Updated on: Sep 01, 2024
Let's say your makeup-loving kid has a birthday coming up. Or, perhaps you’ve been working long hours at the office (and are long overdue for a relaxing girls' night). Well, we have the solution for you: a pampering party! Invite your friends over for some salon-inspired fun with these 28 fun pampering party ideas! We'll be sure that you find all that you need, all while staying within your budget.
Pampering Party COVID-19 Style
How does one maintain social distancing for a pampering party? Though it may seem impossible, we promise you it isn’t. Here are our suggestions for adapting your pampering party so it’s safe for everyone:
1. Host it outside.
The goal of a party is to bring people closer together. In order to follow COVID-19 restrictions, host the party outside in the open air. Guests are less likely to be affected when gathering in outdoor areas. Consider holding a picnic for your invitees. Bring out some iced tea and a portable speaker to start the fun.
2. Wear masks whenever possible.
While some masks can help your skin glow, the other type of face mask can stop the spread of germs. Requiring guests to wear COVID-19 face masks can protect everyone involved. Not sure if you'll be able to enforce masks throughout the whole party? Consider creating spaces that are designated for mask-off conversations (for example, the make-up station). When guests would like to grab a bite, have tables spread out so that they can eat safely. This could be a challenge, so we suggest staying farther away from your friends while you’re doing certain activities.
3. Provide individual items and snacks.
Providing individual items and snacks prevents others from putting their hands on anyone else’s food or party favors.
4. Stay 6 feet apart.
You know the drill. Staying six feet apart is easier when you’re in a larger space, like a backyard. If everyone has their own chairs or blankets, this becomes a lot easier and feels more natural or comfortable.
Alright, now that that's out of the way, let’s get on with some suggestions for an unforgettable spa party experience!
Pampering Party Activities
5. Face Masks
No, not the kind that protects you from coronavirus (though those masks are definitely a good idea). Let your guests relax by providing them with their own moisturizing face masks! They’re often available as individual packages in department stores. Ask your guests to bring chairs from home, or provide each guest with their own individual chair for their own relaxation needs.
6. Massages
Hire a masseuse for an especially relaxing experience. Consider asking the masseuse to wear a mask and gloves when treating multiple party guests. Designate a space in your house as the “massage room,” and ask the masseuse to change the blankets or sheets after each guest to avoid shared surfaces. Your guests will definitely thank you later. If you would prefer not to hire a masseuse, consider purchasing an electric massage gun.
7. Hairdressing
Get your hair done! Enlist the help of your hair-savvy friends, or hire someone professional to give your guests some awesome hairdos. If both the hairdresser and your guests wear masks, then everyone can stay safe while getting dolled up. Bring along the hairspray and let the party begin!
8. Pajama Jam
Make it a pajama party! Notify guests to bring their pajamas to stay comfy with all the pampering. Purchase a package of fuzzy socks for your party guests' luxury.
9. Makeovers
Purchase your guests little eyeshadow duos, brushes, and mirrors as party favors. Give guests a chance to use their new palettes to give themselves a new look! If your guests are too young to apply the makeup themselves, then you can hire someone to do it, or have a makeup-savvy friend help you. Remember: It's important not to share brushes or shadows, so use disposable brushes and sponges for safety.
10. Manicures and Pedicures
Enlist the help of your artsy friend and give your guests beautiful, salon-style nails. Provide bowls of warm water for soaking hands and feet, hot towels, and individual lotions to make your hands and feet soft and clean. Make sure to provide lots of snazzy color options, especially those that match the party’s color scheme. Leave everyone feeling their best with some hand lotion and foot balm.
11. Fashion Show
Makeup? Check. Hair? Pajamas? Check. Now it's time to walk the runway with everyone all dolled up. Find a space in the room that is long enough for a catwalk. Set chairs up on each side of the "red carpet" and let the modeling begin!
12. Yoga
Need an activity to get everyone up and moving? Yoga is fantastic for strengthening the mind, body and soul. Set up the yoga mats, take a look at Youtube for some yoga inspiration, and let the fun begin. Just don’t forget to wear clothes that you feel comfortable in!
