Girls Just Want To Have Fun!

By:  Karen Sullen

Want to get the girls together for a night of fun?  Then plan a "Girls Night Out."  It can be just the thing to end an otherwise stressful week on a high note or celebrate a special occasion among friends.  From traditional to extreme, there's no limit to the party ideas or the fun you can have with this all-girl soiree.  And it doesn't take a lot of planning, either.  Juicy gossip and great food are the cornerstones of a great GNO event.  So just add in a fun activity, and you're there!  Here are some great ideas to get the party started. 

The "A" List

A "Girls Night Out" is perfect for girlfriends, of course.  But it can also include women from all sorts of circles.  Catching up and hanging out with your sisters can keep the family bond strong.  And so will a mother-daughter day with Mom.  Share cocktails with coworkers after work to wind down from a long day at the office.  Having fun with your favorite neighbors doesn't have to turn into an episode of "Desperate Housewives."  Invite them over for game night.  Getting together with friends is also a great way for a new Mom to get out of the house after having a baby. 

Where's the party?

If you want to do more than eat, drink and be merry, here are some great ideas to spice up your Girls Night Out or Girls Night In.

Movie Madness:  For a twist on dinner and a movie, why not create a "theater" at home.  If you show "27 Dresses," have each lady wear an old bridesmaid's dress.  It will be a hoot, swapping stories of past weddings-the good, the bad and the ugly.  Or watch "Sex In The City," and show your style and good taste by giving a martini cocktail candle or handy purse valet.  Of course, if there's a new "chick flick" coming out, grab your girls and go! 

Shop 'Til You Drop:  Plan a private shopping excursion for you and the girls at your favorite boutique.  Whether you're shopping for shoes or jewelry, if you have enough ladies, many stores will provide an after-hours affair, complete with food, beverages and a discount on purchases.  What woman doesn't love to shop?  And even if they don't find the perfect fit, they can take home a silver shoe bottle opener or stiletto key chain.

Spa Date:  What a relaxing treat!  A day of pampering at the spa can melt all your troubles away.  After the massage, enjoy a manicure and pedicure over some tantalizing girl talk.  Giving them a sleek, monogrammed manicure set is a great way to remember the day.

A Naughty Night Out:  Take a walk on the wild side with a lingerie party!  Not for the faint-hearted, ladies will have a blast while shopping for negligees, feather dusters and other intriguing items that are sure to get the "after party" started with their husbands.   A miniature version of the real thing, guests can use the gift of a scented teddy sachet to fragrance their lingerie drawer. 

The Chocolate Bar:  Enjoy an array of decadent desserts, but be careful not to go into chocolate overload!  Chocolate sprinkles, triple fudge brownies, chocolate ice cream and more!  Have guests bring their most devilish desserts to share.  You can even make chocolate candy while you're there.  To balance things off, you can always dip fruit into a chocolate fountain.  Forget the calories, and have fun.

Whether naughty or nice, you don't have to do the same old thing when you get together with your friends.  Just be creative, have fun and take a look at these girls night out party favors before you start planning!