It can be hard to find activities that both tweens and their parents approve of, so why not have your daughter ring in the New Year at home with a few good friends? With friendship bracelets, facials, fortunes, and fondue, this slumber party will be a great kick-off for the new year.
Activities for the slumber party:
As any parent who has had a group of girls spend the night knows, much on the evening’s agenda (talking, giggling and trying to stay up as late as possible) does not need to be organized. But since this is a New Year’s party, you can incorporate some activities into the night to make it extra special. Here are a few ideas:
Facials Even a tween needs a spa day now and then. The girls can make their own scrubs and masks from a variety of ingredients you can find in your pantry. If you’d like to send everyone home with a party favor, make extra scrub to put in small plastic containers that can be found at places like The Container Store. (Keep the favors refrigerated.) Here are two to try:
Milk and Honey Scrub
What You Need:
- ½ cup low-fat milk
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup ground almonds or almond meal
What You Do:
In a bowl, mix all ingredients well. Apply to clean skin and wash thoroughly afterwards. Makes enough scrub for six girls.
Banana Oatmeal Mask
What You Need:
What You Do:
Give each girl one small bowl and a fork. Mash one banana in each bowl, and then mix in ½ cup of oats. Apply to clean skin and wash thoroughly afterwards. Makes enough masks for six girls.
Fortunes New Year resolutions are so 2009. Instead, give each girl a clipboard with paper and pen and ask them to write about all the things they hope will happen in 2010. It can be specifically about that girl or the world at large, realistic or over-the-top, whatever they choose. Then take each paper and seal it in an envelope that says “Do not open until December 31, 2010” and give the girls to hold onto for the year ahead.
Friendship Bracelets A great activity to do while sitting on sleeping bags and chatting. Traditionally, these bracelets are made to give to others as a symbol of friendship. The girls will need embroidery floss, scissors, and a clipboard (or other way to keep the thread from slipping). The most basic of bracelets only requires two strings twisted together with a half hitch knot. The girls will probably already know how to make one, but if not, check out this friendship bracelet activity.
Menu for the slumber party:
Pizza is standard fare at slumber parties, but since this is New Year’s Eve, why not spin this classic into something more elegant and make a pizza fondue. This fondue forgoes the Emmental cheese but is still creamy, rich, and perfect for dipping.
Cheesy Pizza Fondue
What You Need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped fine
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- dippers (see recipe)
By Mindy Wright
Mindy Wright is a cooking instructor and owner of Patacake Parties.
Add your own comment