Save Your Tupperware, Susan! (The Real Parties Moms Want)

I love a good party. The recipe for a successful party includes any combination of: an excuse to dress up, having a fun theme, eating something delicious, plenty of girl talk, possible pampering, and/or BEING KID-FREE. Mom life is stressful; give me more parties.

Notice how I did not mention online parties? While I respect the multi-level marketing (MLM) hustle, and have many friends who do it, it’s just not my jam. I’ve been to a few MLM parties (online and in person) to support my friends, but the vibe isn’t the same. Sometimes, I just want a party where the goal isn’t about making a sale, but enjoying a break–no strings attached.

I get that there are super-soft leggings, lash-extending products, innovative children’s books, all-natural cleaning products, instant manicures, workout coaches, and kiss-proof lip stains. While all those things sound great, party possibilities are so much more than that. Let’s talk about the REAL parties moms want.

Craft Party
Let loose and be creative. You can go to a studio for a take-home project or have your girls over to make something worthy of Pinterest goals. Regardless, the end result is something handmade that would cost twice as much at Hobby Lobby. A kid-free activity that results in more farmhouse chic decor? Sign me up, because I’m basic like that.

LBD Party
Every woman appreciates the classiness of a Little Black Dress. It doesn’t matter if you’re a single girl in her clubbing-days prime or a stay-at-home mom, a LBD is a timeless wardrobe piece. If you don’t already have one in your closet, you need one. It’s the perfect excuse to enjoy a night out on the town and some fun martinis with your mom tribe.

Netflix and Chill Out Party

PJs and a Christmas movie with girlfriends is a fun way to ring in the holidays! Spoiler alert: We watched Bad Moms: Christmas!

Pick a chick flick (you can’t go wrong if Julia Roberts, Kate Hudson, or Rachel McAdams is the leading lady) for everyone to come over and watch in their PJs. Go potluck style with the snacks, having each person bring their favorite treat to share. Don’t forget the tissues because every good chick flick includes some tears.

Bachelor Watch Party
Pop the bubbly and spread a trail of rose petals for the most dramatic season of The Bachelor. (If you’re wondering, every season is the most dramatic season.) Put on a dress for the cocktail party and tune in with your girls. Take a sip of champagne every time someone says the word “vulnerable.” Don’t forget to identify the drama queen and villain. End the night with a Rose Ceremony. Spoiler alert: everyone gets a rose, because you want to keep your friends.

IMG_20190513_221118_286
IMG_20190513_185721
MVIMG_20190513_185717

Beauty Bar Party
Treat yo’ self! Have different stations with face masks (the animal ones are hilarious), nail polish, hand-held back massagers or an actual massage chair if you’re a Real Housewife of Johnson County. Contact your local blowout salon to see if they make house calls. Everyone would chip in to bring those stylists over for a fresh ‘do. Don’t forget the essential oils diffuser and your cucumber water!

Wine nights are starting to grow on me. Sweet friends help!

Wine Tasting Party (The one MLM exception)
The reason this is my MLM exception is because everyone knows wine goes best with cheese. If you know someone who claims to not like cheese, they are lying or crazy. I’m mildly lactose intolerant and that’s never stopped me from setting hand on a charcuterie board. So divvy up the shopping list and have everyone bring their favorite cheese and crackers. The host can provide some meats and fruit. Wooden board presentation optional. Then bring on the wine rep.

If you’re feeling real wild, you can combine party ideas for double the fun. For example, any of the above would make a great Galentine’s Day Party, and you can always have cheese and charcuterie at any get-together. The point is, parties should be about enjoying time with your girls, apart from the mundane, daily schedules. We, as moms, especially need this. Parties don’t have to include selling anything or even celebrating anything. Just tell your besties, let’s get together, yeah, yeah, yeah!

Jollene Hastings
Jollene has been married to her husband of 7 years and has two young boys. She grew up on the coasts (CA and NJ), but moved to the Midwest for college. After graduating from journalism school at Mizzou, she moved to KC and has fully embraced the BBQ, sports, and arts scene the city offers. Her and her husband have a medical supplies company, but she is primarily a SAHM and CEO of staying busy. Being a foodie, she enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants, party planning, and eating all the desserts. Her other interests include: traveling, Pinterest-ing, fashion, volunteering, music arts, bargain shopping, and taking 100 pictures of her boys--daily. She is grateful for family, adventures with her sons, and a loving Lord.