Up until this year, I wasn't a big Halloween fan. Ever since I hit the age where it felt too weird to trick-or-treat, I never knew what to do with myself on the holiday, BUT! when Netflix announced back in February that Season 2 of Stranger Things would be released the week of Halloween, I instantly decided I would throw a Stranger Things Halloween Party this year.

The idea brewed in my mind for about 7 months, and once October hit, actual party-prep started and I found myself making Pinterest boards and to-do lists and too many Target runs to count.

The iconic alphabet/light wall was the first thing I set-up and it just so happened that it was ready in time for the Stranger Things Season 2 premiere on Friday night. (I feel like I'll need to do that for season premieres from here on out.) A couple girlfriends and I finished the season in one night (because we couldn't help ourselves) and watching that season flooded me with new ideas for how to decorate for the big party.

During "Halloweekend," my friend Chloe and I went. to. town. (It worked out pretty nicely that our significant others were on a Mens' Retreat during that weekend.) We tried to borrow things and thrift whenever possible to keep things affordable, and I gotta say, on the budget we were workin' with, I feel like we did a pretty good job with the whole shebang.

So here you have it, folks:

Our Stranger Things Halloween

WHEN YOU FIRST WALK UP

PUMPKINS: Thrown on the ground, broken apart, and painted black. (S2) / SIGNS: Markers and poster board (S2) / HAWKINS VAN: Borrowed the van, used painter's tape / UPSIDE DOWN PORTAL: Trash bags, red tablecloth, cellophane. (The step-by-step of this one is a little more complicated to create.) We added Christmas laser lights to try and create something like the Upside Down floaty things (S2)

MAKING YOUR WAY INSIDE

We were determined to create the right ambience, utilizing every space to display some sort of motif of the show.
Music helps, too, of course. Check out the playlist we had going.

The Shadow Monster (S2) made with black poster board, Will Byers' drawings (S2) which we scribbled all by ourselves!, the light wall (S1) made with a floral sheet I found (finally!) at TJ Maxx, Will Byers signs (S1) from the Internet, "He Likes It Cold" reference (S2) - major props to Chloe for this idea, 80's gadgets from my parents' house, cool Stranger Things art, Castle Byers (S1) hand-painted onto pieces from a wood pallet, El's space in Mike's room (S1), and bikes of course. Additionally, we made the garage a space where you could watch Season 1 and we put some games out around the house for guests to enjoy. We were especially excited about the Stranger Things Monopoly, which we found at Target!

FOOD & DRINKS

We aimed to have only snacks they'd enjoy in 1984, the type of stuff Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will would've enjoyed in 8th grade, ie: Fruit Roll-Ups, Nilla Wafers, chocolate pudding, Three Musketeers bars, Reeses' Pieces, PB&J sandwiches, popcorn, Cheeto Puffs, crinkle-cut fries (RIP Benny), and Eggos. We also thought it'd be fun to have a build-your-own-waffle bar (S2), fully equipped with whipped cream, enough Eggos for multiple layers, chocolate chips, and gummies.

WHAT MORNINGS ARE FOR (S1):
1.5 parts iced coffee
1 part kahlua
0.5 parts coffee creamer
0.5 parts espresso liqueur

DEMOGORGARITA (S1)
1.5 parts tequila
0.5 parts blue curacao
0.5 parts raspberry liqueur
1 part cranberry juice
1 part lime juice
charcoal until desired color

PURE FUEL (S2)
mango la croix
1.5 parts passionfruit rum
1 part cutwater mai tai mix
0.5 raspberry liqueur
0.5 lemon juice
3 dashes peach bitters

GUESTS FROM HAWKINS

We had Nancy, Steve, Dustin, Billy, Lucas, Barb, and Eleven (Lab-Edition), and some waffles show up. When we sent our invite, we gave guests the option of dressing up as whatever (which is why you'll see Robin down below), so when so many people came dressed as Stranger Things characters, it was a pleasant surprise. It made it whole thing feel that much more magical, like we were really all celebrating Halloween in Hawkins, Indiana.

This highly anticipated night was everything I hoped it would be. I’ve never gone all out for Halloween, but I’m glad I finally did! Having so many people I love gathered in one place is one of the best things ever, and when you add fruit roll-ups, nilla wafers, dancing, fun drinks, games, fireside chats, a build-your-own-waffle bar, 80’s hits, and more, you’ve got yourself a recipe for a good time.

Oh, and one more thing!

Good ol' Sam Croswell (one of the waffles) arrived with his iPhone equipped with Camcorder, an app that enables you to film videos that seem like they were recorded in the 80's. He made a video and I couldn't help but share it with you:

Our Stranger Things Halloween