Cheap girls night ideas

Evening picnic

Choose a great spot that's easy for everyone to get to -- maybe a pretty, well-lit park, a grassy patch on a riverbank or a casual picnic area beside a beach. Pack plenty of snacks like cheese, dips and crackers, and ask everyone to bring a plate of nibbles to share. Throw a few bottles of wine in the esky, bring all the picnic essentials like cutlery, glasses, plates, serviettes, serving utensils and a few rugs, and enjoy a low-budget night out with the ladies.

Get some culture

Sign up to What's On Guides in your local area to find out about art openings, book launches, museum tours or special events. These are a great way to spend time with your friends without breaking the budget on expensive activities. Art exhibition openings, for example, generally serve complimentary wine and beer while also giving you the opportunity to appreciate great art and mingle with new people.

Clothes swap

Want to hang out with your friends and score some free clothes at the same time? Encourage them to go through their wardrobes with a critical eye and pick out the items they no longer wear, then bring them along to a clothes swap party at your house. Add a few drinks and snacks, and you have the perfect recipe for a fun night in! Share your memories of your old clothes and see which lucky mate is prepared to give them a new lease on life. The more people, the more clothes you'll have to choose from, so encourage your friends to invite people you don't know -- you might make a few new pals while you're at it!

Look out for deals

There are a bunch of great daily deal websites out there that will send you regular emails to keep you up to date on great offers happening in your area. It might be a dinner for two, a few cocktails or a fun activity like mini golf or tenpin bowling. Also keep an eye out for venues that offer bonus extras for ladies -- some pubs offer free manicure sessions or champagne happy hours, for example.

Have a night in

Set a strict pyjama dress code and invite your nearest and dearest over for a games night, a craft-making session or a movie marathon. Gather in the kitchen, in the living room, on the deck or even amongst the flowers in the garden, and have a good old gasbag before your activities begin.

girls' night recipes

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