Often, a shared passion—from wine tasting to a sporting event or awards season watch party—is the perfect excuse to entertain. Other times, all it takes is putting on a show. Literally.
If you peruse any list of the “most anticipated shows” or the “must-watch series” of 2025, HBO’s The White Lotus almost always makes an appearance. The BHG team is right there with you, and it’s clear we’re not the only ones who are transfixed by the trouble in paradise on screen each episode. Whether you know the iconic quotes by heart (thank you, Jennifer Coolidge) or are simply dipping your toe into the action, the new season could be your next perfect hook to host.
Jon Kung is a Detroit, Michigan-based recipe developer and author of Kung Food.
Hank Stampfl is the CEO and founder of Revel Rouge event planning firm in New York City.
What Is The White Lotus?
In case you’re unfamiliar with the satirical dramedy series, each season, the beyond-wealthy characters spend a week at a different (fictional) luxury resort around the world. The show chronicles the experiences of the guests and the staff—with a murder mystery twist. Season 1 was set at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii; the second took place at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily, and the latest (airing from February 16 to April 6 this year) is mainly filmed at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand.
With the complex characters interacting amidst entrancing vistas on the grounds of some seriously epic hotels, It’s hard not to get swept away in the action—and to not talk about it with everyone else who you know is a fan.
As the third season rolls on and the intensity builds, it’s just too juicy to stream solo. So why not use the debut of an upcoming episode—perhaps the finale?—to host an unforgettable party?
Stampfl, CEO and founder of Revel Rouge, is keen on this idea and says the most important consideration for an immersive experience is involving all the senses.
“What people see, smell, touch affects how they feel,” he says. Similar to how a bougie resort can seemingly sweep your worries away, a party that sparks several senses “guide and immerse the guests into the event.”
Read on for pro tips about how to host a White Lotus-inspired bash that will have everyone writing home with incredible memories. At your soirée, la dolce vida is sweet.
Adam Albright Photography
White Lotus Party Decor Ideas to Transport Guests to Thailand
“Thailand is a gorgeous country with incredible natural beauty,” says Kung, recipe developer and cookbook author. “The resorts there lean into this by adorning their interiors with fragrant flowers, fruit, and plants.”
Take a cue from the dreamy Thai Four Seasons resort that acts as the set this season, and consider spiffing up your space with the following touches, approved by Kung and Stampful.
Plants: An arrangement that combines large palm or banana leaves, flowers (white orchids and white lotus flowers are particularly appropriate), and lush greenery will “delight the eyes,” Stampfl says. Stack tropical fruits, like coconuts, kiwi, mango, and pineapple, in bundles to infuse even more color and fresh flair.
Music: If you’re not planning to play the show during the festivities, or if you have scenes playing without the sound on, cue up a playlist like Thailand Vibes on Spotify.
Scent: “A luxury candle with the sweet fragrance of the tropics is a must to set the perfect atmosphere,” Stampfl tells BHG. “I love Nest’s Ocean Mist & Sea Salt and Joe Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt. One inhale of either, and it’s like you’re at the beach.”
Lighting: Dim or turn off the overhead lights and create a low-lit, ambient glow with hanging string lights and “lots of candles inspired by the lantern festival in Chiang Mai,” Kung recommends.
Karla Conrad
The Best White Lotus Dinner Party Menu, According to Entertaining Experts
“At this mysterious party, and on the show, you never know sort of action is awaiting around the corner,” Stampfl says. To keep the surprises coming and to promote mingling, consider serving heavy appetizers alongside an array of drinks to keep everyone well-hydrated.
Stampfl and Kung promote picking a few or all of the following options to add to your White Lotus party menu.
White Lotus Party Food
A pineapple or mango skewer with one side dipped in a rub made with half sugar and half Tajín
Cups of seafood ceviche with fried plantain chips
Chicken satay
Thai fish cakes
Takeout containers filled with chicken pad Thai
Thai fried bananas
White Lotus Party Drinks
Mai Tais
Piña Coladas
Beerlao or a similar pale lager (“Thailand has been brewing beer since the 1930s,” Kung notes.)
Club soda infused with cucumber slices and Thai basil leaves
When it comes time to serve the spread, tiki mugs, tinted drinking glasses, and sturdy bamboo plates and silverware “add a playful touch and instant smile to your guests,” Stampfl says.
4 Pro Tips to Take Your White Lotus Party to the Next Level
Once you’ve set your menu and decor elements, it’s time to pull everything together and bring the party to life. No need to round up your passport or book a plane ticket—this is all that’s left to do.
1. Send Out a Themed Invitation
“The invitation sets the perfect tone for the event, and this year’s tropical Thailand theme is all about embracing the lush and exotic vibes,” Stampfl says. “Think: palm leaves and that iconic White Lotus logo.”
Plan on sending paper or digital invitations about a month before the gathering, if possible, and to start dropping breadcrumbs, Stampfl suggests keeping the invitation’s wording mysterious and glamorous: “You’re invited to the most exclusive and dramatic event of the season. A night filled with sun, scandal, and secrets awaits you.”
2. Suggest an Optional Dress Code
The invitation is a seamless tie into the optional (but highly-recommended) dress code of Tropical Resort Chic: “Encourage your guests to arrive in their resort-chic bests: linen shirts, flowy dresses, wide-brimmed hats, and oversized sunglasses,” Stampfl says.
This is ideal to “break up the monotony of winter clothes,” Kung adds. To ensure everyone is comfortable and help them feel like they’re on a tropical vacation for the evening, he also advises adjusting the thermostat up about 74 to 76°F.
3. Welcome Guests Resort-Style
When it comes time to greet guests, have a tray by the door stacked with rolled small face towels, infused with cold, clean water, eucalyptus essential oils, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, Stampfl suggests.
As folks arrive, present them with a cool, refreshing towel, “just like they would receive at a luxurious hotel.”
4. Plan a Group Activity
To break the ice and inspire attendees to engage with others, arrange a game that’s amusing and on-brand, like:
Another Murder at The White Lotus: Available via download from Etsy, “it’s an exciting murder mystery experience inspired by the series,” Stampfl says.
The White Lotus Trivia: Create a trivia challenge in which guests answer questions about White Lotus characters, iconic moments, and plot twists.
Which White Lotus Character Are You?: Assemble a selection of questions (pick a favorite vacation destination, travel movie, snack, and pet peeve, for instance) and coordinated responses, and pair the results with personalities from the show to help people try to determine which character they relate to most.