The pressure of a slumber party. Everyone in the friend group takes turns hosting, and it’s always unforgettable. But once it’s your turn, you freak out. Your friends become competitors, and you have to top what they did and go bigger, better, and more unforgettable. Hopefully, this sounded familiar to you, or I need to rethink my childhood. Anyway, let’s get into throwing the ultimate summer slumber party. Because sleepovers in the winter don’t hit the same as in the summer.
- Pick a Theme
Every party you throw HAS to have them. Having a central theme helps ease the stress of planning by setting guidelines around it. When picking a theme, you should start by reviewing the guest list and finding a theme everyone will enjoy. For a summer slumber party, here are some fun theme options:
- Pool Party Theme
- Ocean Theme
- Mermaids – Because no one is ever too old for mermaids
- Fairies
- Hawaiian – Luau Fun
- Tropical Beach
- Mamma Mia Theme
- Bohemian
- Decoration
You need theme guidelines when decorating instead of throwing mismatched items together. There are many websites and small businesses that make custom party decorations that are easy and convenient instead of shopping for every individual item.
3. Food
Not just any food—snacks. You never want to run out of food, no matter what party you throw. What I suggest is having creative little appetizers or a charcuterie board. And have a Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Station. This is always so much fun. These are essential to stand out and have a memorable party. If you’re like me, cooking and baking aren’t your specialty. So look on Pinterest for creative, easy ideas to make.
4. Organize Sleeping Arrangement
You don’t want to figure this out during the party. This just gets complicated and annoying for everyone. Make sure you have more than enough beds, pillows, blankets, and, of course, stuffed animals. Trust me, I’ve been to enough sleepovers where I was freezing or kicked in the face. This is the most critical part of the sleepover. To actually have a good sleep.
5. Crafts & Activities
Here’s the best tip I could give you about throwing a slumber party: Every second, you need to be doing something. It’s tedious to sit around and stare at each other. And it’s also not fun to have people left out of games. Here are some entertaining activities and crafts everyone can enjoy at your slumber party.
- Get matching PJs for everyone; this is an enjoyable activity for everyone to do as soon as they walk in the door.
- Design your own pillowcase
- Baking something together or making your own pizza
- Photo booth
- Karaoke
- Make a fort
- Have a very intense game; all over the yard. Scavenger hunts are always fun.
- Summer swim, if you have a pool
- S’mores, If you have a fire pit
6. Summer Movie Right Before Bed
Watching a heartfelt movie is the perfect way to wrap up the night. Here are some summer movie ideas:
- Mamma Mia – I don’t care what anyone says, this is the best summer movie
- The Parent Trap
- The Princess Diaries
- Dirty Dancing
- High School Musical 2
- Legally Blonde
7. Plan the Morning After
I feel like this step is frequently forgotten. After sleeping in, breakfast should be a grand slam of food. Dancing to music together and making homemade pancakes and waffles are the best ways to keep the party alive.
