Seven Girls’ Nights That Won’t Break the Bank

With the holiday countdown well under way, there’s a strong chance you’re pinching the pennies with dreams of a wild time in the sun. But just because our bank account needs a break, there’s no reason not to have some fun with the girls. We’ve picked some pocket friendly nights away from the tiles. All you need is the right friends and a group text. EASY. So which night gets your vote? Come Dine With Me So you heard a rumour that Jamie Oliver can make a dinner in 30minutes, but you’re an hour in and so far there’s a tin of peas sitting in the pot. On the upside the girls are on their way over with a couple of bottles of wine. Who needs restaurant cuisine when you’re being judged by friends who count beans on toast as gourmet? Take it in turns to be the hostess- with the not so-mostess and enjoy guilt free nights of dining with the girls. Swap that Top We all have those dresses with the tags, or the top that you bought and will probably never get around to wearing. With the summer saving in full swing, take the chance to host a clothes swap with your nearest and dearest where you can mix and match to bag yourself a whole new summer wardrobe without raiding the piggy bank. Pamper Party Who needs a trip to the spa when you can chop up a cucumber for those eye bags and slap on a face mask from the comfort of your home. Grab the girls for a pampering session and take it in turns to give each other manicures with some fresh colours for the summer season. Throw a glass of wine into the mix and your friends will swear they’re at a five star resort (just put the clothes horse in your bedroom) Film Buffs Between Netflix, a girly DVD collection and a couch full of friends, there’s no need to step outside the house for a perfect night of movie magic. Microwave popcorn *with butter!* is mandatory, as are blankets and chocolate. Perfect comfort and you can pause for toilet breaks… Book in a Night with Banter Checking in with the girls for a night of witty book banter and character assassination is good for a change of pace, as well as tips for the next book you should be leaving by the nightstand. Take a leaf out of our book, and arrange a monthly sit down to work through the latest best-seller. All with a packet of biscuits on the table. Bad book clubs have a bad biscuit collection. FACT. Sleepover Granted we’re not eight anymore, but there’s few things that beat having some of your closest gal pals over for a night of tea, banter and chats. With a trip down memory lane, no Facebook profile is safe of stalking. Jammies and a spooning partner that doesn’t involve the stride of pride the next day – sign us up for a night of childhood revival fun. Karaoke We all have a friend who should be on stage, and the friend who knows better but belts out her tune to the radio anyway. Between singstar, apps and Youtube, there’s a team of technology on hand to ensure you can embarrass yourself with the girls from the comfort of your own home. Set yourself a theme era and reconnect with your inner Britney. Just hide the camera phones, no-one needs evidence of your diva dancing…