Last Friday there was frantic cleaning, cupboard stocking and baking, in preparation for my first girls’ night in in the longest time. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a wine and dinner evening at my place with the girls, I’ve certainly not done it since we’ve been back in Bournemouth! It was a resounding success though, we had such a great evening that we’re talking about making it a monthly thing. With that in mind, as a newfound fan of such evenings, I thought I’d share my tips for making your girls’ night in a resounding success.
Buy more wine than you think you need.
There was three of us, so I figured three bottles of wine would be PLENTY (my friends and I really aren’t ragers), and then Con also bought us a bottle home, and we ended up drinking the lot! I’ve generally found you can’t go wrong with Rosé or a Pinot Grigio, they tend to be crowd pleasers. It’s better to have a little too much wine and some leftover than to have to find someone sober enough to do a wine run in their pjs.
Invoke a casual dress code.
The last thing you want to be worried about on girls’ night is how you look! My girls were staying the night, so it seemed a given to invoke a pyjama dress code, but if you’re not turning girls’ night into a sleepover, make sure to encourage your pals to wear their comfiest, cosiest garb. We’re talking comfort over style here, and I can guarantee your friends will be thrilled. Sweatpants and oversized knits, yes please!
Think about the creature comforts.
We use a Brita water filter at the flat which is great but slow, and our tap doesn’t run particularly cold, so I pre-filtered a load of water and popped it in glass bottles to chill in the fridge. I knew we’d get through water quicker than the filter would be able to cope so this was a great bit of forethought! I also grabbed my spare phone chargers and popped them in the lounge, because inevitably, someone will ask for one! I washed my favourite blankets and draped them over the sofa in case anyone got chilly, and if I’m having people over for a prolonged period of time I’ll often pop the wifi password on our letterboard too. It’s all about making your home as comfortable and welcoming for people as possible!
Build a playlist for background noise.
If in doubt, opt for some early 00’s R&B.
Serve easy, comfort food dishes.
You don’t want to miss half of girls’ night because you’re stuck in the kitchen cooking. Opt for easy to prepare in advance tray bakes, or easy peasy comfort food dishes. Nachos, pasta bakes, tacos and pizza are all crowd pleasers for a reason, they’re easy to make and everyone loves them!
Ask your guests in advance if there’s anything that would make them more comfortable.
Got a dairy free guest spending the night? Ask what milk she’d like in her morning cuppa. Is your partner around to offer lifts home so your pals can drink without worrying? You want to be able to focus on fun with your guests feeling as comfortable in your home as possible, so don’t be afraid to ask if there’s anything they want!
What are your girls’ night essentials?