You might think staying at home on a Friday night seems depressing, yet it’s something worth considering. Staying in reduces your spending while allowing you to be in the comfort of your own home and spend quality time with your friends, making it an all-around great solution.
Ditching an expensive evening out also doesn’t mean you have to compromise on fun or impressing your pals. In fact, with the right planning, you can guarantee a thrilling yet cost-effective start to your and your friends’ weekends.
Ambience
Setting the mood is important for any get-together, whether you’re opting for a formal meal or a casual gathering. It’s what is going to make your guests feel relaxed and ready to socialise so dim those lights and opt for warm, inviting illumination like fairy lights or candles.
Don’t forget about the soundtrack either! We all fear those tumbleweed moments during our parties but putting together a playlist filled with crowd-pleasers can help avoid this. It’s important to balance your music with a selection of karaoke bangers and serene, ambient tunes.
Food
No party is complete without food, and while a home-cooked dinner can be a real showstopper, it can be stressful and time-consuming if you’re preparing for large numbers.
If cooking isn’t your forte and you’re a bit short on time, you can opt for party food recipes such as canapes and finger foods that are easy to prepare or purchase ready-made.
If it’s just you and one or two companions, why not order your favourite takeaway and dress it up with a few homemade sides and dips? This will keep you all comfortable without taking up too much of your time.
Games
Introducing some friendly competition is a great way to get everyone involved and laughing together.
Classic card games like poker or charades are ideal for breaking the ice and getting your guests up on their feet. A round of bingo can help to finish your night on a fun and interactive note.
You can also tailor your games to your guests and inside jokes you share together with trivia tournaments or a murder mystery evening.
Just make sure to plan your questions far in advance! You could make things even more entertaining by creating some memorable photo ops with themed costumes and funny headgear.
Viewing Experiences
If you’re looking for something low-key and slow-paced, you could organise the ultimate cinematic experience. Turn down the lights, get out the blankets and transform your living room into a cosy movie-watching space.
You could invest in a projector for a more nostalgic, intimate feel. Think popcorn, sweets and films that your friends are sure to enjoy. Alternatively, you could host a live sports viewing party, complete with your favourite snacks.
Winding Down
After all the excitement, it’s nice to allow you and your guests to unwind before going home. Light some scented candles, put on some relaxing tunes and offer a selection of herbal teas or hot chocolate for a chilled-out atmosphere and a charming end to the evening.
With the following tips under your belt, you can put together a memorable night that will start your weekend off with a bang. Having fun together isn’t about spending an arm and a leg – staying at home can be just as fun.