This site contains affiliate links, view the disclaimer page for more information.

When it comes to unwinding with your besties, there’s truly nothing better than a cozy, laughter-filled night at home. That’s why today, I’m sharing how to plan the ultimate girls’ night in, complete with tips, fun themes, food and drink ideas, printable planning checklists, and personal stories from nights that honestly became some of my favorite memories.

Over the years, I’ve hosted (and attended) countless girls’ nights, from spontaneous Tuesday nights with pizza and pajama pants, to carefully planned themed parties with cocktails, playlists, and decorations. And let me tell you: you don’t need a five-star chef, a Pinterest-perfect setup, or a massive budget to pull off a night your friends will rave about for months.

You just need a little thought, a dash of creativity, and an open heart ready for fun. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide together!

Why a Girls’ Night In Is Pure Magic

First of all, let’s just acknowledge that staying in is elite.
It’s budget-friendly, stress-free, and (let’s be honest) way more personal than shouting across a crowded bar.

When you plan a girls’ night in:

You create a space where real conversations happen.
You can actually relax, no pressure, no pretenses.
You can tailor everything, food, vibe, music, to your group’s exact energy.
Plus, you can laugh until your face hurts without getting weird looks.

In fact, some of the best therapy sessions I’ve ever had happened at 1 a.m. in sweatpants on my friend’s couch, passing around a bowl of M&Ms.

Step 1: Pick a Fun Theme

Choosing a theme helps everything else fall into place, from decor to food to playlists.
Here are even more tried-and-true girls’ night in themes, including some unexpected ideas you’ll love:

Check out our post on girls night themes: 10 Unique Girls’ Night Ideas That Go Beyond Wine and Movies

Pajama Glam Party

Soft pajamas + sparkly accessories = the ultimate combo.
We once did glitter face masks and toasted with champagne flutes in fuzzy socks. Iconic.

90s Throwback Night

Scrunchies, slap bracelets, Dr. Pepper lip gloss… it’s a whole vibe.
One time, we even made a 90s-themed playlist on Spotify and had a dance battle. (Winner gets a Tamagotchi.)

Charcuterie Board-Off

Everyone brings their own “mini” charcuterie board, think dessert boards, candy boards, even French fry boards.
We judged each one (nicely!) and gave out silly prizes like “Most Creative” and “Most Instagrammable.”

Chick Flick Marathon

Because sometimes you need to quote Legally Blonde at each other while wearing sheet masks.

DIY Wine Tasting Night

Each person brings a bottle under $15. Brown-bag them and do a blind taste test!
Once, my friend picked a $7 rosé over a $30 bottle, and we’ve never let her live it down.

check out out post on how to host a wine tasting night!

Craft & Sip Party

Paint, glue, glitter… with no pressure to be “good.”
Some of the ugliest wine glasses we painted are now the most beloved souvenirs. Order a paint night kit and make your own wine and paint night!

Spa Night

Facials, massages, homemade sugar scrubs. YouTube has free guided meditation playlists for total zen vibes!

Vision Board Night

Gather magazines, scissors, glue, and make future dream boards.
Last year, I made one with “travel more” plastered all over it… and ended up taking three trips that year!

Bake-Off Challenge

Split into teams and bake something creative (with secret ingredients!).
Last time, I accidentally mistook salt for sugar… so, yeah, not every experiment works out.

Step 2: Create a Planning Checklist

If you’re anything like me, a checklist is essential, otherwise, you’ll forget something (like ice or napkins).

Here’s your Ultimate Girls’ Night In Checklist:

2 Weeks Before:

Pick your date and time.
Choose your theme!
Make a rough guest list.
Send out invites (cute Canva e-vites, group texts, or physical ones if you’re feeling fancy).

1 Week Before:

Plan your menu (apps, drinks, sweets).
Gather any supplies (craft kits, spa masks, decorations).
Create a shared playlist with friends.
Plan your main activities.
Double-check your seating, enough cozy spaces?

1 Day Before:

Clean up main spaces.
Decorate (if doing decor).
Set up food/drink stations.
Pre-make anything that can be made ahead (charcuterie boards, baked goods).
Charge your phone and speaker.

The Day Of:

Light candles.
Turn on your playlist.
Lay out cozy blankets, pillows, games.
RELAX, you’re ready!

