Sleepover parties have always been a favourite, whether it's pitching a tent in the backyard, camping out on the lounge room floor or sleeping 10 girls in a one bedroom. No matter how it is done, slumber parties provide an intimate and relaxed type of gathering. It is the only party where PJ's and pillows are essential, late night giggles can be shared and midnight munchies are acceptable.

If planning a slumber party for little ones, provide options for parents to pick them up before bedtime as a sleepover may be quite overwhelming at this age. You could make it a pajama party instead of a slumber. If planning your party for tweenies or teens, make sure the party is chaperoned and use drink and food service as an opportunity to "check in" on the party. Ideally slumber parties should start after dinner and finish before lunch the following day, however, you could invite guests for a relaxed dinner if you prefer.

Clever Costuming
Guests could arrive in their pj's and slippers or wear ordinary clothes and change later. Think about providing your guests with eye masks, playful slippers and robes to dress up in.

Menu Munchies! or Delectable Delights
Forget about a healthy menu, slumber parties call for fizzy drinks, pizza and all sorts of junk food! Have a stack of chips, lollies and chocolates easily accessible for that late night binge. Let's not forget provisions for breakfast - a variety of cereal, bacon, eggs and fresh orange juice will provide enough substance for the morning after.

Gratifying Games
Use your sleeping bags to run sleeping bag races, or put your own spin on the party-favourite musical chairs and instead play musical sleeping bags. If your guests enjoy a bit of pampering , provide them with nail polish so they can perform pedicures and manicures on each other. For a bit of fun, blindfolded manicures can also be given. Older girls may decide to play particular games such as truth or dare, read girlie magazines or spend the evening gossiping, in this case no real preparation is needed. Have a stack of DVD's and board games ready in case boredom sets in.

Fancy a Favour?
Why not try collecting some great photos from the night and making guests a personalised thank you card with some pics from the party? Another alternative could be a goodie bag filled with cheap nail polish, lip gloss, face masks, hairclips and bracelets.

Party Pointers
Make sure all your guests are greeted when they arrive. Show them where to place their belongings, the location of the bathroom and reassure guests they can contact their parents at any time. Inform parents of the agreed pick up time for the following day and obtain any necessary dietary and medical information from them.