Creating a Quick and Easy Friends Night In

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #ServeWithACoke #CollectiveBias

When my kids were younger I found myself staying in more managing bedtimes, mealtimes, and naptimes. I swore when my kids were older there would be more time for me to spend with my friends. I would make it happen.

Then my kids got older and those bedtimes and naptimes were replaced with playdates, sports, and other activities. Assessing the future was not my strong suit at the time.

I’ve since discovered more creativity is needed to incorporate social time with my own friends that doesn’t revolve around the kids. Sometimes I just need to take off the mom hat for a while.

The best time to sneak in some social time with friends is when the kids are having a sleepover at a friend or relative’s house.

Here’s how I create a fun friends night in that’s quick and easy to put together, even on short notice.

Friends Night In

Food

As much as I love spending time in the kitchen preparing an awesome meal for my guests there’s not always time to get it all done. Speed up the food prep by taking advantage of the Coca-Cola™ Meals at Hy-Vee.

Two medium two-topping pizzas, five breadsticks, and a two Liter Coca-Cola for just $24.99. This is the perfect way to give your friends a quick and easy dinner so you can spend your time having fun rather than rushing around the kitchen.

Conversation

During dinner, it’s the perfect time to catch up with friends, especially if you haven’t seen them for awhile. Between bites of pizza and sips of Coca-Cola start up some conversation with these fun prompts.

Topics range from finding out what everyone has been up to over the past year to memories from high school. Click on the image below and print out the pdf on cardstock then just cut them apart. Another quick to put together activity for your friends night in.

Movies

If your crowd is the movie watching type, you might opt for dinner and a movie. Just another reason pizza, breadsticks and Coca-Cola from Hy-Vee are a great idea. It’s an easy meal to share while watching your favorite movie, or checking out a new release with friends.

With the kids hanging out with their own friends, this also means you don’t have to be quite as careful with which titles you’re watching. Feel free to relax and watch whatever you want.

Games

It doesn’t matter if you like video games, card games, yard games, or board games. Games are always a good choice when spending time with friends. Lots of laughter and friendly competition are sure to help you make some memorable moments with your chosen family. Plus, most games are easy to set up, so it’s another great way to get the party started sooner.

Photos

Fun with photos isn’t just for the kids. There are a ton of ways you can set up some fun photos with friends. Put up a simple backdrop and grab some of your kids dress up clothes or Halloween costumes or accessories, and have fun getting goofy. If you’re as busy as we are, letting loose and having fun will be a much-needed experience.

If you have a little more time to prepare do an online search for some funny photos, print them out, then challenge your friends to recreate those photos. You’ll have the proof of your antics for years to come, and some more great stories to reminisce about at future friends nights.

Coca-Cola Meals at Hy-Vee

Making memories with your friends doesn’t have to cost you a lot of time and money. It’s the quality time together that matters. Take a break, send the kids to their friend’s house for the night (you can always offer to return the favor for them!), and invite some of your own friends over for a fun-filled night of hanging out.

Coca-Cola Meals at Hy-Vee make setting up your quality time easy. Don’t worry about what to serve your guests, let Hy-Vee take care of it for you.

How will you make your friends night in memorable?