Movie on the Roof
What better way to make friends than to throw a party for them- before even meeting them? That’s exactly how my friend and I ended up hosting a party with strangers—and it turned out to be one of the most memorable nights we’ve ever had.
The Idea
It all began with a random conversation about how fun it would be to meet new people in an unconventional way. We both love hosting and wanted to create something special, so we came up with the idea of a rooftop movie night. We wanted to curate a unique vibe, so we made a plan to handpick our guest list by inviting people who caught our eye.
The Invitations
We’re both fans of handmade touches, so we spent an afternoon creating flyers that doubled as little pieces of art. The invite was hand-drawn, then brought to life with watercolors. The flyers included the details of our "Movie on the Roof" party, including the movie, time, and location—but we made sure to keep it vague enough to spark curiosity.
Once the flyers were ready, we headed to the lake. It was the perfect setting to find interesting people. We carefully chose who to approach, looking for those who seemed friendly, creative, or just had an intriguing energy. Handing out the flyers felt a little nerve-wracking at first, but the reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Most people were surprised but excited by the idea of a stranger-hosted rooftop party.
The Setup
The party was held at my friend’s apartment, which has access to a private rooftop that felt like a secret hideaway. To transform the space, we taped a white sheet to the brick wall to serve as our movie screen and set up a projector. We spread out a huge rug on the "roof" and piled it with cozy blankets and pillows to create the ultimate viewing experience.
We strung up some fairy lights for ambiance and set up a little snack station. The appetizers were a hit—everything from homemade meatballs to homemade cupcakes—and my friend made a gorgeous wildberry cake that was incredibly delicious. We also had a variety of drinks, and everyone who came brought something to share, which made it feel even more communal.
The Guests
To our delight, about eight strangers showed up. They were a mix of people. Everyone brought an open mind and a great attitude, which made the atmosphere feel warm and welcoming.
One of the best parts of the night was how we all got to the rooftop. Since there’s no official access, we had to climb through my friend’s second-floor window to reach it. This little adventure added to the charm of the evening and instantly broke the ice among the group.
The Movie and the Magic
We chose to show "The Princess Bride," a classic that everyone seemed to love. Watching it projected onto the white sheet, with the stars above us and the city lights in the distance, felt like something out of a dream. People mingled for most of the movie- which was the overall goal. It was incredible how a group of strangers could come together and feel so connected.
Reflections
Looking back, the night was everything we hoped it would be and more. There’s something incredibly special about creating a space for people to connect in an authentic way. Hosting strangers might sound intimidating, but it taught us that taking a leap of faith can lead to amazing experiences.
The "Movie on the Roof" party reminded us that sometimes, the best moments in life come from embracing the unexpected and putting yourself out there. Who knows? Maybe this will inspire you to throw a party with strangers too. Trust us, it’s worth it.
