Master Your Girls Night In with Easy Meal & Drink Recipes For A Memorable Ladies Night!

• Get Started With These Easy to Make Appetizers

Knowing what appetizers to serve and which drink to pair them with can be tricky. To make it easier, we've put together a list of amazing appetizers to get you started and some great suggestions for pairing them with the perfect drink on this fun ladies night. 

Start with something light and flavorful, like bruschetta. Buy a thick slab of crusty bread and top it with a mixture of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. Furthermore, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and you have an incredibly simple and flavorful snack. You can watch this tutorial if you need to see a simple-to-do recipe! Pair this awesome italian appetizer with a dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to bring out the flavors of the tomatoes and basil. A cold sparkling water with a splash of fresh citrus will also add a delightful touch of tartness to the dish. For those looking to add a bit of spice to their appetizer, a fiery margarita is an excellent choice.

Get started with these delicious ideas, and you won't go wrong. Your ladies night-in will be off to a great start. 

 

• Make Some Festive and Easy Main Dishes

When planning your menu, the key is to select dishes that are full of flavor yet easy to make. With delicious main courses and perfect wine pairings set up prior to your ladies night, you and your girlfriends will have a chance to gather around the table with ease and fun. Take advantage of these ladies’ night ideas and easy meals!

 

1. Charcuterie & Cheese Platter with Focaccia Bread and a Bottle of a red wine blend

YES! Charcuterie, cheese and bread is the easiest main course dish! Gather an assortment of meats, cheeses, olives and crackers and serve with some fresh focaccia bread. When it comes to charcuterie, presentation is key. Use colorful fruits and vegetables to differentiate between items on the board, and make sure to include a variety of flavors. For example, pair a sharp cheddar with a milder Brie, or a sweet fruit with a salty cheese. This will ensure that your guests are satisfied – both in presentation and in taste.

 

In the words of celebrity chef Ted Allen, “Assemble your board with care and with intention. Your guests will appreciate the thought and effort you put into their culinary experience.” 

 

Whether you’re serving beer, wine, or a signature cocktail, make sure that your selection complements the flavors of the board. Moreover, subtle, fruity flavors work well with a cheese plate, while an earthy, peppery charcuterie board benefits from a dry red or robust white. This easy to make and fun main course can be enjoyed with a fruit-forward, red wine blend, for example. We recommend you follow our friends from Chef Rosana  and Graze Montana for Inspo or watch this Tutorial video to make a fab Charcuterie Board! If you need help with this, you can always contact us and we’ll be happy to send you the best Charcuterie!

 

Rosana Rivera Charcuterie Board

 

2. One of Our Favorite Easy To Make Meals - Parmesan and Herb Crusted Baked Salmon with a Bottle of Sauvignon Blanc

 

Prepare a parmesan and herb crust for baked salmon, and serve with a side of roasted vegetables. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and vitamins, salmon is one of the healthiest seafood choices you can make. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make, with its subtly sweet flavor providing a delicious background for a variety of accompaniments. Watch this tutorial if you want to learn this recipe. 

Complement the dish with a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. You can even stir up a batch of classic gin and tonics.

 

 

3. Boursin Chicken Main Course Meal, Easy to Make and Fun To Say

This easy and elegant dish combines creamy boursin cheese with boneless skinless chicken breasts and is the perfect combination of flavors; the garlic and herb-infused Boursin cheese coats the chicken as it cooks, resulting in a succulent and flavorful meal. Furthermore, by adding a side of creamy mashed potatoes and a crisp side salad, you'll have a delicious meal that isn’t too fussy and perfect for your ladies night. Go to the recipe here.

 

When pairing Boursin Chicken, you’ll want to choose a wine that will stand up to the creamy richness of the cheese. Chardonnay or an aromatic, fruit driven wine make delightful accompaniments, or you may want to opt for a red wine blend for a slightly more robust flavor.

 

Beer drinkers can enjoy craft brews for this meal, such as a Belgian witbier or a light India pale ale bring a hint of citrus that will balance the creaminess of the cheese, while a maltier stout will provide a depth of flavor.

