A Guide To The Perfect Night In

Whether you’re preparing for an evening with friends, family, your partner or on your own, there are plenty of things to do.

It doesn’t matter if you’re getting the girls round for a movie night and face masks, or if friends are coming over to watch the footie with beers and pizza, it’s always exciting to turn the evening into something unexpected.

For a girly night, create small gift bags to hand out and include a scented candle, some sweets and a face mask. If you want something chilled, try creating your own afternoon tea with homemade cakes, pastries and sandwiches. At Sinclairs we have a selection of modern and vibrant tableware to create the perfect afternoon tea setting.

If you’re planning a lad’s night in serve up pizza or finger food such as chicken wings and sticky ribs. For a mixed group, there are plenty of options, wine and cheese night is always a winner, as is serving up vodka shots with appetisers. Russian drinkers refer to appetisers as "zakuski" and it is considered traditional to snack between each sip. Common zakuski include quiche, smoked fish, spicy sausage, olives, and cucumbers.

For a last minute get together, keep it simple by serving gin & tonics or refreshing drinks with summer fruits.

As with a night in for friends, wine and cheese are sure to be a hit. Buy a selection of cheeses for guests to help themselves to. Include an unusual flavour as well as traditional cheeses such as cheddar or Red Leicester. Pick up plenty of crackers and some additional cold food options such as pork pies, a selection of cold meats, chutneys, olives and pâté.

If you’re planning a night in to spend quality time with your own family and want some entertainment for the kids, how about playing some games and enjoying a home cooked family favourite – and don’t forget the dessert! It’s common to plan the perfect family night in during the festive season and watch our favourite Christmas movies with minced pies and other festive delights, but this is something that can be done all year round.

Sometimes, you want to spend a night in with your partner and enjoy some quality time together, relaxing with a movie and bottle of bubbly or romantic dinner for two.

Only you will know the type of evening to plan, but if you want to show them how much they mean to you plan a surprise night in and cook a 3-course meal of their favourite foods or order their favourite takeaway.

If you want to set a relaxing mood, invest in some luxury scented candles. Scatter the candles around the home, have a candlelit dinner and a relaxing bath. As far as romance goes, little things can go a long way. You don’t have to splash out on expensive gifts or dinner in a fancy restaurant to show someone how much they mean to you. Planning the perfect night in can be a priceless way to show them.