Pajama Parties

Elements of Pajama Parties

Every party has required elements, and planning those elements to match the type of party is critical to the party’s success.

Setting the Date

The best dates for sleepovers are nights when every guest will be able to sleep in and relax the following day. Therefore, choose dates for children’s overnight parties that do not coincide with weekend sport meets, family events, or upcoming tests. Adults may plan sleepovers to take advantage of the next day’s activities, such as the night before a big shopping trip, using pajama parties as bachelorette parties just before the wedding, or planning to spend an entire weekend together.

Invitations

Invitations set the mood for a party, and invitations for sleepovers should reflect the evening’s theme. If a specific decorative scheme is planned, the invitation can be decorated to match, or other sleep-related motifs can be used. Small throw pillows, fuzzy slippers, or personalized eye masks are all unique and clever ways to invite someone to an overnight party.

Food and Snacks

While many evening parties involve a delicious meal shared among friends, pajama parties often do not start until after dinner. The best foods for sleepovers are easy snacks such as pizza, popcorn, chips, and ice cream. Specialty foods can be chosen to suit a theme, or seasonal treats such as hot chocolate or Halloween candy can be added to the nighttime menu. As with any party, be sure to inquire about guests’ allergies and food preferences when choosing different snacks and drinks.

Decorations

Glowing stars are a festive nighttime decoration.

Themes are frequently used for slumber parties, especially for younger children. The most popular themes are Sleeping Beauty and the Princess and the Pea, because both are related to sleepovers, though any fun theme can be used. Naturally, if the party is themed, the decorations should match that overall motif.

There are many different decorations for pajama parties that do not revolve around a specific theme. Glow-in-the-dark stars can be arranged all over the room for a sparkling surprise when the lights go out, and for an added twist, use the stars to spell out guests’ names or initials. Glow-in-the-dark letters are also available and can be used to add friendly messages and jokes to the décor.

Other decoration options for sleepovers include making piles of unique throw pillows, adding twinkle light strands for a safe but fun lighting alternative, and using tents for a fun sleeping venue.

Games and Activities

No party is complete without games and activities, and after all, the last thing planned for a slumber party is sleep. Before parents say good night to their children before their first sleepover, however, it is important to explain that practical jokes are a long-standing staple of pajama parties, but they should always be considerate and be sure to laugh with their friends rather than at them.

Activity ideas for children’s sleepovers include:

• Pillow Fights: Be sure to provide soft pillows that will not hurt, and remove fragile items from the room before the party.
• Makeovers: Letting young girls experiment with outrageous makeup colors is a great slumber party activity. Cover carpeting with old blankets to minimize spills.
• Movies: A movie marathon or one long movie is a fun activity, but carefully preview any unknown titles to be sure they are appropriate and not too scary.
• Scary Stories: A flashlight is a necessary prop to tell the best scary stories.
• Treasure Hunts: Hiding different items throughout the house will provide hours of fun searching. Provide prizes to the winners or let them choose their favorite pillows or sleeping places.
• Make-Your-Own Snacks: Creating an ice cream sundae bar or personalizing pizza toppings is a great way to combine a fun activity with a delicious treat.

Activity ideas for adult slumber parties include:

• Makeovers: Experimenting with hair dye, new styles, or other intensive treatments is an adult twist to this timeless slumber party activity.
• Movies: Marathons are still popular with adults, and tear-jerker chick flicks are always popular choices.
• Drink Mixers: Adult sleepovers may involve experimenting with new mixed drinks, but be sure to drink responsibly and avoid drinking too much if there is an important event the next day.
• Bull Sessions: Simply gossiping with friends can be a fun event for hours, but take care to keep girlfriends’ confidences and not spill secrets the next day. The classic game Truth or Dare is a great way to get girlfriends to open up during bull sessions.
• Séance: Conducting a hoax séance is a fun adult twist on telling scary stories.
• Pig Out: A party is a chance to let your diet lapse, and many adults enjoy feasts of decadent treats during slumber parties.

Pajama Parties: The Morning After

A sleepover isn’t over until the guests depart, but unfortunately many parties fizzle after the sun comes up. While hosts need to be aware of when guests must leave (parents should check times with other parents and be sure children are awake and ready to go), adding special treats and fun to the morning helps keep the festive nature of the event alive. The morning after a sleepover, consider offering a fun breakfast, such as personalized omelettes or sweet treats like donuts or pastries. Adults may enjoy going out to breakfast or indulging in gourmet deluxe coffees, and those last few enjoyable moments help end a party on a friendly note.

Pajama parties are a great bonding event among good friends, both young and old. With great food, nighttime decorations, and fun activities, a sleepover’s good memories will last long beyond the sunrise.