You need girls’ night in activities that feel like a treat but still fit into real life. Something that screams “Sex and the City,” but also “I just ran in straight from work, and I need you not to judge my outfit.” The good news is that with a few easy activities, you can turn a regular living room into the kind of night your girl group is quoting for weeks. 

*Guest Contribution

Cook Something Together 

Since the end of the workweek can make Friday feel like a special occasion, it’s the perfect time to gather for a shared meal. Food pulls everyone into the same room fast, and cooking together gives you built-in conversation. You’re chopping, tasting and laughing together, so it keeps the night naturally moving forward.

Choose a dinner where everyone can build their own plate. You could do flatbread night, taco bowls or a big salad board with toppings. Assign small roles like someone to stir, someone to plate and someone in charge of “is this done yet” taste tests. 

Sip and Paint At Home 

If you want one activity that feels special with minimal prep, this is it. Sip and paint is basically instant memories, and each guest gets something to take home! When picking a wine, remember that different grapes have distinct personalities — Chardonnay often has gentler notes, while a Sauvignon Blanc will have punchier fruit flavors.

Keep the art easy with subjects like abstract color blocks, cute cherries, a tiny sunset or small florals. You could provide a prompt, such as “paint your dream home in simple shapes.” Mini canvases are great, but so is paper stuck to the table with tape. Set a timer for your desired painting duration, then do a quick show and tell. You could even swap paintings halfway through for chaos and giggles. 

DIY Something Cute 

A tiny project gives you a takeaway and makes the night feel a little more structured, even if you texted the group at 3 p.m. asking them to come over. Pick one small decor refresh that doesn’t take long to complete.

You could paint an old vase, wrap a plain candle in a new label, make a little tray with a thrifted dish and a few cute objects, or host a “swap shop” where everyone brings in one home item they’re bored with. Your girl group can trade and leave with something new without spending. 

Enjoy Beauty and Self-Care

After you eat and laugh a bit, a reset moment feels so good. This is the part where everyone exhales, shoulders drop and brains get quieter. You’re still chatting but less chaotically. 

Keep the at-home spa round gentle and simple. You could do face masks, hand cream, cuticle oil or a hair mask tied up in a claw clip while you chat. If your group has sensitive skin, go fragrance-light and do a quick patch test if anything is new. 

Play Games

When energy dips, games save the vibe. Pick options that let everyone jump, and keep them quick to maintain everyone’s interest. You could ask your friends to bring a favorite board or card game. 

Alternatively, try “Who knows you best” questions to guess each girl’s favorite lipstick shade or dream vacation. You could also do a closet fashion show where everyone styles one look in five minutes with what is already there and then struts through the living room like it’s Fashion Week. 

Set the Vibe in 10 Minutes

All you need for a successful girls’ night is a vibe. Start with soft lighting, including lamps rather than overheads and candles if you have them. Toss a cozy blanket on the couch and pull chairs in close so nobody ends up yelling from across the room. Gather any supplies needed for your chosen girls’ night in activity. Lastly, choose a playlist that feels like your group and enjoy each other’s company.

Let’s Go, Girls

Planning a girls’ night in can be exciting, whether it’s weeks in the making or a spur-of-the-moment gathering. Try one of these girls’ night in ideas, and you’ll have a night to remember. 

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