and Rachel—get your own and share with your friends! Serve mini cheesecakes at your party so everyone will have their own. Individual cheesecakes are the perfect party food so you can serve all different flavors like chocolate, cookies and cream, or the classic. Just hope no one’s lurking around to take yours, though!
17. Friends Trivia
Remember when the girls lost their apartment because of a highly-competitive quiz? Well, we’re not saying you need to go to such extremes, but you could include a couple of low stakes games to add a competitive edge to the night. Of course, you could go full Ross and copy his iconic quiz categories: Fears and Pet Peeves, Ancient History, Literature, It’s All Relative, and a Lightning round!
18. Friends Theme Party Decor
From Central Perk signage and painted posters, to yellow frames and photo displays of your favorite characters, you can get creative with your Friends themed party decorations. General ideas and current trends that will add to the overall aesthetic include balloon decor, candles, string lights, and color themes. Don't forget a tree or menorah for a Friends themed Christmas party or Hanukkah celebration.
19. Joey's Meatball Subs
Joey doesn't share food, so you'll need to get your own meatball subs for this Friends themed party food! If you're not as confident in the kitchen as Monica, you might want to get these sandwiches catered from your favorite spot.
20. Margaritas
A lot of the show’s pivotal moments center on Ross and Rachel, like when Rachel pops into Ross’ apartment to steal margarita ingredients and ends up hearing Emily’s message on the machine. Twist and shake up some salty and sweet margaritas as a welcome cocktail for guests.
21. Friends Photo Booth
Book a photo booth for your Friends TV show themed party as an amazing way to capture all the special moments! Start your search to find a local photo booth that will help you make memories that will last forever. Don’t forget to include Friends themed props to match all the party vibes.
22. White Wine
Does a voicemail about a cat ring a bell? No one can forget this iconic episode when Rachel overdoes it with the white wine and leaves a voicemail to Ross about closure. Serve glasses of chilled white wine as a nod to one of THE most popular episodes of Friends: The One Where Ross Finds Out. Just don’t let anyone make any phone calls to exes afterward.
23. Caricaturist
Selfies and group pics are perfectly fine, but why not hire a caricaturist who can draw live and laugh-out-loud portraits of your friends crew? Don’t forget to include some photo booth props to make the drawings even more memorable.
Pro Tip: Hang up the drawings throughout your venue to add to the Friends themed party decorations.
24. Cupcakes and Cake
Like Monica, are you set on always being the host with the most? Order Friends themed party cupcakes with frosting and custom elements from the show to really wow your guests and add thoughtful touches.
For a Friends themed birthday party, you could also get an oversized cake and feature an edible photo of the cast or your own friend group. Cupcakes or sugar cookies will also look great on display to help elevate the overall theme.
25. Friends Name Tags
Since this is a party for your friends, you won’t need name tags, unless you’re inviting plus ones!
Friends is known for some incredible nicknames of the characters like Princess Consuela Banana-Hammock, The Chan Chan Man, Regina Phalange, and Crazy Plate Lady. So, join the fun by setting out name tags for guests to create their own funny names, or write out your favorites from the show.
26. Monica's Lasagna
Monica was always making lasagna throughout the show. From Rachel losing her engagement ring in the one meant for Mr. and Mrs. Gellar, to the dozen meat lasagnas Monica made instead of vegetarian, this saucy dish is a delicious Friends themed party food. Just try not to “Pull a Monica” and keep your eye out for any potential slip-ups!
27. The One with The Friends Banner
Everything from Friends is iconic, like the signature font from the opening credits. Incorporate this detail by decorating with a custom banner to help celebrate your special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, bachelorette party, or even a Friends themed Christmas party, this decor touch will help tie it all together.
28. Coffee Cocktails
Coffee at Central Perk always brought the friends together, so add a caffine boost to your Friends themed party cocktails by serving espresso martinis, Irish coffees, or spiked chais.
29. Joey Special
An easy addition to your party that will also be a crowd favorite is the Joey Special. Real Friends fans will know why it’s so easy—it’s just two pizzas! For more guests, you can even double or triple the Joey Special so you can have a variety of toppings. We’re sure Joey would approve of this Friends themed party food!
30. Balloon Decor
Decorations are a must for any party, but luckily thanks to Friends, it’s super easy to plan. If you’re hosting a Friends themed bachelorette party, we love this balloon decor with the iconic saying from the show, ‘She Found her Lobster,’ but you can also customize balloons for a birthday party or anniversary. If you want to take your decorations to the next level, hire a balloon decorator to take one more thing off your plate.
31. Caterer
We know by now that “Joey doesn’t share food!” but that doesn’t mean you have to follow in his footsteps. Providing food for guests, whether it’s casual bites or a plated meal, is a guaranteed way to keep everyone satisfied, even your friend with Joey's appetite..
32. Who Am I?
The pals on Friends love a good game, so if you need an activity for your Friends themed party, we’re there for you! Give each one of your guests a notecard with a character from the show, then ask each other questions to figure out who they are. If you’re a big fan of the show, add in some of the smaller, but still iconic, characters to make it a bit more of a challenge.
33. Rachel's Trifle
You can't have a Friends show themed party without this iconic Thanksgiving dessert: Rachel's trifle. If you're feeling adventerous, combine a classic English trifle with Shepard's pie, but you can definitely play it safe with sweet options like chocolate, vanilla, or fruit.
34. Jello Shots
Proceed with caution… you don’t want to end up like Chandler after too many jello shots when he accidentally kissed Mary Therese (or was it Mary Angela?). But a colorful tray of jello shots is a simple way to tie in with your Friends theme and give the party a boost.
Find more themed party ideas here on The Bash.
