How To Throw The Perfect "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Viewing Party!

‘Twas the night before Cousins, and all through their feeds, not a fan could sit still, we were bursting with need...

That’s right, everyone, we made it. After nearly two years of waiting… yearning… we’re finally headed back to Cousins Beach. A place where Taylor Swift lyrics float on the breeze and the salty air rolls over your skin. 

And what better way to celebrate the return of Prime Video's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" for its third and final season than by throwing a party that channels all the East Coast charm, Summer love, and swoony nostalgia the series brings to life? If that type of party is for you, then you have come to the right place. And lucky for you, we’ve already done all the digging so you don’t have to. Whether you’re watching solo or with friends, here’s our curated list of must-haves to help us all get ready, emotionally and otherwise, for the final premiere of everyone’s favorite Summer show.

Snacks

Starting with the obvious, but it’s obvious for a reason! Who doesn’t love having something to munch on? But the real question is: sweet or savory? We say both. For those of us with a sweet tooth (guilty), you’ll love these clever cupcakes we spotted on TikTok from maryfangirls. Whether you’re Team Jeremiah or Team Conrad, everyone will be charmed by this playful showdown. Team Conrad cupcakes are topped with Sour Patch Kids, while Team Jeremiah’s are finished off with Swedish Fish. (If you know, you know.)

On the other hand, if you’re wanting to go for something a little more beachy and bright, then allow us to suggest some fruit skewers. All you have to do is grab some wooden sticks (preferably not ones you found outside, please) and load them up with strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, melon, whatever your heart desires. It’s your snack, Kebabie Baby.

Alright, you dessert darlings, step aside, because it’s time for us to show some love to those of us who enjoy the saltier side of life. If you find yourself in that camp, we’ve got one word for you: charcuterie. I know it might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a lavished presentation of meats and cheese. For a simpler alternative, all you need is a couple of store-bought snack kits with things like salami, white cheddar, and, of course, the real MVP: crackers. However, if charcuterie boards still feel a bit too debutante for you, you can keep it simple with the classics: a good ol’ bag of salt and vinegar potato chips or some popcorn (bonus points if you toss it with melted butter and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning).

Beverages 

Now that we’ve got the snacks covered, let’s talk drinks. With so many options out there, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to beverages, but we’ve still got a few fun recommendations. To keep things interesting, let’s pair your drink with your personality – and perhaps even your favorite character.

If you give off Main Character Energy or have been told you’re both free-spirited and sweet, then you might just align with our girl Belly, making a strawberry lemonade the perfect choice. For those who are bubbly and playful like Jeremiah, a flute of sparkling cider should do. If you’re more cool and grounded like Conrad, a refreshing glass of iced tea is the way to go. And, of course, let’s not forget water, because even the coolest people stay hydrated in the summer heat.

Decor

Alright, the table is set, and the drinks are cooling in the fridge. Now it’s time to transform your favorite rooms or patios into that unmistakable Cape Cod vibe. First up: string lights. You can drape them anywhere – over a shower curtain rod, across your bedroom door frame, or anywhere sturdy enough to hold them. Just string those bad boys across the room, and you’ll feel like you’ve just hand-picked the coastal stars and placed them right above you.

Now, get ready to get cozy, because it’s time to bring out the blankets. Whether it’s fine quilts, raggedy old things, or even just your bedsheets, grab the corners and spread them out so they softly drape the floor, creating a comfy cushion to lie on. And don’t forget to add a few pillows for some extra neck support! As for surrounding decor, you can get about as creative as you like. If you prefer to keep things simple and don’t want to lift another finger, congratulations, you already have a great setup if you’ve followed the steps so far. 

In contrast, if you’re looking to add a little extra to your party, here are a few easy ideas. To start simple, a bundle of seashells is an effortless way to bring a touch of the ocean floor into your space. All you need to do is head over to your nearest department store and buy a small batch. Most are affordable and look great! Still not finished? Well, then how about something blue? And no, this isn’t a nod to the wedding everyone’s talking about this season... Or is it?

The color blue has almost become a character in itself, appearing everywhere from the ocean and clear skies to the title screen and some of the cast’s most iconic outfits. If you can find blue tablecloths, napkins, plates, or even party streamers, you’ll be all set to complete the look.

And voilá! Just like that, you’ve created the perfect setting for the final season of "The Summer I Turned Pretty." Sure, we might not have Susannah’s blue hydrangeas or seagulls calling overhead, but we do have our imaginations, and there is something special about the unique, creative spaces we make. The kind of things that turn exciting premieres into memories you’ll hold onto for a long time. We’ll see you in Cousins!