How To Throw A Girls' Night, Based On Your Favorite Rom-Com

If you’re in desperate need of a girls’ night in, we’ve got your back. With a little bit of planning, you can throw a girls' night that’s so much more than just nail painting and a chick flick (as awesome as that combo is). A girls' night based on a beloved rom-com is sure to be a night to remember.

We’re here to help you figure out your night from start to finish. With recipes that are on theme, music playlists, and decor recommendations, you’ll have the basics covered. All that’s missing will be a group of girlfriends to bring the fun!

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How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

He needs to make a woman fall in love with him by the night of the work party to win a bet, and she has 10 days to make a man break up with her for an article she’s writing. What could go wrong? A lot, but you’ll swoon over this cult favorite starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. 

Recipes

Easy Gyros

Why not have some delicious lamb gyros in honor of the cherry-glazed rack of lamb Ben made Andie? You know, the one she didn’t eat because she was pretending to be vegetarian.

Dirty Diet Coke

Andie made Ben leave the Knicks’ game at crucial moments to get her a Coke, then to exchange it for diet, and finally to miss the game-ending play for one without ice. If that’s not a dirty diet coke, we don’t know what is. 

Lemon Cupcakes

Frost yourself! And some scrumptious lemon cupcakes. It wouldn’t be a girls’ night without a sweet treat, and these are sure to fit the bill. 

Playlists

The soundtrack for this movie was pretty darn great. But whether you choose to go with that or an inspired Spotify playlist that includes hits by Taylor Swift and others meant to capture the vibe, be sure to sing Carly Simon’s “You're So Vain” loud and proud. After all, by the end of the movie, you’ll all probably be wishing you’d be Ben’s partner. 

Decor

New York City Paper Plates, $21

The movie is set in the Big Apple. So why not lean into that with some New York City inspired paper plates for serving?

Andie Anderson works for the fastest growing women’s magazine in the country, Composure. Take a page from her book, or magazine rather, and have some women’s magazines on a wall or space them out on a table as part of your decor for the night. 

The Proposal

“Why are you out of breath?” From laughing too hard at The Proposal. You’re sure to love this rom-com starring Ryan Renolds and Sandra Bullock where the latter forces her assistant to marry her so she isn’t deported to Canada. 

Recipes

Panko Crusted Salmon

You’re going to need a dish fit to be served at Andrew’s family party in Alaska, so only the best will do. Ina Garten’s panko-crusted salmon is fit for the job. 

Brownie Baked Alaska

What better fits the theme of The Proposal than a baked Alaska? Considering Alaska is right there in the name, it’s a perfect tribute to the place where Margaret and Andrew’s love story develops. Plus, all of your guests will be incredibly impressed. 

Authentic Canadian Poutine

And to celebrate the transnational marriage, you might consider serving a Canadian dish to represent Margaret. After all, if there’s a girls’ night happening, french fries should always make an appearance. 

Playlists

We can’t all be great singers; Andrew and Margaret most certainly were not, but that doesn’t mean you can’t belt out the lyrics to “It Takes Two” with gusto like they did. Don’t worry there’s already a Spotify playlist ready for you. Get singing!

Decor

Marry Me Engagement I Love You Heart Bunting Banner, $4

What better decoration for a party for The Proposal than a banner that says “marry me”? You could put it in a spot for taking photos or even just hang it above the TV if you wanted. 

Way to Celebrate Artificial Rose Petals, 250 Count, $5

Lean into the romantic theme with some artificial rose petals scattered over your table. It will make a great addition to your tablescape with any food you’re serving that night. 

Pride & Prejudice

Movies based on books rarely do the story they portray on screen justice. Thankfully, that is not the case with the classic Regency romance Pride and Prejudice. There’s a reason why this classic chick flick has a cult following. 

Recipes

English Tea Sandwiches

To make you feel like you’re sitting in the English countryside gossiping with other ladies of high society, tea sandwiches are going to be essential. Plus, you can have lots of different flavors to satisfy everyone’s taste. 

English Trifle

And the perfect sweet to follow up your tea sandwiches? English trifle, of course! The fruity flavor and all the heavy whipping cream are heaven sent. We’re certain even Mr. Darcy himself would approve. 

Playlists

Pride and Prejudice might have one of the most iconic soundtracks of all time. But if you want something a little different, there are plenty of inspired-by instrumental playlists and even some that have love songs evoking the themes of the classic book and film. For an activity, you could have everyone take a turn walking to the song where Mr. Darcy emerges from the fog. 

Decor

4 Pack 3D Heart Garland Vintage Pages, $13

Celebrate your favorite book turned movie with a darling garland of heart cutouts of vintage pages. It’s sure to give the cozy vibe you’re looking for for the night. 

Aurora Candlestick, $20

Enjoy your evening by candlelight with this stunning gold colored candlestick. 

