How to Host a Squid Game Party: Safe Games, Decor & DIY Dalgona

Okay, I'll admit it: I threw a Squid Game-themed party. And it was genuinely one of the best parties I've ever hosted. People STILL talk about it.

Want to do the same? I've compiled everything I learned—costume ideas, safe game adaptations, the dalgona recipe I perfected after several burnt attempts, and themed activities that'll make your guests feel like they've entered the games. Minus the whole death thing, obviously.

Setup That Actually Worked

• Green and pink smart bulbs—this alone transforms the space
• Triangle, circle, and square symbols I cut from cardboard (everywhere!)
• "Player cards" printed for guests with random numbers
• A "prize money" counter on a TV display to track points throughout the night

• Players: Green tracksuits with white numbers (456 and 067 were the most popular)
• Guards: Pink jumpsuits with triangle/circle/square masks—these were a HIT
• VIPs: A few people did animal masks and fancy clothes
• Front Man: One guy committed to the black mask and coat

Pro tip I learned: Order iron-on numbers for tracksuits at least a week ahead. Last-minute Sharpie numbers work but look... rushed.

Safe Versions That Were Actually Fun

Red Light, Green Light We played traditional rules, no shooting (unfortunately). I found the Korean audio online and played it through a speaker—the sound design made people genuinely tense. Eliminated players sat out but stayed in the point system.

Dalgona Cookie I made real dalgona (recipe below) and it was the highlight. People were SO focused, cursing under their breath. Timer adds legit pressure. Fair warning: some will break and dramatically "die."

Tug of War Standard tug of war over a line. Losing team had to do embarrassing punishments (dancing, etc.). No one actually fell to their death, sadly.

Marbles Odd/even guessing. We paired people up and made them bet their accumulated points. The betrayals got REAL. Friendships were tested.

Glass Bridge (Our Version) Used painter's tape on the floor for "panels." Before the game, I flipped coins to secretly determine "safe" panels. Wrong guess = pushups or drink penalty. More tension than you'd expect.

My Perfected Dalgona Recipe

I burned A LOT of sugar figuring this out. Here's what finally worked:

• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• Pinch of baking soda (seriously, just a pinch)
• Cookie cutters (circle, triangle, star, umbrella shapes)

What I Learned: 1. Heat sugar in a ladle over medium heat, stirring CONSTANTLY 2. When fully melted and amber-colored (not brown!), add baking soda 3. Stir quickly—it will foam up dramatically 4. Pour onto parchment paper and flatten with a press immediately 5. Press cookie cutter shape into surface while still soft 6. Let cool completely before anyone touches it

• You have about 15 seconds before it hardens. Don't panic but move fast.
• Keep heat medium—too hot burns instantly, too cold never fully melts
• Umbrella is genuinely brutal. Start everyone on circle or triangle.
• Make extras. Some WILL break and you want backup.

Adding the Online Games

• Red Light, Green Light got the best group reactions—everyone screaming at the screen
• Glass Bridge with everyone voting on steps became weirdly competitive
• We tracked a leaderboard throughout the party

Perfect for when people need a breather or for friends who aren't into physical games. Honestly, some of the best moments were watching people fail spectacularly at digital dalgona.