One thing I love about my friends in Columbia is that we don’t let life get in the way of having a good time… even if that means we have to plan well in advance of all our busy schedules. We came up with the idea to have a girls’ weekend with our babies at my house in Charleston, but for us to all get on the same page it took us scheduling a weekend like six months in advance!! But I didn’t complain because it gave me plenty of time to prepare to host everyone for a smooth weekend!!
I joked all weekend that it felt like when sitcoms in the 00s would do a “cross-over episode” where characters from one show would meet up with the character of another on their set! Since so often it feels like I live two lives between Charleston and Columbia, it felt sooo good to have those worlds come together!!
Many think a girls’ trip after having children is impossible, but we refuse for that to be the case– even if that means packing them up and bringing them with us! And since two of my friends had babies under one, it was just easier for them to bring them. Which just meant I had the extra just task of finding ways to incorporate them into the weekend. And I never turn away from a challenge!
But everyone kept asking “how did ya’ll survive it?!” so I figured it may be helpful to share a few tips that got us through the weekend!!
A Hostess’ Guide to Surviving a Full House (…with kids, too)!
Start with a small welcome party
When everyone arrived, there were snacks (and wine) waiting for them on my front porch. Even though Charleston is only a two-hour drive from Columbia, I knew most of them would be coming in around rush-hour and would be restless after the ride. I also knew the kids would be ready to munch! So I ensured guests had one less thing to think about before they arrived and let them know there would be something there waiting for them!
My hosting collection down there is made up of pieces from Juliska and MacKenzie-Childs’ and they both work in sooo many different settings! I truly believe a thoughtful tablescape sets the tone for any event, even something as simple as a porch party at the start of a girls’ weekend
Keep a signature scent burning (out of reach)
With that many people (but especially with that many kids) there are bound to be foreign smells throughout the weekend. So to keep things feeling fresh and cozy, I keep a candle lit in high-traffic spots (like the entry way). Just ensure it’s out of reach of children and (hopefully) out of the path of flying toys. The brand I find myself using the most in this area is by Charleston Candle Co. That weekend I burned this scent!!
Plan “little adventures” for the kids
I made sure to have a few ideas for lowkey outdoor adventures that gave the kids excuses to move around outdoors while also giving them a mission. This gave the ladies more time to sip, chat, and enjoy the feeling of watching our kids become friends just like us. The simpler the better: a short walk to “discover something”, a game where they search for colors or shapes, or even a good ole’ fashion game of tag. Anything! I’ve just found that fresh air and a space to roam keeps everyone happy!
Create cozy indoor spaces
This isn’t the first time I’ve shared my love for Chappywrap blankets, but this weekend was a reminder of why I love them sooo much. The kids used them to build forts, eat snacks on the couch, and were even used for naps! Us adults snuggled with them all weekend too. Late night chats and early morning coffee on the porch was made cozier with these blankets. I’d never been soo happy to own a stack of them!! Though a little pricey, I promise they’re worth the investment!!
Prioritize GNO
We booked sitters ahead of time, three in total for all the kids, because we knew we wanted to make time for us to be friends– not just moms. Especially because not everyone that stayed that weekend was one! Another smart decision we made was to rally for a night out on night one!! Night one is when everyone has the most energy of any trip, so we made the most of the night. By night two we were a little worn out and happy that we had planned for a night in! But that night out reminded us that carving out time for our friendship is just as important as carving out special time for the little ones.
Keep cleaning easy and practical
With so many kids under one roof, spills were inevitable. So I made sure to keep organic cleaning products like Koalo Eco’s Kitchen Cleaner nearby for quick cleanups. Having a plan for small messes made it easier to enjoy the weekend without worrying about everything staying perfectly tidy. It’s all about balancing fun with a little practical preparation!
Make outings enjoyable for everyone
When we went out for a little shopping and exploring around Charleston, I thought ahead about the kids’ needs. I made an effort to come up with places along our journey that would be kid-friendly in the midst of adult fun. For example: we stopped into Short Court Sports for the kiddos to “play pickleball’ while everyone else shopped at the other stores. A stop at “the Pineapple” for them to run around and play while throughout a shopping day is ideal too!! This small planning made excursions smoother, and everyone—big and small—felt included and happy.
Set the vibe with music
We used this Bose portable speaker that has a very long battery life on hand that we moved from room to room. Not only does it set the mood while vibing around the house or even outdoors… it acted as a noise suppressant when the kids were asleep upstairs and we were downstairs playing games and drinking wine!!!
By the end of the weekend, we realized: a girls’ trip after motherhood is absolutely possible. With a little planning, some thoughtful touches, and a lot of flexibility, you can create a space where both moms and kids feel cared for, entertained, and relaxed. It reminded me that the true magic of these weekends isn’t just being together—it’s the laughter, connection, and memories you make together, even with little ones in tow.
