The Ultimate Girls Night in Checklist: 6 Games, Playlists, and Drinks

Last Updated on July 19, 2024 by Prissila Murillo

Can’t go out? Stay in, but let’s make it as fun as if you were to hit the town. Since the Coronavirus is still throwing a wrench in many of our weekend plans, it’s time to take girls’ night-in to the next level. Luckily, the world is still mostly at your disposal, even if you have to enjoy it from the comfort of your own couch. From music playlists to tasty treats and adult games, check out some of the entertainment ideas we’re incorporating into our very own girls’ night-in!

The best girls night in checklist:

Drink Menu

First things first: you’ll need a drink in hand! One of the easiest ways to ensure everyone gets what they want is to encourage a BYOD (bring your own drink) policy. Or keep it simple with a range of fruity seltzers, domestic beers, and classic spirits – at least vodka and bourbon.

For mixers, grab your favorite pack of pop and fruit juice, such as cranberry. If you want to get fancy, you can always stock up on garnishes, from lemon and lime to orange. Of course, if you really want to have fun, then make it a competition. One hour prior to the party, encourage everyone to grab some ingredients available in their house for a cocktail competition.

Whatever they have on hand is all they get to work with. Have everyone serve up their drinks one at a time and then have them write down each person’s score on a piece of paper (1 to 10). At the end of the sampling, tally up the totals and declare the winner. In the end, you can come up with a fun prize or keep it simple with bragging rights.

Set the Mood

It’s not a party without a poppin’ playlist! Music will set the mood for the girls night in plus help you avoid any awkward silences. Also, it will help everyone let loose and have a good time. To make one, you can also go the DIY route – which will probably take hours. Or you can take advantage of the playlists that other stay-at-home partiers have already created via platforms like Spotify.

One of our personal favorites is the Ultimate Party Classics, which features hits from across the decades. Yes, Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 made the list! If you prefer to keep it chill, stick to this list of Indie favorites – It’s ALT Good!. Then again, after a long week, you may be in need of some empowering tunes. In which case, Feelin’ Myself will be your new favorite party playlist, thanks to artists like Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, and Saweetie.

For Your Munchies

Snacks are a requirement for any party. In fact, if you don’t have them, then we’ll be the first to head home early. Thankfully, the snacks don’t have to be complicated – unless you want to go the extra mile as a hostess. Charcuterie boards are the latest in snack trends, and it’s easy to see why. Include enough little goodies, and you’re set for the night. Granted, the meat, cheese, fruit, and spreads can get pretty pricey.

If you don’t have the budget to ball on charcuterie, opt for the nostalgia-inducing classics. That is popcorn, pretzels, and pop. Alternatively, put your apron on and make some home-cooked goodness. Everyone loves a simple dip, such as artichoke or buffalo chicken. And for dessert, these easy-to-make Raspberry Brie Bites will have your best friends begging to get the next girls’ night on the books.

What to Watch Next

Whether it’s while you’re stuffing your face or sipping on a cocktail, you’ll without a doubt want to spend a little bit of your downtime curled up on the couch. At which point, you’ll want to have a show or movie picked out – lest you spend an hour debating. So, what’s currently making the headlines? Here are the best picks for each streaming service:

HBO Max

• Pitch Perfect
• Crazy Rich Asians
• 27 Dresses
• You’ve Got Mail

Hulu

• Hustlers
• Booksmart
• The Princess Bride
• Date Night

Amazon Prime Video

• The Hustle
• What to Expect When You’re Expecting
• Like a Boss
• What Men Want

Netflix

• Legally Blonde
• To All the Boys I’ve Loved (1, 2, & 3)
• Thunder Force
• What a Girl Wants

Mask & Tell

There is not enough time in the world to treat yourself to some TLC. Making girls’ night in is the perfect opportunity! You don’t have to get wild (in terms of money) unless you want to. It’s easy enough to make some DIY face masks using common ingredients in your kitchen. Click here to find some recipes compiled by Elle Magazine.

But if it’s easier, feel free to make a trip to the closest drug store, Ulta or Sephora. Keep it simple with hydrating face masks or grab some other goodies, like a set of neutral color nail polishes, a lip scrub, pore strips, and even a hair mask. While you’re waiting for your face and hair mask or nails to dry, it could be a great time to pop on a movie and enjoy a drink!

Adult Games

It was Apples to Apples and then Cards Against Humanity, but now it’s time to add a new game to your repertoire. Preferably something easy to learn and short enough that you can get a couple of rounds in – before everyone gets bored. Now we’re leaning towards the card game Exploding Kittens, which is hilariously and surprisingly violent.

If you prefer something more raunchy, however, stick to For the Girls by What Do You Meme?. Alternatively, Jackbox Games is a fun and hassle-free option. There are several games in each party pack, including seven packs total available for purchase. They are also comparatively affordable to physical games, considering there are five games in each package. Any of these games will help pass the hours, but caution! You may find yourself rolling on the floor laughing.

Final Words

Love these ideas for a girl’s night in? Like you, we’re trying to make the most of the corona times by spending it in the confines of our own homes. When gathering with friends during this time, we encourage you to keep everyone’s health and safety in mind. Encourage everyone to keep a reasonable distance and do their best to practice good hygiene. Finally, ask them to stay home if they are feeling sick! If you have any additional ideas on entertainment for a girl’s night in, be sure to share them below or tag us on Instagram @offonfriday with suggestions!