 

 

4. Rigatoni alla Puttanesca, Easy Meal That Will Make You Look Like A Pro In The Kitchen.

This classic Italian dinner is flavorful and spicy. Legend has it that this dish was first concocted by the ladies of the evening in Naples in the 19th century, hence its risque name – 'puttanesca' being Italian for 'of the lady of the night.' Therefore, it wasn't long until the dish spread far and wide, becoming a favorite of Italian home cooks and chefs alike. Today, Rigatoni alla Puttanesca can be found on the menu of Italian restaurants around the world. It's a hearty dish that's sure to leave you asking for more. Moreover, when paired with an ice-cold drink like a bright, fruity Rosé, the flavors take on an entirely new level of complexity. Get the recipe here! 

 

 

5. The Easy and Always Perfect Home Cooking Dish - Garlic & Rosemary Roasted Beef Tenderloin

Roast a beef tenderloin with garlic and rosemary and simply serve it with your favorite side dishes. This classic dish is the epitome of elegance and sophistication without too much fuss, making it the perfect centerpiece for your special event. See the recipe here!

There’s a certain celebratory feel to pairing your meal with drinks, and not just any drinks. We recommend a beautiful, complex undertones of a good red wine. We suggest a deep, bold and tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. The rich flavor of the tenderloin is balanced out by the smooth, sweet and creamy notes of a white wine, while the herbal scents and flavors of the roasted beef are complemented to perfection by a light beer or cider. As well, you can opt for something with a bit more gusto, like a spicy Bloody Mary or a dry martini.

 

 

• Don’t Forget the Side Dishes!

Give your ladies  night a memorable upgrade with side dishes that are just as EASY to create. 

-Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap spears of asparagus with a few slices of prosciutto. Place on a baking sheet with olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 375 F for 15-20 minutes until crispy. 

 

-Garlicky Roasted Potatoes: Cut up potatoes into wedges and place in a bowl. Toss with olive oil, garlic salt, garlic powder, and freshly chopped garlic. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy. 

 

Wine Pairing 

 

-Grilled Chicken & Halloumi Skewers: A light- to medium-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. 

 

-Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus: A light-bodied white wine such as Pinot Grigio. 

-Garlicky Roasted Potatoes: A fuller-bodied white wine such as a Grenache Blanc.

 

• Ladies Night Approved Dessert at Home 

 

Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering with a few friends or a larger gathering with lots of bubbly, we’ve got you covered with these delectable easy recipes and wine pairings for drinks.

 

1. Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Rosé

 

It’s hard to resist the sweet taste of juicy strawberries coated in scrumptious melted chocolate. This classic dessert pairs perfectly with a sparkling rosé that adds a little sophistication to the evening.

 

2. Chocolate Brownies and Malbec

 

These melt-in-your-mouth brownies are best enjoyed with a glass of Malbec. The bold flavors of this Argentine wine compliment the soft chocolatey goodness of the brownies.

 

3. Apple Crumble and Chardonnay

 

This traditional comfort food is the perfect finale to any evening. Enjoy it with a glass of Chardonnay, which has bright, fruity notes that bring out the flavor of the apples and cinnamon.

Need a bit more help? You could always consult the experts! One of our Winethropists™ can help you pick the perfect wine for your dessert and for the whole night! Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you!

 

 

Hosting a special girls night in with these ladies night ideas is the perfect way to show your girlfriends how much you appreciate them. Not only do the easy recipes and drinks provide delicious treats, they also represent a unique opportunity to celebrate the beauty and strength of femininity. With International Women’s Day on the horizon, let’s recognize the achievements of all the remarkable women in our lives. Let’s not only stay connected with each other, but also take moments of joy to reconnect with ourselves. So, grab your friends, your favorite recipes, and a few drinks, and make it a night to remember! As American journalist Margaret Laurence said, “Women's friendship is like a sheltering tree.” 

 

We would love to hear from you! What are your favorite recipes to make for a girls’ night in? Share your favorite meals and drinks in the comments section below!