Instead of spending a small fortune at the spa, treat yourself and your friends to a day of pampering by hosting an at-home spa day.
Set the stage
About a month before the big day, send out invitations to your guests outlining the premise for the event. Ask them to come in casual clothes and to bring a comfortable robe, slippers (we suggest soft terry-cloth thongs if you’re planning on doing do-it-yourself mani/pedis as part of your spa day) and a towel.
Prepare a signature cocktail
Upon arrival, let your guests cool themselves down with a yummy concoction. We love the refreshing combination of vodka, watermelon juice, a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of honey and a few sprigs of mint. Or mix vodka with club soda and a few thin slices of cucumber. For a sober spa day, simply omit the spirits and serve these recipes as “spa water.”
Stock up
Before your guests arrive, stock your fridge and pantry with all-natural ingredients you and your guests can use to whip up custom face masks.
For example, dry skin will soak up a nourishing avocado-orange mask made with 3 tablespoons of mashed avocado, 1 tablespoon honey and about 1.5 ounces of orange juice. Combine ingredients, spread the mixture on your face and let it set for 30 minutes. Then wash it off with a clean, warm cloth.
For those with oily skin or blackheads, mash together 1 banana, 1 tablespoon of honey and the juice from 1/4 lemon. Spread the mixture on your face and let it set for 15 minutes before washing it off with a warm, clean cloth.
More homemade beauty recipes >>
Mani/pedi time
Set out a supply of nail clippers, files, nail polish remover, cotton balls and fabulous trendy polish colors so you and your ladies can paint your own (or one another’s) nails while you wait for your face masks to work their magic. Make sure you have plenty of all the above handy so guests aren’t waiting their turn.
DIY pedicure tips >>
Serve a spa salad
After a little DIY pampering, treat yourselves to a healthy yet indulgent salad. We love easy, quick and healthy combinations like strawberries, almonds and grilled chicken breast over spinach leaves drizzled with poppy seed dressing; cherry tomato, cucumber, Kalamata olives and feta over romaine with Greek dressing; or roasted beets, tomatoes and onions and pear slices and walnuts over arugula with balsamic dressing.
After dinner, set out fancy bowls filled with luscious chocolates like the new Lindt LINDOR caramel truffles. It’s OK to indulge — a little — even on a spa day!
Need more salad recipe inspiration? Try this kale salad with Meyer lemon vinaigrette >>
Send them off with body scrub
Before the party, prepare a large batch of DIY body scrub. Then divide the scrub into small glass containers with airtight lids, tie them with fancy ribbons and label them for each of your DIY spa day guests to take home after the party.
For a simple and elegant body scrub, combine 1 cup of kosher salt, 1/2 cup of almond oil, lemon zest and 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves stripped from the stems. You may need to make extra batches, depending on the number of guests.
More at-home pampering tips
How to create a DIY spa experience at home
DIY beauty recipes we love
3 DIY treatments from around the world
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