27 Dresses

Always a bridesmaid, never the bride. It’s a tale as old as time, but 27 Dresses makes it feel new again with Katherine Heigl starring alongside James Madsen. Just don’t be surprised when you catch yourself singing “Bennie and the Jets” the next day. 

Recipes

Simple Homemade Wedding Cake

There would be no better choice for a viewing of 27 Dresses than wedding cake! I know it sounds intimidating, but since it’s a party it doesn’t have to be decorated to perfection, but it is sure to impress. And it will fit the theme perfectly. 

French Toast Casserole

Not up for making a wedding cake? What about some french toast casserole instead? After all, it was breakfast time when Jane storms out of the diner after learning Kevin wrote an article about her. 

Playlists

The original soundtrack begins with “A Perfect Wedding Day.” What could be more perfect for a rom-com night? But then again, this Spotify playlist captures the mood perfectly with everything from “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John to Taylor Swift’s “Paper Rings.” 

Decor

Gadpiparty 12pcs Doll Dress Form, $20

Mini mannequins are the perfect connection to your 27 Dresses themed party. You have to have somewhere to put all those bridesmaids dresses, right? 

For this party, why not provide the decor yourselves? Have all of your friends come in a bridesmaid dress they wore to get the full effect. Bonus points if you invite 27 ladies to join you!

13 Going on 30 

13 Going on 30 is about as wholesome as it gets. Whether it will leave you wishing to be 13, 30, or your own age remains to be seen, but it will definitely make for a fun girls’ night. 

Recipes

Pigs in a Blanket

This classic party food makes an appearance in the movie, so be sure to serve pigs in a blanket at your own viewing of it. 

Razzles, $13

Alright, so this one technically won’t require any cooking on your part, but you couldn’t possibly throw a 13 Going on 30 party and not have Razzles. 

Playlists

This Spotify playlist entitled “Jenna Rink Era” is sure to get your party going. It has songs that capture the teenage spirit and remind you of what it feels like to be 13. 

Decor

30 Flirty & Thriving Banner, $8

You can’t have a 13 Going on 30 party without having some decorations for a 30th birthday party.

Miniature Wooden Pink Dollhouse, $12

Bring the movie to life with a pink dollhouse of your very own! If you don’t have an old one around somewhere and can’t borrow one, pick up this one from Walmart instead. 

You’ve Got Mail

From when homes still had computer rooms and dial-up… You’ve Got Mail, in some ways, might be from a simpler time, but this classic with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks is sure to leave you with all the warm fuzzies. 

Recipes

Black and White Cookies

Black and white cookies are a New York staple. And when it’s so hard not to eat more than one, don’t be surprised when they’re gone before the credits roll. 

Homemade Crispy Seasoned French Fries

This movie really does give you that Americana feeling, so why not serve up something super American? “French” fries are arguably more American then they are French. Plus, since they only take 25 minutes to make, you can have them ready in a pinch!

Cheeseburger Sliders

You aren’t going to get filled up on just fries and cookies. At least, not without a serious stomach ache, so for another easy Americana party food, make these cheeseburger sliders that will have everyone begging for your recipe. 

Playlists

When a movie soundtrack features both Carole King and Stevie Wonder, you know it’s good. That said, this Spotify playlist is meant to make you feel like it’s autumn and you’re in New York City, or in other words, it’s perfect for a You’ve Got Mail party. 

Decor

Mixed Artificial Fall Leaves, $6

Lean into that fall feeling with some fake leaves, or real ones if it happens to be that time of year. You can scatter these on the table where you set out the food with some candles to set the mood. 

Michael’s White Daisy Bush by Ashland, $2

Joe famously brings Kathleen daisies, thus a You’ve Got Mail themed party would truly be incomplete without some. If you can’t find real ones, these artificial ones from Michael’s will get the job done nicely. 

To All the Boys I’ve  Loved Before

In arguably the most iconic rom-com from recent years, Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky fake a relationship only to discover their true feelings in an adorable high school-themed romance. 

Recipes

Reeses’ Peanut Butter Cupcakes

Lara Jean is a bonafide baker and makes some seriously good chocolate peanut butter cupcakes. You’d be remiss not to make these. We recommend setting a chocolate peanut butter cup on top for added flair. 

Yakult Light Nonfat Probiotic Drink

This won’t require you to do any actual cooking, but the Korean yogurt that Kitty offers to Peter when he is driving them to school should definitely be at any To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before watch party. 

Playlists

There isn’t an album for the soundtrack of the original movie, but its sequel P.S. I Still Love You has one that will definitely set the tone for your party. But if you aren’t feeling that one, this Spotify inspired playlist should get the job done. 

Decor

Floral Fabric Bunting Banner, $10

Lara Jean is definitely a girly girl. This banner with soft floral fabric is surely a decor choice she would approve of.

Clueless

You didn’t think we were going to forget to include Clueless, did you? As if! This classic ‘90s rom-com has a special place in our hearts and makes for a great girls’ night.

