DENVER — Back in the day, sleeping bags, movies and popcorn were all you needed to throw a good sleepover. But today's parents are turning to places like Instagram and Pinterest for slumber party ideas.
That's what Candice Ferguson did when she was planning a party for her 5-year-old daughter.
"I kept coming across these little tents and I loved it. It was such a fun thing," she said.
It gave her the idea to start her own slumber party company.
Now she and her friend Joy Evans run Starshine Slumber Parties out of Ferguson's Highlands Ranch home. They come to your house, set up the tents, mattresses, blankets, pillows and stuffed animals, creating a one-night wonderland in your living room.
"They have the party, we come back the next day and clean it all up, so really, our goal is to make it as easy as possible for the parents," Ferguson said.
Starshine isn't the only company in the Denver metro area offering themed tent parties. Milky Moon Sleepovers and Sprinkle+Dot launched around the same time as Starshine, capitalizing on a growing trend to create Pinterest-worthy parties. Starshine charges $300 for a five-tent setup. That's similar to the other companies, although all three offer different packages.
Evans said the price is worth it for the convenience, as well as the reaction you get from the kids.
"It's that big party that all the kids talk about and your kid will remember forever," she said.
Ferguson said it's perfect for parents who don't have the time, or perhaps the inclination, to create their own elaborate slumber party.
"You have sports and school and volunteering and maybe you don’t have the time to be woodworking in your garage or sewing a tent cover, so we’re really there for those parents," she said.
Evans and Ferguson said they hope to continue growing the business to add additional themes and extras for the parties. And the No. 1 question they get is whether or not adults can book a party.
"We definitely have had requests for bachelorette parties, or bridal showers, and we’re going to get there someday," Ferguson said.