NEED A BREAK? CALL THE GIRLS FOR A PAJAMA PARTY COMPLETE WITH ALL YOUR FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURES!

Photography: Arden Ward, Arden Photography

You’ve shuttled the kids, cleaned up after the new puppy, crammed for a test, put up with some real pain in the neck at work, and/or got your heart stomped on yet again. Your whole attitude needs an overhaul. There’s nothing better than a night with the girls to kick back, relax, and talk it over. Instead of going out on the town, why not stay “in” and indulge in all of the guilty pleasures you don’t get to enjoy very often? Junk food favorites, gossip magazines, Sex in the City, Desperate Housewives, and Cosmopolitans were on the agenda for this party but your gang can design your own brand of fun. Cooking, cards, karaoke, or your favorite cheesy romantic comedies can be the cornerstone for your girls night in party. Everyone can wear their pajamas and come ready to relax!

FOOD

Mini Cheeseburgers and Pigs in a Blanket are so easy, you don’t need a recipe. Nachos are always a hit but cheese or chocolate fondue is even better. Ask everyone to bring their favorite guilty pleasure treat but double check with everyone to make sure you don’t end up with four plates of Rice Krispy treats.

MAKE A LUSH CANDY DISPLAY OF HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE TREATS PLUS FAVORITE CANDY IN YOUR PARTY COLORS

OLD SCHOOL PIGS IN BLANKETS ARE EASY AND ALWAYS A FAV

SLIDERS ARE SIMPLE TO MAKE OR YOU CAN GET THEM FROM YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT.

FONDUE IS FUN-DO! WHITE AND DARK CHOCOLATE FONDUE IS SIMPLE AND DECADENT. DIP FRUIT, MARSHMALLOWS, OR BITES OF CAKE, ETC

DRINKS

Serve a signature cocktail or drinks that fit the theme for the evening. Since Sex in the City was on the agenda for our party, Cosmopolitans were on the menu. Rim each glass with pink sugar found in the cake icing section for a festive touch. Pre-mix a large pitcher of your signature drink so you don’t have to play bartender all night. That way, you only have to refill the serving pitcher when necessary.

SOMETHING PINK DRINK BAR WITH COSMOS, SPARKLING ROSE,  AND INDIVIDUAL BOTTLES OF ITALIAN SPARKLING SODA — SOMETHING PINK DRINK BAR WITH COSMOS, SPARKLING ROSE, AND INDIVIDUAL BOTTLES OF ITALIAN SPARKLING SODA

Get my recipe for a classic Cosmopolitan.

DECORATIONS

Put out lots of pillows, throws and comfy blankets so guests can cuddle up on the coach to watch the movie. You don’t have to go to a lot of trouble for decorations, just use the food and drinks to dress up the table. Colorful candies and treats in one color can be used as decorations by displaying them in clear bowls and vases. Lollipop sticks from the craft store make a doughnut or marshmallow sculpture to add height and interest to your table. Grab a bouquet of flowers in your party colors at the grocery and pull it apart to use in assorted vases. For an informal party like this one, use stylish paper plates and napkins to cut down on clean up.

ADDING LOTS OF HEIGHT AND DIFFERENT TEXTURES MAKES ANY BUFFET LOOK BETTER

USING CRAFT STICKS FOR SKEWERS GIVES VISUAL INTEREST AND HELPS GUESTS TAKE ONE EASILY...

I ALWAYS USE MY FOOD AS DECORATIONS WITH A SIMPLE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT LIKE THESE HOT PINK GERBERA DAISIES TO PULL IT TOGETHER — I ALWAYS USE MY FOOD AS DECORATIONS WITH A SIMPLE FLOWER ARRANGEMENT LIKE THESE HOT PINK GERBERA DAISIES TO PULL IT TOGETHER

MAKE ANY STORE BOUGHT BOUQUET LOOK EXPENSIVE BY PULLING IT APART AND PUTTING IT IN SOMETHING UNEXPECTED LIKE THIS CANDLE HOLDER

ENTERTAINMENT

In addition to watching your favorite movies, you can easily make and watch your own! Use pictures of your past good times and make your own movie using an app or software. With iMovie, you can even do this on your iPhone or iPad. Add your favorite tunes from back in the day as a soundtrack.