There is nothing better after a long week than meeting up with friends, having a drink, and catching up. Whether you work full-time, part-time, or are a busy stay-at-home mom, everyone deserves a little girl time. Going out can be fun, but nothing says “relaxation” like a girls night! You can dress it up or dress it down, but in the end its all about you and your best gal pals. Read on for tips on hosting a rebel-worthy girls night.
- Drinks
A girls night without drinks is like a restaurant without food. DRINKS ARE A MUST! We know all you ladies work hard and deserve to take a load off with a glass of the good stuff. Rebel Seed cider makes a perfect beverage to share with your besties. It’s bubbly, crisp, and delicious. It pairs well with most snacks, and is a drink that most people will like. If you and your squad like a sweeter taste, go for our First Edition sweet cider. For something a little less sweet, but still crisp and fruity, you will love our First Anthem semi-dry cider. For those that prefer beer, try our Hoptimized dry cider. No matter which one you choose, it’s sure to be a girls night favorite! Oh, and did we mention it looks great in any glass?
Want to jazz up the drink menu? Make a cocktail! Cider makes a great base to a variety of mixed drinks. Spring, summer, fall, or winter, hard cider can fit any season. For example, during the autumn months, try a cider mimosa! For the winter holidays, hard cider can make a delicious sangria when paired with cranberries, pomegranates, oranges, or festive spices. Around St. Patrick’s Day, try a Celtic caramel cider drink. For the hotter summer days, cider goes well in a spritzer with fruit. If you want more cider cocktail inspiration, check out our Pinterest board.
- Snacks and Food
Whether it’s happy hour or dinner time, food is one of the best parts of girls night (and you aren’t forced to compete with hungry men for the food.) Pairing snacks and meals with cider is fun and easy. What many don’t realize is that cider pairs with foods very similarly to Champagne and other sparkling wines. Its crispness, along with the bubbles, work to cleanse the palate and is a versatile match with many foods. A classic cheese and fruit platter is always a match made in heaven. The creaminess and various tastes of cheeses marry perfectly with the crisp, fruitiness of cider. Saltier treats also pair well. Pretzels, nuts, and cured or dried meats balance nicely with the crispness and sweetness of the cider.
If you want to impress your friends with your gourmet cooking skills, many hot dishes can be paired with cider too. Meats such as beef, chicken, and pork are excellent choices. You can even incorporate hard cider into the dish. Chefs use cider in classics such as pulled pork, braised chicken, and meatballs. Vegetarian? No problem! You can make hard cider mac & cheese, roasted vegetables, and coleslaw.
Don’t forget dessert! We recommend drinking a drier cider when paired with creamier, richer desserts such as ice cream or mouse. A sweeter cider balances out the flavors of dark chocolate or holiday treats that incorporate spices. Just like with dinner, you can also make cider into dessert! Hard cider cupcakes are a crowd favorite. Instead of rum cake, use cider for an apple pound cake. Apple cider doughnuts? Yes, please!
For more mouth-watering cider recipes, you can find them on our Pinterest page as well!
- Decorations and Ambiance
You and your friends deserve the best. That’s why your girls night should make you feel like queens. Surround yourselves with the finest, without spending a fortune. Simplicity and coziness make for a relaxing atmosphere. Achieve this using rustic elements. Drape translucent, white fabric over white string lights and hang it on an accent wall. Use different sized candles to create a soft, warm glow. Add bowls, serving boards, and plates made of wood. If you are feeling crafty, you can also turn old wine or cider bottles into art pieces. Insert white string lights into the bottles and place them on your center or side tables. You can also cut bottles (carefully) to create a space to place a candle inside. Spray paint bottles different colors and decorate them with rope, ribbon, and string. All of these little things make a relaxing space in any home.
You can find many unique DIY decorating ideas on our Pinterest board for bottle art.
Music is an important part of ambiance. If you are going for a relaxing night, throw on some background soundscapes like smooth jazz or instrumental covers of alternative songs. Put on your favorite CDs from back in the day or that new artist you’re just dying to share with your girls. If you are in a party mood, put on today’s latest hits or upbeat dance songs. Music is a terrific mood setter, and a lovely way to connect with your friends.
- Entertainment
Girls night is fun night! It’s all about doing what you and your friends love to do. If having a drink and talking the night away is all you and your friends need, then by all means, go for it! If you need a few ideas to entertain your guests, however, here are a few suggestions. Keep things simple with a game on your smart phone. What’s Up and Unspeakable are examples of a games you can download that work well with any size group of friends. No need to lug the game around, just download the app and play. If your girls night is a no phone zone, board games are also a blast! Scattergories, Taboo, and Catch Phrase are all easy-to-learn and play board games that can be played with lots of people… or just a few.
You can also watch a movie! Make sure you have a ready selection available so that you and your guests can decide which one to watch as a group. Have popcorn or candy ready to enhance the movie experience. While you’re at it, pour some more cider to pair with the popcorn! If movies aren’t your group’s thing, consider doing crafts. You could paint canvases or picture frames, make jewelry, or create scrap books together! It lets you do something fun while still being able to talk and be together. (Or visit our bottle art Pinterest board and pick a craft from there!)
Remember, planning a fun and memorable girls night doesn’t have to be hard. The details are just added touches to an already incredible group of friends. Now pick up the phone and call the ladies because you have a girls night to plan!
