How to Host a Camping-Themed Party in Your Living Room
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You don’t have to go outside to have an adventure! Sometimes a good camping-themed party can happen right in the center of your own living room. With temps dropping and cozy season sneaking in, now’s the perfect time to host a woodsy outdoor-themed party, sans the bug bites. Event stylist Trish Healy, founder of WonderTent Parties in Los Angeles, is spilling all her secrets for how to pitch a camping-themed party indoors. Her tips make all the difference in upgrading your pillow fort to a cozy campsite.
Of course, it matters where you’re planning to throw this event for your happy campers. Do you want to make movie night with the kids a little more special? Are you hosting a camping-themed birthday party for a friend? Are you upgrading your teen’s sleepover? Depending on who you’re hosting and what kind of vibe you’re going for, your decor choices, games, and snacks might differ. Take all of this into consideration when planning out your campsite and read on for more tips.
Go for Woodsy Decor
Camping is all about being with nature. To get that woodsy vibe inside, go a little wild with the decorations. “Sprinkle some large leaves around any serving areas, and bundle fairy lights inside Mason jars,” says Healy. “When you turn off the lights, it looks like you’ve captured a flurry of fireflies.” Then, create a cozy camp circle with blankets and oversize pillows. “Pick up a few faux-sheepskin rugs in earthy tones, and accent the area with lanterns,” says Healy. Pull it all together with a playlist of nature sounds, or keep an acoustic guitar handy for campfire sing-alongs. Oh, and remind guests of the dress code: something along the lines of “anything flannel!”
Set Up Camp-Themed Snack Stations
The food should be super casual—and super fun! “Get in the mood with a make-your-own-trail-mix station,” says Healy. Set out a mix-and-match spread of nuts, dried fruits, candies, popcorn, and pretzels. “Give each guest a jar to create their own blend,” she says. Along with burgers and hot dogs, you can do a similar make-your-own station for baked potatoes: Give guests a wealth of topping options, from chives and cheddar to butter and peppers. For dessert, it’s gotta be s’mores. Arrange all the elements on cutting boards: rows of graham crackers and piles of big marshmallows with an array of chocolate bars and spreads like Nutella, cookie butter, and jams.
Don’t Forget About Fun and Games
“For kids, a good scavenger hunt will keep them entertained,” says Healy. “Have them scour the backyard to find specially marked leaves and pine cones, hidden stuffed animals, insects, and flowers.” For adults, drinking games (or non-drinking—whatever your mood is), like Most Likely To… or Never Have I Ever are crowd-pleasers, says Healy, as are board games like Act One and Telestrations After Dark.
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By Christina Izzo | Photo courtesy of LightFieldStudios/Getty
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Reveal, Drew & Jonathan’s lifestyle magazine.
