Mama needs a day off. Because sometimes you just need a break from momming. And by a break, I mean I want to take my bra off, let my hair down, and enjoy my favorite beverages with my girlfriends. I started hosting pajama parties a few years ago, and it’s been a huge hit. It’s our time to just be ourselves and have fun. We don’t have to worry about having one too many, or driving home, or any responsibilities really. This time with my friends has been healing for my soul.
Fun Fact: Did you know talking with your girlfriends can actually lower your cortisol levels? So, I would think that a pajama party with your friends would simply be an extension of your wellness routine. Am I right?
Listen, I know what you’re thinking. When am I going to host a pajama party? In my spare time between homework, laundry, soccer practice, and grocery store runs? But it honestly doesn’t have to be fancy. Your friends just want to be together. Even your seemingly perfect Martha Stuart friend. I know this because she’s me. I’m her. And guess what? I love eating pizza on the couch and drinking wine out of whatever cup I can find. That stuff isn’t the important part. The important part is the time with your friends. That’s the stuff that makes your heart smile. So don’t wait. Set the date, text your girls, and plan the pajama party.
If you do want to go all out, here are some fun themes I’ve hosted in the past. (Don’t judge me, I already told you I’m the Martha Stuart friend, and I live for this stuff.) If you have questions about hosting a party for your friends, the decor I use, etc., just DM me on Facebook or Instagram @PenneyFarmsPrincess. I’m always happy to share hostess tips and tricks!
Grazing Board Colors
Instead of one person stressing over food, we made it a game — each guest picked a color and brought a grazing board in that shade. The result? A rainbow table of everything from yellow pineapple and cheddar to pink macarons and rosé gummies. It looked amazing, kept things casual, and gave everyone something fun to snack on and laugh about.
Galentine’s Mob Wives
For our Galentine’s Day party, we decided to skip the usual pink-and-red hearts and lean in our inner mob wives. Everyone showed up in their best over-the-top look, dish in hand, and it instantly set the vibe. The outfits made the night hilarious, and the potluck spread kept things easy. It was equal parts costume party and indulgent girls’ night — exactly what Galentine’s should be.
’90s Pajama Party
In classic 1990s style, we ordered pizzas, put on ’90s Billboard hits, grabbed wooden spoons, and sang our hearts out in our PJs. We felt like teenagers again.
Bougie Dinner Party
Schedules were busy, and our usual big crowd couldn’t make it, so we pulled out all the stops for a smaller group with champagne, caviar, filet, and homemade pasta. So fancy.
Classic Crab Boil
This idea was giving hints of summer in the Hamptons. I hired Outerbanks Boil Co. to do all the cooking for me, and it was a showstopper. A fabulous crab boil down the center of the table, and one long dining table beautifully decorated for us all to sit at and enjoy our meal. It was one of my favorites!
“The best kind of friendships are fierce lady friendships where you aggressively believe in each other, defend each other, and think the other deserves the world.”
