Lemondrop

If too many nights out on the town have you craving a little R&R with your gal pals, you don't need to escape for a long weekend, just throw a ladies night in o get you all back to zero. Bonus: staying in is cheaper than going out, and you can eat with your hands and wear pajama pants.

The Plan

The key to a successful gals night is providing entertainment your guests actually want. The more unexpected, the better. Just because your attendees have ovaries doesn't mean they want to watch 27 Dresses (though go ahead, by all means -- there's nothing we love like Bad Movie Night). If your group would rather chat than than rom-com, focus on the conversation or bust out the board games.

Click here to keep reading ...

Activity
Challenge your inner tweenager. Have your arsenal of gals bring an arsenal of nail polish colors and trashy mags for sharing. You pick up basic beauty supplies (emery boards, cotton balls etc.) give one another manis, pedis and makeovers if that's your thing. If you're more of the brainy set, bust out the trivia or a DVD game like SceneIt.

Decor
This event is the definition of casual so strategic phone calls or an email chain will do. Keep decor minimal (this should be relaxing for you too you know) but give guest something to chuckle about with a few props. Host a tiara therapy night. Pick up inexpensive costume jewelry (the little kid's stuff in the drugstore toy aisle will do niceley). Trust us, there is nothing as rewarding as tossing back a few cocktails while you're wearing fake pink rhinestones.

Food
Give yourself a pass to gluttony without the guilt. Order in for maximum ease (and crowd pleasing) or whip up simple comfort foods (chips and dips, pizza bagels, brownies etc.). Most importantly some sweet treats will put gals in an glorious mood. DIY Ice Cream sandwiches (pick up a few kinds of cookies and ice cream, then let guests assemble) or get a cheap fondue pot for chees and chocolate.

Drinks
Just because you're spending the night in doesn't mean you have to resort to boxed wine. A simple fruity cocktail ensures the gossip will flow freely. Make a simple sangria with rosé a day or two prior to your party so the fruit flavors really mesh (fresh peaches and strawberries will make it sing) or go with something like salty dogs (grapefruit juice and vodka) in a pretty pitcher.