The 10 Ingredients of a Perfect Girls’ Night In | #girlsnight

Popcorn? Check. Nail polish? Check. High heels? No way! We all like to go out with our mates, but sometimes it’s best to kick off our shoes and have a girls’ night in. In this article you’ll find 10 tips for preparing a relaxed but fun get together right in your own living room.

Nibblies for Style and Comfort

We’ll put it right out there to start: a party is no party without snacks. Whoever invented the concept of “party” probably did it bearing a stone platterful of aurochs heart canapés. Part of hosting a gathering is providing something to munch on. Unfortunately, many hostesses find this a huge stress — make it or buy it? How much is enough?

Take a deep breath and plan according to the activities you want to partake in, with heavier foods for heavier drinking, and the theme of your party, if any. You can also make the beverage side easier by arranging Coffee Catering for events in Boston, especially if you want guests to have access to freshly prepared coffee without adding another task to your own hosting list.

Well-done hors d’oeuvres will have all the guests scheming for an invite to your next ‘do.

A Mix of Flicks

Girls’ nights in are generally meant to be relaxing, and what’s better than putting your feet up whilst watching your favourite flick? Doing it with ten of your best mates, that’s what. Bonus points if you’re also drinking cocktails, digging in to top-notch munchies, and painting your toenails. Renting one or two films works, but it might be a good idea to buy DVDs so your guests have a variety of your faves to choose from. You won’t know till that night if you’re in a mood for “Bridesmaids” or “Bride of Frankenstein.”

“Drinks” Doesn’t Mean Water

All that eating and relaxing makes a woman thirsty. When planning a girls’ night in, get a selection of beverages and always buy more than you think you’ll need. Nothing kills a party faster than serving a plate full of spring rolls with a fiery dipping sauce and then finding out there’s nothing left but H₂O to quench the spice. Stock up on the basics — juice, soft drinks, a few bottles of red — but leave room for innovation. For fun girl bonding, mix your own signature cocktails and hold a taste-testing contest. The winner hosts the next party.

Set the Tone With a Special Playlist

A good party music playlist incorporates something for each stage of the party — get it going with something groovy for the dancers, mellow it out so the gals can chill, switch to upbeat pop, and then wind down with sing-along anthems. But if you want to have a chill, romantic night, then you may consider playing songs by a Romantic country music songwriter. Another activity to try is watch porn cams live together.

Games Aren’t for Geeks

It never hurts to have a few games on standby to break the ice. When you invite a group of women together who have never met before, things like mani-pedis and relationship tell-alls can be awkward until you make everyone comfortable. Get the chit-chat going with old-school board games, UNO or charades.

It’s Required: Manicure/Pedicure Time

Mani-pedis on girls’ night in are like cake at a wedding — it just doesn’t seem right without it. Set out the fancy soaps and foot soaking tubs before the party begins so you don’t have to rummage around when your guests arrive. First dibs on colours go to your friend who brings the most varnishes.

Cameras for Posterity

There’s always the danger an unflattering image or two will be Facebooked for all to see, but capturing fun times with friends is a must-do for a girls’ night in. However, if you’re using smart phones for your snaps, make sure everyone agrees to put their phones on airplane mode so there’s no risk of drunkenly texting old flames.

Themes Aren’t Just for Tykes

Amp up the engagement factor of your guests by creating a theme party. You can hook the theme around your favourite movie — “Dirty Dancing” would require everyone to wear hot pants, midriff-tied T-shirts and carry a watermelon — or a time period — the ’80s will never die. Or, think more abstractly — how about “blue foods?”

For a more socially conscious night, consider taking a leaf from the Cancer Council and choosing a charity theme. In this rendition, your guests make a pool of the amount of money they would normally spend on a night out, and the resulting funds are donated to charity. Spending time with friends and doing right by others — what’s more fun than that?

Craft Your Memories

Fancy yourselves artistes? Well, even if you’re not exhibition ready, it’s a fun break to make something at your party. Find some sparkling beads and earring findings and then craft cheap-and-cheerful take-home swag. Remember, you might be too old to wear a friendship bracelet, but you’re not too old to make one.

Taxi Fare/Designated Drivers

Whether it’s your small country town’s local cabbie or your best mate’s long-suffering hubby, find someone to drive the girls home if they’ve been partaking. Even if they’ve only had one or two — you know the slogan — don’t be a bloody idiot.

 

About the Author: Jemma George is an events coordinator specializing in true-blue Aussie good times. From party cruises to romantic anniversary surprises, George has made it happen. But her favourite thing? Staying in with the girls.

Disclosure:  This is a partnered post.