Due to the rising cost of nights out, more people in the UK are opting for fun nights in. Home-based gatherings are on the rise as people look for affordable yet enjoyable ways to spend quality time with loved ones. A well-planned girls’ night in gives guests the chance to relax, reconnect and have fun without leaving the comfort of your home. From selecting a theme to setting the perfect atmosphere, here’s how you can create the ultimate girls’ night in.

Pick a fun theme to set the mood

Choosing a theme gives your girls’ night in a sense of occasion and sets the tone for the evening. Whether you want something playful and nostalgic or chic and glamorous, the possibilities are endless.

A movie night lets you choose a genre or a specific film series and invite your friends to dress the part. Think rom-coms, Harry Potter marathons, or superhero sagas. Or go character-specific, like Lady Gaga’s take on Harley Quinn in the new Joker film.

Or get pampering at a relaxing spa night with facemasks, manicures and soothing music. You can even create DIY beauty treatments for extra fun.

Step back in time for a 90s or 80s-themed night with classic tunes, fashion and snacks from the era to add a touch of nostalgia.

Activities to keep everyone entertained

A well-rounded night includes more than just conversation. By planning activities, you can ensure everyone stays entertained and engaged. You could try crafting stations so guests can enjoy DIY activities like jewellery making, scrapbooking or painting wine glasses.

Cocktail (or mocktail) making is fun and the end product can be sampled immediately. Set up a cocktail station with ingredients for popular drinks like mojitos or create a ‘signature’ drink for the night. Of course, be sure to offer non-alcoholic options too.

Incorporate fun games such as trivia, board games or even a cheeky round of karaoke to get everyone into the swing of things. Or get online and play mobile slots to add a fun but competitive edge to the evening.

Create a delicious menu

Food plays a central role in any successful gathering, so curate a menu that’s both delicious and caters to your friends’ dietary needs. A mix of easy-to-eat and indulgent options is key.

Sharing platters are a low-maintenance way of providing tasty options. Think charcuterie boards, cheese platters and tapas-style nibbles. A DIY food bar lets your guests customise meals at a pizza or taco bar, offering various toppings for them to personalise.

And no girls’ night in is complete without dessert. Serve up a range of treats, from cupcakes to chocolate fondue, ensuring you’ve got something for every taste.

Set the atmosphere with music and ambience

The final touch to a perfect girls’ night in is creating the right ambience. Start by compiling a playlist that fits the mood of your evening, whether it’s laid-back acoustic tracks for a pamper night or upbeat pop hits for a dance party. Also, pay attention to your lighting – fairy lights, candles and soft lamps create a cosy, welcoming environment. Add comfy throws, cushions and blankets to make your space feel homely, inviting your friends to kick back and