Ideas for the Perfect Girls’ Night In

While there are a lot of unknowns in the world right now, if we look to the light, then we can see that the pandemic is bringing people together like never before. In many ways, we’re becoming closer and learning the value of human connection.

While the extended separation from our close friends and family has been difficult, it has taught us creative ways on how we can spend time together when we are apart. With a little intentionality, you can spend quality time with the people you love no matter the distance. If girls nights aren’t a regular activity on your schedule, perhaps now is the time to start the tradition. There’s nothing like a night of laughter, storytelling and good memories made with your girlfriends.

There’s nothing like a night of laughter, storytelling and good memories made with your girlfriends.

Here are four ways to host the perfect girls’ night in even when you and your friends are apart:

Digital Game Night

By now, you’ve likely heard of  Zoom. It’s a video conferencing app similar to Skype, and everyone has been using it in quarantine from work calls to family hangouts. Thanks to technology, girls’ nights will live on in the digital age. Games like Pictionary, charades and trivia can all be easily played over Zoom. There are also websites like Playing Cards that make virtual games possible. We love these nights because games always lead to laughter. 

NetflixParty

Grab your quarantine snacks (if you have any left!) and cozy up for a movie night with your girls. To host virtually, download Netflix Party. It’s a Chrome extension you can add to your browser that will sync a Netflix show or movie between you and a group of friends’ computers. Now, you can all watch together. It also includes a group chat feature so you can almost feel like you’re in the room with everyone and discuss what you’re watching.

Netflix recommendations? Try two popular Netflix originals: Love is Blind for all the happy feels and Tiger King for a fun distraction. 

Backyard Dinner

Thankfully, it’s springtime. If you’re spending this time with roommates or siblings, try hosting a backyard dinner as a way to get some sunshine in. Spend time cooking a meal together and bake some treats if you’d like. Lay out a blanket on the grass in the backyard. Add in some pillows, string lights or whatever you have laying around (or not, it does not have to be fancy!). Then, set up your spread.

Enjoy what you’ve created and engage in meaningful conversation. Check in with each other. Offer encouragement, laugh together and enjoy the evening. 

Enjoy what you’ve created and engage in meaningful conversation.

Wine Night

Wine nights can be done in person with your roommates or virtually over Zoom! Plan this one in advance so everyone can purchase a bottle of their favorite wine. This is a fun way to unwind, and catch up with your girls. If you’re with your roomies, then this might be the time to try out your charcuterie board-making skills. 

Virtual Group Workout

Exercise is vital to our mental health. Finding the motivation to do it when the structure of our days is off balance isn’t easy. This is where your friends come in. Inviting your friends to do a group workout via Zoom is a fun way to move your body and stay connected at the same time. Not your typical girls’ night, but you’ll be able to push and encourage each other, and feel so much better for it!

Hop on a Zoom call and have one friend lead the workout. There are tons of free workout classes currently being offered. Search for workouts on Youtube or IGTV (your favorite fitness influencers likely have a lot to offer) or check with your gym. OrangeTheory, ClassPass, OBE Fitness, CorePower Yoga and Planet Fitness are all currently offering free workouts. We also love Yoga with Adriene and this workout by MadFit. 

Are you cultivating space for friendships to grow during this unprecedented time?

Image via Ali Mitton, Darling Issue No. 20