Dress to impress may sound like business attire, but when the invitation reads: "breakfast for dinner," feather and flannel are the inspiration for the evening's couture. Dressing it down a notch will keep the slumber party vibe alive! Here are the ingredients for having a good time.
Instructions
1. Attitude
The golden rule for party throwing is to remember that if the host is having a good time--then everyone else will too! Debbie Downer is not welcome here tonight baby! Nobody cares that you didn't finish the laundry or that your sofa is upholstered in last year's "new black." The most important job as a host is to conjure up an atmosphere for fun. So put on your lounging pajamas, accessorize them with your best fake jewels and pearls, then stuff a few secrets to share with the girls in your pocket right next to the baby doll lip gloss.
2. Decor
We are looking for a mood, not a makeover, so go with a few iconic decor elements that will bring the dream alive.
Beds as lounge furniture may be high concept in the club design world, but girls have been using them to hang out since they were old enough to paint their own toenails. Enlist some help and move a bed or mattress into the living room. Cover it with your "nice linens" and tons of pillows. For more lounging options lay a furry rug and scatter floor pillows. Complete the seating with poofs (small ottomans) and outdoor lounge chairs draped with white terry cloth fabric or towels--to bring in the spa vibe.
3. Food and Beverage
How many times did you want to eat cereal for dinner and your mom wouldn't let you? Here's your justice! Plan a buffet that's not fussy in which guests can serve themselves throughout the party. Your time is better spent indulging in beauty secrets than running back and forth to the kitchen. Think of the breakfast and brunch buffets at your favorite hotels, then narrow down the list to a few favs:
• Cold Cereal Assortment: Include your top three; go with the big boxes, but load them with more prizes inside! Stack mismatched cereal bowls so guests can pick the one that's just right for them. Perfect excuse to go garage sale shopping this weekend (nothing over 50 cents!) Fill a stainless bucket from the hardware store with ice and load glass bottles of milk inside (go ahead slip in a chocolate milk!).
• Croissants, Nutella and Jam: Slip the croissants in between two white linen napkins on a sleek white platter, then decant the jams and Nutella into small ramekins.
• Breakfast Panini: Put together a selection of hot sandwich ingredients, fire up the Panini grill and watch your guests create their sandwich masterpieces! Think prosciutto or honey baked ham, mozzarella and brie cheese, pesto and aioli spreads, soft rolls and focaccia bread.
• Whole Fruit: Stop at your local farmer's market the closest day to the party and load a platter with whatever is in season. Leave a stack of small plates, knives and forks next to the fruit.
• Sparkling Wine Station: Fill another stainless steel bucket from the hardware store with ice and a few bottles of sparkling wine. Pour your favorite juices such as peach, orange, mango and pomegranate into clear glass pitchers. Load a platter with champagne flutes. Print out the simple recipe, frame it and leave on the table so guests can make their own cocktails. Have it read: "Please help yourself to a cocktail. Pour one part juice and three parts sparkling wine, then make a toast to why girlfriends are so important!"
4. Photo Op
Girls in pearls and pajamas--this is not to be missed! Make sure to get a photo with each of your guests (full length too, so the lounging outfits are well-documented). Deputize a few guests to snap shots throughout the party, so you have loads to choose from, then upload the photos to a photo-sharing site. Hey think about this: Would a group shot make a great holiday card or girls' group letterhead? If so, be sure to set up the shot and include everyone at the party.
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