5 Ways To Bring Coachella To You

Good luck to all of you who may be trekking out to the first weekend of Coachella! But for the rest of us who weren’t able to swing a trip to the desert this year (sob), we’re just going to have to settle for the next best thing — bringing Coachella to us.

Before I moved to LA, I had no idea what Coachella was. People spoke of it like it was some transcendent, life-changing weekend. I’d been to Outside Lands in San Francisco, and kinda figured Coachella was like that: a three-day event in a gorgeous forested park by the bay, with lots of chill people who all went back to their hotel rooms or apartments after the day was done. But Coachella is a whole other thing. Fashion and music come together for one of the biggest events on anyone’s springtime social calendar. And even if you aren’t a huge fan of the whole Coachella scene, chances are you are a fan of many of the bands that are playing. So even if you can’t make it to the music fest this year, you can at least try to enjoy some of that Indio vibe from the comfort of your own home. Who’s with me?

So grab your flower crowns and your heart-shaped sunglasses, and get ready to have a good time. Here's everything you need to bring Coachella to you.

1. DIY A Flower Crown

Flower crowns all day, girl! You might not be sporting one in Indio, but you can at least DIY one for future fashionista events. Plus, flower crowns will be "in" even after everyone has moved on from the Coachella grounds. And why not make it a craft party? Invite over the besties, and make flower crowns that will instantly rack up all the likes on Instagram. This tutorial on The Merry Thought is exactly what you need to get started.

2. Rock Out To A Coachella Playlist

This year's Coachella line-up boasts everyone from Drake to Steely Dan (ask your parents, kids), which will make for one heck of a playlist. Scour the line-up for your favorite bands, or even listen to some new stuff — perhaps while you're getting some spring cleaning done, hm? Spotify has even saved you some trouble and created an official playlist.

3. Host A "Festival Wear" Costume Party

Festival wear — crop tops, short shorts, "vintage" band t-shirts, Ray-Bans, and the like — is such a thing now that stores like H&M and TopShop have dedicated collections to it. Don your most stylish festival gear for a Coachella costume party complete with glow sticks, that kick-ass playlist we just talked about, and some springtime cocktails.

4. Have A Backyard Campout

Granted, the Coachella campgrounds have seen a bit of an upgrade in recent years — for $7,000 you can get a fully-furnished tent with air-conditioning, a concierge, and golf cart rides to the stages. But for the most part, you'll probably be sleeping in your car or in a tiny tent surrounded by thousands of other people. But if you’re really jonesing for a campout, have one in your backyard. No backyard? I feel you fellow apartment dweller — set up a blanket fort in the living room. The best part is there will be no line for your bathroom.

5. Have A Coachella Viewing Party

And if you literally want to bring Coachella to you, you can always watch the live stream on YouTube!

Images: Flower Crown/The Merry Thought; vastateparksstaff/Flickr; Getty; YouTube; Giphy