Everything You Need for a The Summer I Turned Pretty Party
Lauren Miolene
Editor
Get ready to party because we’re returning to Cousins Beach this July for The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2. Our favorite love triangle featuring Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah is gearing up for another summer on the coast, and we can’t wait to see what this year has in store.
While the season two premiere date, July 14th, can’t come soon enough, we’re planning our watch party by taking plenty of inspiration from the first season, as well as the book trilogy by Jenny Han. From details and hidden Easter eggs on screen and off, we put together the ultimate list of The Summer I Turned Pretty party ideas that would definitely get the Susannah Fisher stamp of approval.
If you’re celebrating an upcoming graduation, sweet 16, or other special birthday, easily incorporate these show inspired ideas into your The Summer I Turned Pretty theme party.
Keep reading for 27 The Summer I Turned Pretty party ideas…
The Belly Special: Pomegranate Kool-Aid Margaritas
The drink of the summer? The Belly Special, obviously! Belly made this delicious concoction during the traditional Fisher family 4th of July get-together, and we haven’t stopped thinking about them since.
For this margarita you’ll need tequila, pomegranate juice, cherry Kool-Aid, triple sec, ice, limes, and salt for garnish. This drink also makes a delicious mocktail by simply skipping the tequila and triple sec (which maybe Belly should have!) Blend these ingredients with ice for the perfect frozen beverage that you can sip on all party long. For the full recipe and measurements, check out Boozlo.
Cousins Beach Bonfire
Beach bonfires are on the summer bucket list, for sure. Complete the viewing party by gathering around the crackling fire to make gooey s’mores underneath the twinkling stars. If you can’t make it to the beach, you can never go wrong with a good, old fashioned fire pit in the backyard.
“Good Muffins”
Everyone knows you need to wake up super early to get the “good muffins.” Bake an assortment of these treats ranging from decadent chocolate to sweet blueberry. If you don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen before this party, you can always go on a quick muffin run.
The Fat Pelican Bar
The Fat Pelican was Laurel and Susannah’s stomping grounds back in the day, so recreating the beachy dive bar aesthetic will be the ultimate touch for this party. You’re probably wondering how you’ll do it, and we’re here to help! Start by booking a local bartender to mix up drinks for guests. With the use of a mobile bar, beach inspired decor and neon lighting can be arranged to look just like the bar in the show.
The bartender can whip up summer cocktails including daiquiris, piña coladas, and of course, Long Island Iced Teas. If you're feeling extra creative, work with the bartender before the party to create special themed drinks like a Belly-Flop Fizz or Sun-Kissed Sunset!
Debutante Tea Party
If the Debutante Ball was your favorite episode of season one, easily achieve Deb status by hosting your own tea party inspired by The Summer I Turned Pretty. Lean into the prim and proper aesthetic by encouraging friends to wear their newest floral dress and fascinator while you sip on delicious tea and dine on fancy finger foods.
Caricature Artist
We think Susannah would appreciate a fellow artist at this party! Guests can sit down between episodes to have their caricature drawn and essence captured for the perfect watch party souvenir. If you want to channel the regal vibes of the Debutante Ball, The Bash also has talented silhouette artists that will combine both The Summer I Turned Pretty party details together.
Brie, Fig, and Prosciutto Sandwiches
Jereimiah was a huge fan of the country club’s brie, fig, and prosciutto sandwiches; and we couldn’t help but think of this delicious addition to the party’s food spread. Consider booking a caterer to whip up these formal finger foods, just like the club would serve.
Pool Party
Keep the party venue simple by hosting in your own pool area. Arrange ambient lighting for when the sun goes down, and make sure to include plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. Guests can watch the newest episodes while floating in the pool or bundled up by the fire for a dive-in watch party.
Karaoke
Take notes from Jeremiah and Cam-Cameron’s “Summer Nights” karaoke performance by including this activity in your TSITP party. Book a karaoke DJ on The Bash to bring the speakers, microphones, and a wide song selection so you can sing your heart out to The Summer I Turned Pretty soundtrack.
Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic
Susannah is the queen of the coastal grandmother aesthetic. From her light and airy clothes to beach inspired home decor, we’re taking serious inspiration from her taste. Dress in your favorite linens, use a blue color scheme, and listen to our coastal grandmother playlist to channel all the beachy vibes.
Banana Splits
The summertime and ice cream go hand in hand, no wonder Taylor craved ice cream as soon as she arrived in Cousins! You can never go wrong with a DIY ice cream bar at a summer party, and this goes perfectly with the theme. Arrange plenty of vanilla ice cream, bananas, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce for guests to make their own banana split sundaes.
Photo Booth
Capture it, remember it! Book a photo booth for The Summer I Turned Pretty party that will create keepsakes for every guest. You and friends can pile into the booth with summer inspired props and pose for your next perfect Instagram photo. Maybe create a few #TeamJeremiah or #TeamConrad signs!
