How To Throw An Epic Girls Night/Holiday Party!
It’s that time of year where friends get together to eat, drink and be merry and wear stretchy sweatpants while doing it! Or at least that’s what I look forward to during the holiday season! I wanted to throw a holiday girls night with some fabulous ladies that I met through work and have become some of my dearest friends. Because of crazy schedules, I don’t get to see them often and in a casual setting! So it was important to me to host something intimate and casual (kind of)! I worked with some AMAZING people and companies to pull this party off! I wanted to share all the details to give you ideas and help you throw an epic holiday girls night or just a girls night any time of year!
The starting point: the dress code! As I pointed out, I’m all about enjoying good company in comfort, which is why I made the dress code pajama chic! I described it as getting ready like you’re going out - you know, hair, makeup, blingy earrings - but instead of getting dressed, you just leave your pjs on! (I mean, sounds like a dream, right?!) I found my perfect, comfy floral Pajamas (and Obis too!) from BedHead Pajamas! You can use code ALISTONE15 for 15% off their site too!
As far as decor, I thought outside of the holiday box! I wanted this to be a non-denominational holiday party (I don’t celebrate Christmas, so red and green wasn’t my jam), so I opted for golds and pinks! Debi Lily of A Perfect Event made the most beautiful and magical set-up, complete with pink chalices, lush florals, gold candlelight and crystal Versailles Chairs! She absolutely put the chic in my chic pajama party! Debi also printed custom menus, which was an adorable and easy touch to take it up a notch for any girls night! If you’re looking for an event planner or party decorater, Debi is your gal! Whether your party is 4 people or a house-full, printing your own menu makes the party even a little more special! Luft Balloon complimented the decor with the most perfect balloon installation which doubled as a photo backdrop and beautiful focal point of the set up! It also tied together the room and gave us a great space to make memories! They make INCREDIBLE balloon installs and are a great addition to any event!
Now, lets talk menu! I ordered food from some of the best and yummiest restaurants under Chicago’s Lettuce Entertain You food group! Seriously, my gals were in for such a treat from beginning to end! We started with appetizers from Big Bowl (when I start devouring those pot stickers, I can’t stop)! The main course was a delicious box of assorted sushi (called San-Sets) from Sushi-San! Now friends, you know that sushi is one of my absolute favorite foods, so I was in heaven with this entree! And the personal boxes were a great way to make each guest feel special (I mean if someone gave me my own box of sushi, I would feel special hehe)! Again, think outside of the box; one might not think of Asian cuisine for a holiday party, but it was definitely a crowd favorite! Trust me, your friends will get enough turkey, ham, stuffing, [fill in any generic holiday side here] this season! Dessert was from the best cookie maker in Chicago, Summer House Santa Monica! Seriously, you guys, these flavors were gooey-goodness! And what’s the perfect drink to pair with the perfect girls night meal?! Y’all know me….bubbles! Ruffino Prosecco was flowing all night! Each guest was also sent home with a Ruffino Prosecco split, just to keep the party going! You can also get my favorite prosecco delivered straight to your door! Click HERE for the deets!
While I decided to take the route of using some amazing companies to help decorate and opted to order in food vs. cooking to create the perfect holiday girls night, there truly is so much you can create yourself! Make it your own! You definitely don’t need to outsource anything! Save money by making your own floral centerpieces! My favorite place to get beautiful flowers cheap is Trader Joes; girl, I know you are capable of letting your inner-florist loose! You can use mix-matching glasses for vases! Pull chairs from different rooms for a fun look at the dining table as well vs. renting seating! Another great way to keep cost down is to have your girls night be a potluck! Or, if you’re ambitious, do the cooking yourself! There are so many ways to get creative and host an amazing party on any budget!
My best advice for hosting? Have fun! Don’t stress! And always remember, the most important part of the holidays is just being together.
xx Ali