Step 3: Plan the Food and Drinks

Food and drinks don’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler the better, trust me, when people are cozy and chatting, no one wants a five-course meal.

My Favorite Food Ideas:

Charcuterie Board Buffet (classic meats/cheese/fruit, but also try a candy board!)
DIY Nacho Bar (chips, queso, guac, jalapeños, the works)
Mini Pizzas (easy and customizable, little naan breads work perfectly)
Bite-Sized Treats (cupcakes, truffles, mini brownies)
Popcorn Buffet (caramel popcorn, spicy cheddar popcorn, M&M mix-ins)

Tip: Always have one hearty option (pizza, tacos) + lots of snacky things.

Drink Options:

Wine Tasting Flight (everyone brings one bottle)
Mimosa Bar (champagne + different juices)
Themed Cocktails (e.g., “Mean Girl Margaritas”)
Mocktails Station (for non-drinkers- sparkling water + fruit syrups = so pretty!)
Hot Chocolate Bar (winter favorite- marshmallows, candy canes, Bailey’s for an adult twist)

Step 4: Pick Entertainment

Here’s a secret: you don’t need to schedule every second.
But having 1-2 light activities keeps the energy going!

Easy Girls’ Night Activities:

Movie marathons (rom-com, horror, nostalgic teen movies)
DIY spa night (facials, nail painting, meditation)
Karaoke or lip sync battle
TikTok dance challenge
Truth or Dare Jenga (make your own prompts!)
DIY photo booth (set up a backdrop and goofy props)

We once made a “bad date stories” contest. Whoever had the worst date story won a Starbucks gift card.
I thought I had it locked in… until someone shared about a guy who showed up an hour late because he was “busy buying new underwear.” She won.

Step 5: Set the Vibe

Never underestimate how much a few little touches change the whole vibe.

How to Create the Ultimate Cozy Setup:

Fairy lights or taper candles
Cozy blankets everywhere
A chill, mood-boosting playlist in the background
Floor seating (poufs, pillows, throws)
A signature scent (light a vanilla or eucalyptus candle)

One of my favorite nights?
We transformed my tiny apartment into a “glamping lounge” pillows, blankets, and fairy lights. It felt magical, even though we were just in my living room.

Tips for Hosting Like a Pro

Because let’s be real, tiny things make a huge difference.

Have a Self-Serve Area: Food and drinks in one accessible spot.
Create a Loose Timeline: Ex: eat first, then games, then movies.
Prep Ahead: Do as much as possible before friends arrive.
Leave Room for Spontaneity: Sometimes the best nights happen when you throw the “plan” out the window!
Party Favors?: Tiny goodie bags are not necessary but so cute (face masks, lip balm, scrunchies). I love these 15 minute pamper kits.

My Favorite Girls’ Night In Story (Ever)

One time, a simple pajama night turned into a spontaneous dance party. We started the night just catching up, sipping cheap rosé, talking about work drama. Then someone pulled up an old playlist from our college days. Before we knew it, we were dancing barefoot in the living room, belting out Destiny’s Child at the top of our lungs.

No fancy outfit. No big plan.
Just the music, the laughter, and the feeling that for that moment, nothing else mattered. And honestly? That’s exactly what girls’ night in is all about.

You’re So Ready to Host the Ultimate Girls’ Night In

At the end of the day, how to plan the ultimate girls’ night in comes down to connection, creativity, and comfort.

Don’t stress over making it “perfect.”
It’s about creating a space where you and your girls can be 100% yourselves, messy buns, belly laughs, and all.

So grab that checklist, pick your favorite theme, light some candles, and get ready to make memories that’ll last way longer than a night out ever could.

Tell me, what’s your dream girls’ night theme? Pajama Glam? Wine Tasting? 90s Throwback? I’m dying to hear!

With love,

Bri and Cat

Related Posts to Check Out:

9 Girly and Cute Girls’ Night Ideas for the Ultimate Cozy Catch-Up

10 Unique and Fun Girls’ Night Ideas That Go Beyond Wine and Movies

Girls Just Wanna Have Brunch: How to Host a Bougie At-Home Brunch Party

Affiliate Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products that we believe will add value to our readers.

How to Plan the Best Girls’ Night In: Tips, Themes & Checklists

Table of Contents