“Hosting ladies night” has been a social tradition among women for decades. What was once parlor games and tea became Bunco parties and quilting bees and has now morphed into book clubs and excuses for cosmopolitans.  Some groups have fun names, such as my mom’s Stitch ‘n Bitch Sisters, but our group of fab ladies simply calls it what it is:  Girls Night.

While impromptu get-togethers are great, what really makes a great ladies night is a little planning. Here are our tips:
– Choose a consistent night – our group of gets together on the second Thursday of each month
– Make a schedule – at the beginning of the year, assign each lady a month to host. She’s only responsible for her month and can plan the night however she wishes, from food to drinks to even an event
– Invite new friends – have a new neighbor or coworker? Help them meet people by inviting them to come
– Keep it casual – if you can make it great and if not, no big deal

And guys, you can do it too!  Although my husband’s “Man Night” is less frequent and a bit rowdier, it gives him an excuse to go to sporting events or hit up a new brewpub with friends he doesn’t see often.

Do you and your friends have a “Ladies/Man Night”?  Tell us about it!

White & Gold Holiday Theme
And now onto my recent White & Gold Holiday Ladies Night!  Because it was the holidays I got a bit fancier than I usually do.  I carried my metal & wood obsessions into my holiday decor this year and created a white & gold holiday party with touches of fresh greenery.

I fancied up an undecorated fresh wreath with leftover gold ball ornaments and discount gold wire ribbon to greet guests as they arrived.

We sipped on a festive golden Pear Champagne cocktail dotted with pomegranate seeds.  I just mixed organic Pear Nectar and organic Pear Juice, found at Whole Foods with champagne or non-alcoholic pear sparkling cider for the two mom-to-bes.

I served homemade Giada de Laurentiis’ White Bean Dip with gold pita chips and carrots, along with an Apple, Fennel & Parmesan Spinach Salad.  I also made a hearty Rosemary-White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, which was such a crowd-pleaser that I forgot to take pictures!

To add to the winter decor, I took my gold sprayed branches and combined them with some fresh boxwood.  I clipped a few branches of the boxwood into small sprigs and layered them with fake snow into hurricane glasses.

I adorned my chandelier with a combo of sparkly gold ribbon, cheap gold ball ornaments and mercury glass gold balls. Dessert was Martha Stewart Gingerbread Cupcakes with my Eggnog Frosting.  Yum!