There are some TV shows that become so iconic, they ingrain themselves into your everyday life. Friends is one of those TV shows. Not a day goes by where I don’t hear a Friends reference. Whether it’s a quote, or just something that reminds you of a scene in the show. Friends is so universal, it reaches many different ages as well! Thus, the inspiration for a Friends theme party.
Disclosure: I have affiliate links in this post. That means when you click on a link, if you buy something, I get a commission. This does not cost you any extra money. They are just bouncing back a commission to me for sending you their way! And, don’t worry, I won’t recommend anything from a website I don’t trust. I have your back! Plus I shop all these places too! Want more info? Check out the EventOTB Privacy Policy.
Party Decorations
Party Banner
This party banner has a Friends-like font and also includes the famous colorful dots from the logo. The top of each banner piece looks like the ever so famous frame around Monica’s peephole. It also comes in three colors, yellow, red and purple. That way you can choose your party’s color scheme. It’s easy to download and print at home or at a printer like Staples, or Office Depot. Simply print, cut and tape to a twine, string or ribbon! You can spell out whatever you like! It’s in the Party Pack in my Etsy Shop!
Photo Backdrop
This photo backdrop is super cute. It creates the scene for your party by transporting you to Central Perk! It’s got a few sizes up to 8 feet. You can hang it on a backdrop hanger, or attach to a wall. It can serve as both décor for your party, and a photo prop backdrop! (More on photo props below). You can get this backdrop here, on Amazon.
Friends Theme Party Food & Drink
Food & Drink Ideas
There are so many scenes from Friends to choose food from. But one of the easiest options to start with is Sandwiches. They’re Joey’s favorite food, the characters are constantly eating them, and we can’t forget Ross’ famous “moistmaker”. You can either make sandwiches at home with the recipe from Delish, or you can just buy a sandwich platter from somewhere like Costco! I’m not judging. Make it easy if you want!
Of course for sides, you can go with the basics, chips, veggies and dip. Or you could make Monica’s “dirty” salad from that scene when she was cooking for the man that told her to keep her lettuce dirty. (But please wash your lettuce). Don’t forget to add chopped up tomatoes, and whatever else you want in the salad.
For dessert you can make Phoebe’s grandma’s “secret” recipe chocolate chip cookies. As it turns out, they were just Nestle Tollhouse. So grab yourself a bag of chips and get to baking!
Another option for dessert is cheesecake. You’ll probably remember the episode where Chandler and Rachel keep eating their neightbor’s cheesecake. It’s the perfect Friends Party Cake.
For drinks, I would of course start with coffee! The friends characters are constantly at Central Perk grabbing coffee or tea. I would definitely have some water available for people and maybe a backup iced tea or soda as well. And wine is ALWAYS an option.
Don’t forget your food tags! They come in a few different colors: purple, red, yellow and black. They’re super easy to download, print, cut and fold. Then just write your desired food on there, or use the premade ones! You can find them in the EventOTB Friends Party Pack on Etsy.
Finally, in the party pack are also straw tags (or you can use them as wine glass markers). These can easily be downloaded, printed and folded.
Party Activities
There are a couple Friends themed activities ideas for your party. The first is a Friends themed fortune teller or “cootie catcher” as they were called in the 90’s. Use this little thing to find out which Friends character you are! It’s a good time, trust me. You can pick it up in the EventOTB Etsy shop here.
The second activity is a Friends quote matching game. Simply print these sheets out, and have your party members match the quote to the correct character. It can be harder than you think! But it’s super fun and a walk down Friends memory lane.
The last activity is a scavenger hunt. This game is super fun. I’ve done it before with my The Office Party Theme. It involves setting up some things around your house that would reference something in Friends. And don’t worry, you don’t have to go buy a bunch of stuff, in the activity, I provide some printables.
You print out a blank sheet for each player and throughout your party, as they spot things, they write down what they see. Whoever finds the most, wins! There’s also the option to create your own props. It’s a super fun and easy party game! You can find it and the other games in the EventOTB Etsy shop.
Party Favors
For my Friends Party Favor, I opted for a cute little DIY I Love NY bag. It’s classic and easy to make. You can find the tutorial for it and free download here. I filled this with Friends Stickers, “Monica’s” candies, and dollar lottery scratcher (from when they all pitched in and bought lottery tickets).
The Friends stickers you can use from the party pack, or, you can purchase some super cute ones on Amazon here. For Monica’s candies, you can really use any candy, but I think a truffle would be closest to the actual candy in the show. The lottery scratchers, depending on where you live, you might not be able to get. But here are a few other party favor stuffer options: Central Perk Lip Balm, Coffee Individual Packs, or Mini Magna Doodles! (Like from Joey’s apartment).
Party Playlist
I created the perfect friends playlist featuring songs that feature the word “friend” as well as some songs from the show. It’s part of the digital Party Pack on Etsy if you want to print it out. Or you can save the pic below!
Party Pack
You’ve read about the party pack throughout the blog post. I made it to make your party easy and fun! It includes almost everything you need for a great Friends Party. It includes:
Party Banner, Photo Props, Straw Flags, Food Tags, Playlist, Stickers, Water Bottle Wraps, Fortune Teller Game, Scavenger Hunt Game, and Quote Game, (3) Banners, I <3 NY Party Favor Bag, Invitation to print or email.
Phew! Just add your food and a couple other things and you’re ready to party!
Wrap Up
Hopefully these ideas can help you throw the most epic Friends themed party. The most important thing is you get to spend quality time with your Friends, pun intended. If you have another idea that can add to the fun, comment below! I’d love to hear it, as would everyone else, I’m sure! Otherwise, enjoy your Friends throwback party!
Other posts you may like:
The One with All the Friends Gifts
How to Make an I <3 NY Party Favor Bag
2 Comments
These are such fun party decorations!
Hi Lindsey! Thank you so much for the compliment! And thank you for reading! <3