Throw Your Tween a RockStar Slumber Party
Plan a Cool, Glamorous Sleepover Your Daughter Will Love!
Mar 10, 2009
Tweenage girls can be difficult to entertain. They still like to play, but are often trying so hard to be cool, they miss out on having fun. With some light facilitating, you can help your tween have a fun, but cool rock star slumber party she and her friends will never forget!
Who and How to Invite
Slumber parties work best with even numbers. Four to eight girls is pretty standard. Have them arrive in fancy dress, and bring their coolest, most outrageous clothes with them, to wear and share later at the “show”.
If you want to do invitations, make them out like concert fliers on colored paper or card stock.
Opening Night Decorations
Decorations can be a touchy subject, so keep things discreet. Some red carpet (or fabric) rolled out at the door for the guest to walk down when they arrive can be a fun way to begin the evening. Comment on their “ravishing” dress and snap a picture or two of each guest as they come in, paparazzi-style. The next room they enter should have several framed “signed” photos of rock stars or movie stars. (You can buy these at a poster shop and sign them yourself.)
Glamorous Food
Food is important with slumber parties. Set the tone for the evening with fancy finger foods laid out when the guests first arrive. Think sushi, tiny cheese and crackers, even a little jar of caviar if you don’t mind the price- they probably won’t like the taste, but its fun to try. Make sure you have a tub of ice cream in the freezer, plus some cash and the number of her favorite pizza delivery place tucked away for later.
If it’s a birthday party, get a cake shaped like a guitar or, if she likes the idea, and you want to go all out, make something fancy, like Crème Brulee or crepes with a little caramel or chocolate sauce drizzled on the plates.
The Rock Stars Play their Big Gig
Tweenagers may be too cool for games, but most of them are into make-up and hair. Set-up her bedroom or a big bathroom as “The Dressing Room”, with fun make-up, face paints, glitter, colored hair-spray, brightly colored extensions and wigs. Let them know beforehand to bring their most “glam” clothes and accessories to share, but be sure to provide some extras- feather boas, funky sunglasses and costume jewelry are great for this.
While they’re getting dressed, clear one side of the living room for a stage. A black light or strobe can help set the stage (and atmosphere) if you have one. Have the stereo set-up for their favorite music- no doubt, she’ll already have a playlist ready on her i-pod.
To get them in the mood, have a DVD of some crazy ‘80s band playing on the television. Nothing inspires tweenage girls like something ridiculous to make fun of.
You’ll probably need to clear out at this point. If you’re lucky, they’ll let you sneak in awhile later and snap some pictures as the paparazzi.
A digital camera or video camera left on the table for them to use can help engage everyone as well.
Late Night with the Rock Stars
Tell them where the pizza money is and let them know discreetly when you are going to bed, but don’t expect them to be quiet. They will be loud. Be prepared for it and endure it, its just one night.
Rock Star Entertainment
Rent rockstar movies and “Live Concert” dvds for them to watch. Also, lay the RCA hookups out for the video camera if they used one earlier, so they can watch their show.
The Morning After
Croissants and Cappuccino finish the high-brow event. The caffeine will keep them in good spirits until their parents take them home to crash.
With a little pre-planning, minimal purchases (most of the props and decorations can be bought at a dollar store) and some discreet facilitating when things are moving slow, you can give your tween the coolest party she's ever had. It will be worth the effort to see her playing, laughing, and having fun like a kid again, even if you only get to see it on video!
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