A girls’ poker night gives you all the joy of the game without the testosterone. Think glamour, femininity and gorgeous pouting poker faces. If you haven’t played before, check out www.thepinkpokersite.co.uk for rules and tips.
On a budget?
Beg or borrow a pack of cards, and play for fun and glory rather than hard cash. Be creative when it comes to the chips: nail varnish bottles could do the trick – or even play with Penn State pretzels! And of course, ask everyone to bring booze and nibbles.
Bit to spend?
Treat yourself to a book like the Girls’ Guide To Poker by Eliza Burnett (RRP £6.99). Prepare poker-themed cocktails and ask each guest to bring a different bottle of spirits. Team them with salty snacks such as pretzels for that transatlantic feel – we like Penn State pretzels, yum.
Blow the budget
Splash out on a glam pink poker set like this one for £29.95, and raise the stakes as and when everyone agrees. Ask them to dress to impress, and buy in pink bubbly and cute fairy cakes to make your poker game deliciously girly.
Whether you’re giggling at a comedy or putting the world to rights after a thought-provoking drama, it’s always better to do it with the girls. Consider a theme night: how about checking out films that got Oscar nominated last year? Changeling, Tropic Thunder and Happy-Go-Lucky are already in the shops.
On a budget?
Start the night after dinner time and ask guests to bring one DVD they own and love. You might not get round to all of them but it’s great to have the choice. Do it as a lucky dip if you can’t decide/agree.
Bit to spend?
If you don’t have an account with a rental service like lovefilm.com, ask friends with accounts to order DVDs. Get guests to chip in for a discounted bulk booze buy, and jazz up plain supermarket pizzas with extra toppings like onions and pepperoni.
Blow the budget
Hit the shops and pick up great DVDs loaded with fun extras. Add expensive vodka, a lavish pizza delivery and lots of mates.
This is a brilliant way to break the ice with friends who may not know each other – they’ll be besties by the end of the night. Ask everyone to come prepared with a list of favourite songs. And be prepared to take the mic first – someone’s got to get this party started!
On a budget?
Set up a computer in the centre of the room but away from potential spillage. Log on to a site like www.karaokeplay.com which plays music videos and scrolls the words underneath. They even record it so you can share it with other users! A meal just interrupts the singing, so ask friends to bring snacks – those Penn State pretzels work a treat.
Bit to spend?
Convert your DVD player into a karaoke machine for under a tenner with a DVD Karaoke Converter. Singing Machine SMM-117 make one including microphone and all the cables you need. Scour eBay and charity shops for cheap karaoke DVDs.
Blow the budget
Invest in a state-of-the-art karaoke machine, or, if you have a PlayStation, get SingStar and you can challenge your friends to a contest.
Originally invented as game to keep kids quiet, this idea is being picked up by women as an alternative night in with the girls. Everyone brings a skill and shares it with friends. It doesn’t have to be crafty stuff like knitting - maybe you’re great at making cocktails, while your friend knows how to make her own jewellery?
On a budget?
Invite pals with talents that don’t need many materials, like singing, dancing or magic tricks. You could even sauce it up and all share your fave sex tips!
Bit to spend?
Buy bulk craft materials from eBay and have a go at making your own cards – it’s about a lot more than just glue and glitter these days. You might even save money if you get good at it.
Blow the budget
Send out luxurious invitations to build anticipation and give the night a classy feel. Start with champagne and canapés and reward each guest with a little present as a thank you for sharing their skills.
