How to throw the ultimate Coachella-themed party

Source

1. The Fashion: Set a boho dress code

Bohemian fashion is an absolute staple of the Coachella music festival. You've probably seen Instagram models and influencers raking in the likes as they show off the latest trends, try to top last year's fashion and proceed to break the Internet.

Because of this, it won't truly feel like Coachella without a dress code. Stick it on the invite and encourage everyone to get in the spirit (but try and avoid Native American feather headdresses or any other inappropriate items). Perennial favourites include denim cut-off shorts, ankle boots and basically anything with a fringe. If you need ideas, check out our Coachella fashion guide or festival makeup looks page.

Where to shop the trend:

• Showpo
• Boohoo
• Princess Polly

2. The Music: Make an epic playlist

The only thing bigger than the fashion at Coachella is the music. The lineup is always huge and, let's be real, is the main reason people come from all over the world to attend the festival.

To get your own party started, hit up iTunes and download songs from previous Coachella performers like Bat For Lashes, Calvin Harris, Chvrches, Cold War Kids, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Elle Goulding, Ice Cube, Major Lazer, Miami Horror, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Of Monsters and Men, Pete Yorn, Rancid, Sia, St German and The 1975.

You can even kick it up a notch by downloading the Coachella mobile app where you can virtually tour the grounds (perhaps you can set up your backyard to resemble it?) and watch interviews and performances throughout the festival.

Alternatively, you can check out this Spotify playlist that we prepared earlier:

Source

Source

3. The Arts: Light up your backyard

As Coachella is an arts and music festival, an important part of the landscape is the larger-than-life sculptures that decorate the festival grounds. We’re talking gorgeous butterfly, caterpillar and snail light installations. And, of course, the iconic Ferris wheel.

We’re not necessarily saying you should install a Ferris wheel in your backyard (although we aren't discouraging it either), but a few novelty installations and a whole lot of fairy lights will make your party feel like the real deal.

Where to shop the trend:

• Yellow Octopus
• Typo
• Etsy

4. The Teepees: Enough said

Similar to Glastonbury in the UK, the camping style of choice at Coachella is the teepee.

Make your party a colourful camping affair and scatter teepees around your backyard. You can deck them out with plush pillows and patterned throws for your guests to relax, mingle and enjoy the festival vibes in.

If you want a true festival experience, you can even let your guests crash in the teepees overnight so that the party can continue on long into the night (just warn your neighbours first).

Where to shop the trend:

• Etsy
• eBay
• Adairs

Source

Source

5. The Food: Festival style everything

Everyone knows that it's not a party without food. At Coachella, the fare is notably of the food truck and carnival variety. Hit up your local supermarket and stock up on an array of easy party foods that can be served buffet-style. Get creative with your food spread and use cupcake stands shaped like Ferris wheels to really commit to the theme.

And of course, don't forget the drinks! To keep the good times flowing, grab some large drink dispensers and fill them with cocktail (or mocktail) mixes so your guests can help themselves. And when you realise there's no drinks line, maybe you'll even be glad that you're not at the real thing.

Where to shop the trend:

• Pottery Barn
• Dan Murphy's
• Etsy