13. Movie Night
Kicking back and treating yourself to your favorite movie is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a night in. Add your friends into the fun with extra blankets, pillows, and popcorn. Add in some LED lighting for maximum theater vibes.
Pampering Party Food Ideas
14. Guacamole "Face Mask"
Arrange your guacamole dip in the shape of a face—it looks like an avocado face mask! Add cucumbers to the eyes to complete the look. Give each guest their own individual chip bowls to dip in the guac and make sure there’s no double-dipping.
15. Themed Candy
Got a color scheme? Buy candy that matches it! Candies like taffy and hard candies come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’ll never be low on options. When in doubt, M&Ms come in many different colors, and you can often pick and choose online or in a candy store. Stick candy in little plastic bowls or glasses for guests to take home.
16. Smoothies
Nothing makes people feel more fresh and healthy than a smoothie! They’re the perfect addition to any spa-themed party - and they’re easy to make, too. Providing a mixture of juicy fruits is the sweetest way to pamper. Just be sure to prepare each guest’s drink using gloves for safe consumption - and don't forget the blender!
17. Mousse Cups
There’s something so delightful about little tiny plastic spoons in little tiny plastic cups full of pudding or mousse. Depending on the flavor of pudding or mousse, you can get this snack to match your color scheme as well. Your guests will appreciate the individually-prepared dessert option that is both classy and sassy.
18. Sparkling Cider
The family-friendly champagne alternative. You can’t go wrong with Martinelli's.
Pampering Party Decorations
19. Lighting
Always the most important part of a party’s decoration, as it can completely shift the mood of a gathering from tense to relaxed. Aim for warm and whimsical lighting to complement the pampering vibe you’ve created. Some ideas include string lights, fairy lights in a mason jar, outdoor lanterns, and warm-light outdoor lamps.
20. Tissue Paper Puff Flower Balls
Cue the crafts! Grab some tissue paper and create tissue paper puff flower balls. They’re great for hanging on a patio, awning, or indoors. Super cute, super simple.
21. Tablecloths and Centerpieces
The table is where guests will spend the majority of their time, so it has to look great! Themed flowers, streamers, and mason jars are your best friend for centerpiece ideas. Pick a tablecloth to match, and you’re all set.
Pampering Party Favors
22. Makeup
As we suggested before, small eyeshadow duos and an accompanying brush can be both a favor and an accessory during the party! It will be exciting for guests to receive something they can use both during the festivities and for months to come. Provide guests with a makeup bag to take their goodies home with them. Once you receive the RSVPs, you could even get them personalized for each guest for a personal touch.
23. Sleep Masks
Give sleep mask party favors for guests to relax at home. They even come in a variety of colors!
24. Body Spray
Travel-sized body sprays are available for a good price at most bath and body stores. Various versions of these scents are often available at your local drugstore. Young party guests may love a new scent to take home and wear to school.
25. Small Handheld Mirrors
Who can put on makeup without them? Small handheld mirrors are an essential part of any makeover experience.
26. Nail Supplies
Small, cute, and inexpensive! Nail kits are a great addition to your guests’ take-home makeup bags.
27. Scrunchies!
These fun, colorful hair ties have made a comeback in recent years (as they should!), and they are a fun addition to any party pack. Think of them as the cute little bow that perfectly completes the gift.
28. Bath Favors
Nothing is more calming than a relaxing bath. But, what good is a bath without bath-time essentials? Consider sending your guests home with bath-time party favors, including scented soaps, bath salts, and bath bombs to enhance their bath time relaxation.
29. Scented Candles
Smell is one of the most powerful senses. Relaxing scents have a positive impact on mental and emotional health. Consider giving out personal scented candles for each of your guests! Scents, such as “jasmine” and “lavender” are likely to have a relaxing effect.
Pampering Party: Conclusion
Few things bring good friends together like a pampering night. With COVID-19 making things more difficult, we at Easy Event Planning offer some ideas for keeping your guests healthier while still enjoying the fun and relaxation that can come with a pampering party. We'll help you get your glam on!
Written by Jillian Smith and Mackenzie Hogan; Contributors: Amy Chiang and Mackenzie Hogan