It’s Christmas time and what is more magical than sleeping by the light of the Christmas Tree. Combine this with a cozy tent and a Christmas movie marathon equals memories that they won’t soon forget. The holiday season seems to fly by so quickly with all the events and family parties that it is nice to slow down. So pick your favorite Christmas movies and get ready to snuggle up. Scroll to see how this cozy Christmas wonderland was brought to life.
DIY TENT SUPPLIES
Four years ago, I actually made these tents as party favors for a camping themed sleepover birthday party. Yes, I am that mom. Needless to say, the tents were a huge hit! We made 10 of these tents and they were actually pretty easy to make. This coming from parents that don’t know their way around a tool box. Check out all the camping party details by clicking on the link for Camping Party Ideas.
Fast forward 4 years and we now have a third son. I actually have been wanting to find a reason to make him a tent too. There is just something about boys and their love of building forts. You boy moms know what I am talking about. I have also seen a local company, Dailey Slumber, post her amazing photos of her tent parties all over social media. These became my inspiration in recreating this. So on to the list of what you need to make your own tent.
- 4 – 1 inch x 2 inch x 6 ft Pine Wood (used for the sides)
- 1 – 1 inch x 2 inch x 8 ft Pine Wood (used for the bottom)
- 1 – 1/2”x 48” inch poplar round dowel rod (used for the top)
- 2 x 5/8” black nylon hole plugs (used as end caps)
- 1 1/2 inch Screws
- 1/2 inch Drill Bit
- 3.5 Yards Fabric of Your Choice (minimum width of 50 inches)
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Cut each of the 4 x 6ft pieces to 60 inches with a straight cut end and a 45 degree angle cut end.
Step 2: Cut the 8ft pine wood into 2 x 48 inches with both ends straight
Step 3: Using the drill bit, drill a hole in the center and 2 Inches below the straight cut side on each of the 4 matching side boards.
Step 4: Line up and feed the dowel rod through all four boards (2 on each side).
Step 5: Pre-drill the screw holes for the bottom sides. Then using the screws, secure the bottoms completing the frame of the tent. See photo.
Step 6: Cut the fabric to 48″ by 130″
Step 7: With 3/4 inch seem, sew all the way around the fabric to secure the edges and keep them from fraying
Step 8: Wrap the fabric around the tent and secure by adding Velcro or with a staple gun. Velcro will make the tent covers easier to switch out.
Step 9: Hot glue the black caps to the ends of the dowel rod to help keep the sides from coming off the ends.
THE SET UP
Complete the ultimate slumber experience with all the extra accessories. First, decide what theme you are celebrating with. Being just a few days away from Christmas, we choose a wintery theme using plaid and colors of red, white, grey, and black. Then decide if you want to use sleeping bags or air mattresses. Here is the list of all the things.
- Air Mattresses – Amazon
- Twin White Flannel Sheet Set – Kohl’s
- Cozy Blankets – Vera Bradley
- Pillows – Hobby Lobby and Marshall’s
- White Toftlund Rugs – IKEA
- White Klipsk Bed Trays – IKEA
- Black Rotera Lanterns – IKEA
- Mugs and Plates – Hobby Lobby
- Galvanized Popcorn Containers – Micheals
- Burlap Banner and Bells – Micheals
- Battery Lights – Amazon
- Light Up Letter Sign – Hobby Lobby
MOVIE SNACKS
Serve up some movie night essentials of popcorn and candy. Besides the popcorn bucket, we laid out some iced sugar cookies, hot chocolate, and gummie candy on each tray. The boys were in heaven!
The boys had such a great time that we let them sleep in the tents for the next night too. Outside of a lack of sleep by us the parents, why not? It truly melted my heart to sneak up on them all snug in their beds while visions of sugars plums danced in their heads. Such a sweet and special moment that I had to capture on video. What was your favorite moment from this holiday season?
Wow, those look so amazing!!
Did you use Twin size air mattresses? Thanks for sharing!!
Yes twin size
Does the list of supplies make 1 tent? These are absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to make some.
Yes one tent thanks
What size air matress? Twin or toddler?
Twin, thanks for asking