How to host an Affordable “The Summer I Turned Pretty” Party

1. Location:

• Host in a backyard, porch, or living room—string up some lights if you have them, or use candles or lanterns for that dreamy Cousins Beach glow.

• Don’t have outdoor space? No problem—set up a cozy indoor “beach picnic” with blankets and pillows on the floor in your living room.

  
  

2. Decor (on a budget):

• Color theme: soft blues, whites, and sandy neutrals.

• Inexpensive decor ideas:

  • Blue and white gingham tablecloth from a dollar store or reuse a picnic blanket.

  • Mason jars or old glass jars as vases—fill with grocery store flowers (baby’s breath or wildflowers are affordable and give coastal vibes). White and blue hydrangeas are a must though!!

  • DIY shell accents: Grab seashells from craft stores or dollar stores to sprinkle on tables.

  • Blue and white balloons add a fun and simple touch too.

  • Cute themed dishes. Sea shell plates, blue glassware and silverware. such an easy addition!

  • Pearls, sea nets, and bubble garland!! so cheap and easy!

  • Print out The Summer I Turned Pretty quotes or aesthetic photos from Pinterest and hang them with clothespins and twine for wall decor.

  • Battery fairy lights (if you don’t already have them, check Amazon or Dollar Tree).

    
    

3. Food & Drinks:

• Snack board instead of full dinner—cheaper and fun. Think:

  • Strawberries (Belly’s favorite)

  • Watermelon slices

  • Chips & dip

  • Mini sandwiches or roll-ups

  • Lemonade in cute glassware with sliced lemons (looks cute, costs nothing extra)

  • Find a cute blue drink on Pinterest and serve in cute cups with a fun garnish.

  • A custom cake or royal icing cookies that match the theme - "team Conrad" for example!

  • DIY strawberry shortcake station (just store-bought shortcakes, strawberries, and whipped cream)

    
    

4. Activities:

• Book Bedazzling:

  • Get some fun rhinestones, tell everyone to bring a copy of their TSITP book and get bedazzling!

• Watch Party:

  • Stream The Summer I Turned Pretty show or play the soundtrack in the background.

• DIY Hairbrush:

  • Create a lineup of hair brushes, sea shells, pearls, and glue and create a DIY seashell hairbrush.

• Friendship Bracelet Station:

  • Buy a cheap beading kit or embroidery thread and make friendship bracelets together.

• Custom Coastal Cowgirl Hats:

  • Find cheap cowgirl hats, some net and shells, and create fun coastal cowgirl themed hats!

• Photo Op:

  • Create a photo backdrop with the gingham tablecloth or a sheet, some flowers, and your printouts

    
    

5. Dress Code:

• Tell your friends to wear sundresses, denim shorts, linen sets, matching pjs, or swimsuits with cover-ups for the full Cousins Beach vibe.

  • Optional: everyone brings their favorite lip gloss (for Belly vibes) or wear a baseball hat like Conrad’s for photos!

  • Have everyone at least wear the same colors - whites, neutrals, soft blues

    
    

6. Party Favors (Optional but Cute):

• DIY friendship bracelets, brushes, or hats are the party favor.

• Little cute bags with hair scrunchies, lip balm, earrings, or coastal clawclips (from Amazon or target = very affordable).

  
  

7. Budget-Friendly Tips:

• Group effort: Don’t hesitate to make it a potluck style night—ask everyone to bring one snack or drink.

• DIY everything—half the fun is making the setup together. (Dollar Tree, Tjmaxx, hobby lobby, & Target)

• Skip expensive tableware—use paper plates or mix & match what you already have. Coastal = casual.

Stay tuned for my TSITP party!!