Mac's Holiday Pajama Party

Back in November, I got this harebrained idea to host a holiday-themed playdate at our house for some friends and their kiddos.  It started out as attempt to see a few friends that I hadn't seen in a while, but quickly turned into a way to get ALL my friends with little kids together, which turns out, is a LOT of kids.  I thought maybe with everyone being so busy with holiday stuff we wouldn't get a good turnout, but much to my surprise (and excitement), nearly everyone we invited was able to make it.  

Of course, the play date had a theme - holiday pajamas.  All the kids came dressed in their favorite holiday jammies and the moms were encouraged to wear yoga pants or anything comfortable.  I have to admit, it was pretty awesome not even having to get dressed to host an event at your house.  We snacked on donuts, pastries, gingerbread and decorated sugar cookies from one of my favorite local bakeries, Clayton's Bakery.  There was chocolate milk for the kids and mimosas and coffee for the moms.  All the kids brought one holiday book to exchange with another child.  We had crafts downstairs and a photo booth upstairs where to kids could get their photo taken in their jammies.  

In the basement (playroom) we had craft tables set up for the kids to make ornaments.  A little paper Christmas tree with stickers and a paper plate reindeer with hand antlers.  The kids loved the stickers, but even more, they loved the playroom and all the toys!  I'm so glad the playroom was such a big hit.  I've put a lot of work into that room over the last few months, so I'm glad it's getting good use (blog post coming soon on the playroom). 

Upstairs, I set up a little photo booth in one of our guest bedrooms.  I just threw some Christmas lights on a bed with white linens and added some fun holiday props (Santa hat, reindeer antlers, stuffed Santa and reindeer, elf hat, etc.). Becca of Rebecca Fox Photography was kind enough to hang out upstairs with the kids and get some really great shots of the littles.  I just love these photos.  Unfortunately, we didn't get a shot of every kid (we had a few that refused to cooperate).  Mac wasn't real thrilled with the idea of photos, but Becca managed to get a couple of the two of us (which is all I really wanted).  I think we probably should have done photos first, before they saw all the toys and cookies downstairs!  Lesson learned.  Friends - if I have photos of your kid(s), I'll email them to you as soon as I can (probably next week).  

I think it was a pretty great party.  I know Mac and I both had a blast (and took a major nap together afterwards).  I can't wait to do it again next year...or maybe for Valentine's Day, if I can't wait that long!  

Anyone else out there crazy enough to host a playdate with 30 kids?