Party checklist
Sleepover party checklist for the host
Say how many friends are staying and whether they bring their own sleeping bags. The list counts beds, pillows, dinner and breakfast for everyone under your roof and dates the few things to arrange ahead.
Two weeks ahead: invite and agree the rules
Sleeping space
Dinner and snacks
Things to do
On the night
Breakfast and pick-up
Tips for hosting a sleepover
- Fewer guests means more sleep. The list scales to ten friends, but every extra child pushes lights out later.
- Set the pick-up time earlier than feels polite. Mid-morning is kind to tired children and to you.
- Feed them properly at dinner. Children who fill up on sweets alone at eight o'clock are awake and hungry at midnight.
- If a child wants to go home, call the parent without fuss. It is common on a first sleepover and nothing went wrong.
- The food and bedding counts are estimates from the number of friends staying; siblings who join for dinner need adding by hand.
Questions
How many children is a good number for a sleepover?
There is no rule. Smaller groups settle faster. Enter your number and check that the mattress count fits the room before you send invitations.
What should guests bring to a sleepover?
With the bring-your-own setting the list words a message for parents: sleeping bag, pillow, pyjamas, toothbrush and a soft toy if wanted. Switch to host bedding and the message shortens while duvets and pillows are added to your own list.
Why is there one more of everything than the number of friends?
Because your own child is at the party too. Beds, cups and treats are counted as the friends staying plus one.
What time should lights out be?
That is your call and depends on age. The list only asks you to agree it beforehand and to announce it twice on the night.