Sleepovers are a terrific way for kids to spend quality time with their friends while also helping them improve friendships and create memories, which is why we celebrate National Sleepover Day (May 9th)! So, if your kiddos are finally around the age to invite some friends over to stay the night, you'll need to get everything ready.
Sleepovers are an excellent way for your kids and their friends to unplug and get away from their day-to-day school life. But before you invite everyone over, you need to have your preparations well in hand, and that's where we come in. From activities to sleeping arrangements, your home will be the number-one sleepover destination house!
Fun, Fun, Fun!
Any sleepover worth its salt has super fun activities all the kids love. Whether that means cupcake decorating, making paper planes, experimenting with blacklight bubbles, or the classic braiding of each other's hair — there are loads you can do!
But before you decide, you'll need to create an activity section in your living room, using either a desk or grouping your living room tables together. If the tables are low, add some floor pillows for everyone to sit comfortably, and if the tables are a little taller, consider using poufs or ottomans.
Decorations Make it A Party
One way to make any sleepover special is by adding decorations to the designated sleeping area. Go for a fun, easy theme with bright colors to brighten up the space. You can even color coordinate with the bedding for all the guest beds to add some pizazz.
The kids will love all the colors and feel like they're in a completely different space, rather than just their friend's house.
Grab the Popcorn — It's Time for A Movie Marathon!
Movie marathons are a tried-and-true sleepover tradition, but before you pop in a DVD or queue up the streaming service, you need to arrange your entertainment zone. First, you'll want to move your sofa, loveseat, chairs, or sectional so that each seat has a good TV angle.
Then, to create that relaxing-in-your-pyjamas vibe, add some nice blankets and pillows. Make sure the remotes are in easy access and move the coffee table out of the way if someone wants to lounge on the floor instead! And if glare on the TV might be a problem, add a lamp or two to bring soft lighting that doesn't interrupt the TV but still lets everyone see where they're going!
Pillow Crazy
If you're one of those who think you can't have enough throw pillows in your home, you're in luck — bring all those pillows to the sleepover! There's no denying the cozy feel of a soft and plush pillow and how it immediately makes you relax, which is essential for sleepovers.
So don't be afraid to go overboard with pillows. The kids will use them for forts, pillow fights, and creative lounge ideas. And when it comes time for bed, they can pick their favorite ones to sleep on!
Time for Bed
Naturally, there will be actual sleeping done after the kids tire themselves out with all the activities. So, you'll need to make sure you have enough beds for everyone. Sure, you can always use sleeping bags or ask them to bring their own, but a bed makes all the difference.
You can get multiple rollaway or trundle beds that are easy to store when not in use or get a sofa with a pull-out mattress to have multiple kids in one spot. And if you have a large sectional, you can set up sleep zones for everyone. But if your kids are set on the sleeping bag idea, try setting up individual tents for each kid — you can't go wrong with a bit of glamping!
Pro Tip: If you have a guest room, set up the space with bunk beds, air mattresses, sofa beds, or convertible bean bag chairs. They'll love the feeling of having a space of their own!
Always Be Ready for Overnight Guests
Sleepovers aren't just for kids; adults have them, too! Whether you have a friend crashing with you for a while, or you constantly have family members visiting you, you need places for them to sleep. But if you don't have the space to set up an elaborate guest room, look for sofa sleepers, sectionals with pull-out mattresses, or a foldable futon bed at Radtke Appliance & Mattress!
If you have any questions about which is the right choice for you, give us a call or stop by! We'll always point you in the right direction!