goodhost.

So it’s official: being an adult is a scam, and we are collectively opting out. At least for one night.

If you’re tired of the same old "wine and charcuterie" nights (no shade to brie, love her), it’s time to throw a party that feels like a core memory. We’re talking pure, unadulterated nostalgia- a total fever dream of bright colors, fuzzy textures, and the absolute best pop anthems from the era of smackers and flip phones.

Whether your heart belongs to the late '90s or you're a total y2k babe, here is your official guide to hosting the ultimate throwback party. Grab your butterfly clips, and let's get into it.

the moodboard: colorful & whimsical

We are completely skipping the minimalist aesthetic. if it’s beige, it’s banned. We want your living room to look like a literal lisa frank folder exploded.

• the color palette: any bright color - think lime green, hot pink, baby blue, and electric lavender.

• the decor: silver fringe curtains, inflatable furniture (yes, it still exists), and disco balls everywhere. Balloons and streamers are super inexpensive so load up!

• the lighting: turn off the big lights. use lava lamps, colorful led strips, and pink twinkle lights. The more candles you can incorporate, the better.

the dress code: mandatory main character energy

you need to make it clear to your group chat that low-effort outfits will be judged. the dress code is "pop star off-duty, circa 2001."

• for the girlies: low-rise jeans, baby tees with unhinged slogans, rimless tinted sunglasses, and platforms. Bangles + loud jewelry!

• for the guys: oversized graphic tees, baggy cargo pants, bucket hats, and retro sneakers.

• hair & makeup: body glitter is a non-negotiable. throw in some space buns with tons of clips, zigzag parts, and frosted eyeshadow if you’re feeling brave.

the menu: elevated junk food

We want nostalgia, but we also want it to taste good. Serve the snacks you weren't allowed to have on a regular school night, but make it cute.

• the snacks: bowls of bagel bites, pizza rolls, and dunkaroos. perhaps a lunchable?

• the candy bar: a dedicated station with ring pops, candy necklaces, and airheads.

• the signature drink: mix up a "cosmo" but pack it with popping boba, or make a spiked capri sun pouch situation.

the soundtrack: pop royalty only

The playlist is the backbone of this entire operation. You need a seamless transition from teen pop to angsty alt-rock to early hip-hop.

• the essentials: britney, gwen stefani, destiny’s child, *nsync, avril lavigne, and outkast.

• the vibe: if people aren't screaming the lyrics to "sk8er boi" by midnight, you did something wrong.

the entertainment: disposable cameras + glitter bar

The best part of a nostalgic party? No one is looking at their actual phones because they’re too busy posing for a disposable camera.

Buy a pack of single-use cameras, scatter them around the room, and let your friends take random photos all night. Developing them the next week is half the fun. You can also set up a corner with a nintendo 64 or a gamecube for some high-stakes mario kart tournaments, as well as a DIY glitter bar for guests who missed the memo.

Ultimately, it’s just an excuse to act like a kid again with your favorite people. so go text the group chat, start curating the spotify playlist, and buy the body glitter. You deserve it - adulting is hard.