How to Host a Cozy Pajama Party as an Adult
When you look back at your childhood, there’s no doubt some of your fondest memories with friends happened at a pajama party or sleepover. Watching PG-13 movies, doing each other’s makeup - not well, of course - and staying up entirely too late. It might feel like these memories are contained in the past, but there’s no age limit on pajama parties. The night may look a little different, but you can still channel the same fun, cozy vibe from when you were young.
Hosting a pajama party for adults requires a bit more planning than when we were kids, mostly because our parents aren’t around to do it for us. But don’t let that scare you. With the right setup, fun activities, and your cutest pajamas, you can host a pajama party that meets all the needs of your grown-up friends, but makes you feel 30 going on 13. Call up your girlfriends, get your pajamas ready, and learn how to host the perfect pajama party.
✦ Shop Pajama Party Essentials ✦
Start the Night Off Right
The first major task of hosting any pajama party is starting with the right vibe. You want a space that invites warmth, fun, and late-night conversations. The main thing to avoid is bright overhead lighting resembling daylight. After all, the best conversations happen after sundown.
Dim your house lights.
Bring in cozy lighting with warm-toned lamps.
Light a few scented candles.
Incorporating dimmable, warm-toned lamps is the simplest way to start your pajama party off on the right foot. Place a Planet Orange Lamp on your end table, set up your favorite playlist, and set the stage for your friends to arrive.
When you have friends over for a pajama party, the last thing you need is to run out of snacks and have to run to the store with your face mask still on. To avoid this, have plenty of snacks ready for whatever activities you have planned. Whether it’s popcorn for a movie or a sweet and savory charcuterie, the goal is to start with more than you think you need.
To keep everything tidy and create an elevated look for your grown-up pajama party, take your snacks from their original packaging and place them in a nicer container. Serve candies from a Large Glass Container or popcorn in a Ceramic Bowl. It may seem silly, but these small details will elevate your pajama party with minimal effort.
Setting up your pajama party ✦
Dressing the Part
As you may have guessed, the most important part of any pajama party is the pajamas. The aim of any pajama party is to feel cozy, whimsical, and personal. There are a few different ways to approach pajama sets for an adult pajama party:
Match the whole group with the same pajama set.
Wear similar styles in different colors, or vice versa.
Go crazy! Everyone wears their favorite set, no rules apply.
Whichever approach you choose can start to determine the vibe of your pajama party. For the best pictures, the first two options are ideal. If you ask me, though, the last option makes for the most fun!
Another important decision to make with pajamas is all about temperature. If your home tends to run cool, opt for a long-sleeve and pant set. A great option for this is the Reese Long Sleeve Striped Pajama Set. The best part of this set is that it comes in four different colors, perfect for groups who want to mix and match.
For a home that runs warmer, go for a tank and shorts set, or even a nightgown. While you can wear any t-shirt and pair of shorts you find comfortable, it always feels better to wear a cute set for a pajama party. Go for a Vintage Inspired Plaid Tank Shorts Pajama Set for an option that’s cute, colorful, and still super comfortable.
Mix and match pajamas with your besties✦
Creating a Cozy Space
Blankets and pillows are a pajama party essential for pretty much every stage of your night. Whether you’re watching a movie, doing face masks, or just hanging out of the couch chatting, a cozy blanket and soft pillow are the easiest items to ground the night and make everyone feel more at home.
Keep lightweight throws by the couch.
Use warmer blankets for later in the evening.
Lay pillows around the room and floor for casual yet cushioned lounging.
Stocking up on pillows and blankets isn’t just helpful for creating a comfortable pajama party setup. The best part of this addition is that your home is already prepared for your besties to stay the night if your fun goes later than you expect it to.
Blankets can take many forms, so it’s best to have some variety depending on the temperature of the house and how active your pajama party will be. Aside from some light throws and an extra duvet or two, it’s wise to keep a large blanket near the couch to make it easier for everyone to share. The Textured Ruffle Cotton Blanket comes in an 80x90 inch option, making it a great pick for a full house.
As for pillows, these will be doing some heavy lifting. Pillows will naturally create a more laid back, cozy aesthetic for your pajama party. We’re not kids anymore, though, so you’ll need to keep a few firm ones around for back support. The French Minimalist Ruffle Pillow comes in square and rectangular sizes, making it a great accent as well as a solid choice for lumbar support.
Perfect your pajama party setup✦
Plan the Activities, Not the Fun
The best part of hosting a pajama party as a grown up is having full control of the itinerary - no grown ups around to end the night early. The key in hosting a pajama party that people want to spend all night at is to have plenty of activities available, but let the night take its course naturally.
Have DVDs ready by the TV set for nostalgic fun.
Do face masks in the kitchen while preparing dinner.
When in doubt, pillow-fight it out.
Create magic and childhood fun in every moment of your pajama party by calling back to nostalgic activities. Go old-school analog with a few board games, or take the new-school approach and spend the night playing Mario Kart.
Wherever the night takes you, have options ready. For a simple girls night activity, get together face masks, hair tools, and anything else you need for a spa day or makeover. Keep a set of simple Striped Cotton Towels on hand for easy clean up that feels elevated, adding a grown-up touch to your pajama party.
If you aren’t worried about neighbors, karaoke and dance battles are a fool-proof way to help all your friends loosen up and have a great time. Anything can be an activity, even dessert! Have an ice cream buffet, candy taste test, or a coffee bar to keep the pajama party going all night.
Be ready for anything ✦
What Happens at the Pajama Party...
Fun shouldn’t have an age limit, so make the most of each evening with your friends. Hosting a pajama party is one of the easiest ways to get all your friends together in a cozy and warm environment where everyone can truly lay back and relax. With the right lighting, good food, and a comfortable setup, you can create a space ideal for a pajama party.
Bring in comfy matching pajamas and games that take you back to your childhood, and you’re all set for an amazing night that your friends will be dying to recreate. If you’re still in need of activities to fill your pajama party schedule, check out Spring Sleepover: How to Host the Perfect Slumber Party for plenty of ideas to add to your itinerary.
Summary:
Channel the whimsy and joy of childhood by hosting a pajama party with all your friends with snacks, activities, and movies.
Start with the right setup. Warm, soft lighting, lots of snacks, and extra bedding will make for a solid start to your pajama party.
Set up matching pajamas, mix and match with similar styles and colors, or let loose and have everyone wear their favorite set to your pajama party.
Stay prepared for activities, but let the night flow! Fill your pajama party with face masks, movies, karaoke, and leave room for the unexpected.
Looking for another Read?
FAQ:
How should I decorate for my pajama party?
Keep decorations for your pajama party fun, casual, and girly. Throw lots of pillows around the room, fold cute blankets over the couch, and add fun touches like ribbons or fairy lights.
What kind of food and drinks should I serve at my pajama party?
The best way to serve food and drinks is by elevating easy comfort foods. Make mini pizzas, serve snacks in cute containers, or have a hot cocoa station.
Do I need a theme for my pajama party?
You don't need a theme for a pajama party, but there are cute ways to incorporate one for more pizzazz! Pajama party themes can be seasonal, color schemes, or inspired by movies - think Princess Diaries or 13 Going On 30.
Anything We Missed?
Thanks for reading till the end — we hope it brought a little calm and inspiration to your day.
Discover more: Inspiration Blog · New Arrivals ·
Stay tuned for our next story, or share this one to spread the calm.
♡ Share your makeover moments with #EverLastingMakeover and tag @EverLastingFabric
Connect with us:
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Pinterest | YouTube