Taylor Swift Inspired Ideas
From the show’s soundtrack and the cast of The Summer I Turned Pretty’s TikToks, we all know that Jenny Han is a huge swiftie! It only feels right to incorporate a few Taylor Swift inspired party ideas into this get-together. Channel a few of Taylor’s eras setting up Afterglow lighting, decorating with Bejeweled decor, and serving I-Island Breeze cocktails for (hopefully) a non “Cruel Summer” party.
Taylor Swift Theme Party Guide
Long Island Iced Tea
Laurel and Susannah’s drink of choice is Long Island Iced Tea, so you’re definitely going to want to serve these for The Summer I Turned Pretty party. These iconic cocktails are known for its blend of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec, complemented by zesty lemon juice and a splash of cola. Serve over ice in tall glasses to complete this refreshing party drink.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Watch Party
If you’re wondering where to watch The Summer I Turned Pretty, put it on the big screen! Whether you’re rewatching the first season or binge watching the second as soon as it releases, an outdoor showing will get the summer vibes started. Book an outdoor movie screen rental that’ll make it larger than life so you can feel like you are in Cousins.
Fresh Flowers
If there’s one thing Susannah loves, it’s fresh flowers. Afterall, she did say she “needed them like air to breathe!” Fill your event space with vibrant florals for the Susannah touch or consider booking a florist depending on the scale of your party. These professionals can create stunning centerpieces, garlands, and floral walls that will make picture perfect photo opportunities.
Pro tip: Make sure there are plenty of fresh peonies—they’re Susannah’s favorite!
Champagne Tower
Did you know that the author of The Summer I Turned Pretty book, Jenny Han, had a cameo in the first season? Seen at the Debutante Ball in the last episode, the writer was featured grabbing a glass from the champagne tower. Easily build your own by arranging plastic champagne glasses and pouring your choice of sparkling wine or fruit juice to fill each glass.
Junior Mints
Belly’s stuffed polar bear, aka, Junior Mint, was won by Conrad on the boardwalk when they were younger. This candy also makes a delicious snack while watching The Summer I Turned Pretty show. Feature the chocolate mint treat on the dessert table to see who will notice the reference! For an extra sweet treat, have plenty of Lemon Jelly Belly jelly beans, too!
DJ
The Summer I Turned Pretty season one’s soundtrack was elite if you ask us. With music from Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Jack Harlow, it pretty much has the ultimate summer vibes. For a larger party, book a DJ from The Bash to play these current hits to ensure plenty of dancing and good vibes.
A Big Lobster Dinner
Susannah always plans a big lobster dinner for Belly’s birthday, so if you’re feeling fancy, keep this in mind as a meal option at your theme party. Have plenty of seafood crackers, lobster bibs, and napkins for everyone to dive at this coastal social.
If you want to eliminate mess during the party, you can always prepare the lobster beforehand in a delicious pasta dish or refreshing lobster rolls.
Fireworks
It’s safe to say that Belly felt fireworks all summer long. End the get-together with fountain style fireworks, sparklers, and firecrackers to light up the night, literally!
Volleyball Tournament
Every party needs an activity that will get people up and moving. If hosting outside, set up a volleyball net for a few friendly rounds. If you’re feeling extra competitive, organize a bracket and even make Team Belly shirts, just like in TSITP. If volleyball isn’t your game of choice, check out our list of outdoor party games that are perfect for any summer get-together.
Mickey Mouse Pancakes
You’re never too old for Mickey Mouse pancakes. Whip up a big stack of these fluffy flapjacks before the party begins. Serve them with an array of fresh fruit, whipped cream, and all the fixin’s for guests to decorate their plate.
Midsommar Theme
To achieve a Midsommar theme just like Belly’s 16th birthday dinner, decorate your event space with twinkling lights, book a traditional folk music performance, and a DIY flower crown bar. Guests will be able to craft their own headpiece with fresh or artificial florals to wear during the festivities.
Cherry Coke
You’ll want to have plenty of refreshments at this party, so make sure to stock up on Belly’s favorita soda, Cherry Coca-Cola, to make sure no one gets dehydrated.
Beach Party
If you have the opportunity, make your way down to the beach for a The Summer I Turned Pretty inspired beach party. Make a big pitcher of the Belly Special, play a few rounds of corn hole, and spend the day dancing and laughing in the sun.
Infinity Necklaces
“You see how there's no starting or ending point?...That's infinity” - Conrad Fisher. Before your besties go home, gift them with a replica infinity necklace like Conrad gave to Belly. This is a special way to commemorate your friendships while also sticking to the theme of the show.
For more inspiration, check out our Pinterest board filled with The Summer I Turned Pretty party ideas.
Find more party themes here on The Bash.