Recipes

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

“Whenever a boy comes, you should have something baking.” Just…maybe don’t forget that you have it in the oven. And we can definitely do better than her unsliced log of cookie dough. This recipe for chocolate chip cookies is my personal favorite. It’s tried and true, so rest assured these cookies (unlike Cher’s) will turn out. 

Special K, $4

Cher famously had only eaten two bowls of special K, turkey bacon, licorice, popcorn, and peanut butter M&Ms. So why not serve her favorite cereal of choice for a late night snack at your girls night?

Playlists

It doesn’t get much more iconic than the soundtrack for this movie, particularly the song “Rolling With My Homies.” Then again, this Spotify playlist featuring Madonna, Blondie, and Cyndi Lauper is a guarantee for a good time too.

Decor

Rollin’ With My Homies Banner, $10

We can already see everyone lining up to take pictures together underneath its banner. Plus, you’ve got a great Instagram caption, no thought required. 

Inflatable Phone, 4 Pack, $17

Embrace the ‘90s technology with inflatable phones!

Princess Diaries 2

Princess Diaries 2 is a sequel that actually lives up to its predecessor. You’ll love Anne Hathaway in this one just as much as you do in the first, and will swoon over Chris Pine as Nicholas Deveraux. 

Recipes

Best Homemade Pizza

This is a reference to the first movie, but the “sorry pizza” is so iconic you have to include it. Start with some homemade pizza, or order one from your local shop if you aren’t that ambitious, and spell out sorry with M&Ms after it's done cooking for the full effect. (Don’t worry, you can take them off once you’re ready to eat.)

Homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Mia Thermopolis is a lover of ice cream, and that’s all the excuse we need to dish out. If you really want to impress, make your own. But if you decide to skip the extra effort in favor of buying some from your favorite brand, we won’t judge, and we don’t think the queen herself will either. 

Playlists

This original soundtrack is worth a listen if only to hear Julie Andrews singing “Your Crowning Glory.” If you want more, try this playlist full of popular teen songs from the early 2000s when Princess Diaries first came out. 

Decor

Plastic Pink Tablecloth, 3 Pack, $10

To start off, a movie like Princess Diaries truly calls for a pink tablecloth to set the scene. You can really go to town by adding some silver confetti or anything sparkly you have on hand or find at your local craft store.

Plastic Tiaras For Princess Party, 12 Pack, $16

Not only will these tiaras look cute set out on the table by the food, but they also double as a fun dress-up option for the night. 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is truly a timeless classic. It’s perhaps Audrey Hepburn’s most recognizable movie, and the love story between Paul Varjak and Holly Golightly will make you want to watch this movie again and again. 

Recipes

Croissants

This baking project is definitely not for the faint of heart, so keep in mind that the bakery is always an option. But then again, who doesn’t want to know how to make croissants from scratch? I sure do! And after all, a Breakfast at Tiffany’s party wouldn’t be complete without Holly Golightly’s breakfast of choice.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

And what goes better with croissants than a warm glass of cocoa? This is the perfect addition to your cozy girls’ night, and we promise it’ll be worth the trouble to make it instead of using a mix. 

Playlists

It just doesn’t get better than “Moon River,” and really the entire soundtrack of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or you could try out this playlist of ‘50s and ‘60s songs to set the mood. 

Decor

Teal Blue Silver Balloon Kit, $9

You can’t have a Breakfast at Tiffany’s party without something in Tiffany blue. Why not some balloons? Whether you make an arch, hang them somewhere, or just have them floating around, they will add the pop of color you need. 

Mint Green Artificial Roses, 15 Count, $15

Or if florals are more your style, why not use these artificial teal roses to incorporate the Tiffany blue?

Leap Year

There had to be an enemies-to-lovers trope included here somewhere. The only thing that could make that trope more fun is adding an Irish twist to it. Enter Leap Year.

Recipes

Irish Nachos

The movie is set in Ireland, but if you aren’t going to go full-on corned beef and cabbage (which would actually be delicious, by the way), why not serve up some Irish nachos instead? Perfect for munching during this hilarious rom-com. 

Corned Beef and Cabbage Cheese Quesadillas

Or try a fun twist on the traditional corned beef and cabbage. In the form of a quesadilla, it makes the perfect food for a movie night!

Playlists

Randy Edelman did the entire soundtrack for Leap Year that will have you seeing the corresponding scenes play out in your head if you’ve seen the film before. 

Decor

Way to Celebrate Lime Green Party Crepe Streamer, $1

Streamers will instantly make your place look festive for little cost. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck if you go this route. The only other thing you need is some tape!

Green Paper Leaf Garland Backdrop, $13

If you’re willing to spend a little more on your decor and want something more elegant, try this leaf garland. It will bring a sense of springtime into your home. 

Closing Thoughts

We all need a girls' night sometimes. And a movie with some popcorn and pajamas is always great, but it can be fun to shake things up a bit and really go all out planning your party. With the application of a few simple ideas, you can quickly make it a night to remember for everyone you invite. 

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