Easy Yet Elevated Girls Night In Ideas: Pizza, Apps + Hosting Tips
Because pizza night deserves a glow-up.
So you want to host a girls night. You’re craving simple yet memorable, easy yet elevated… you’ve come to the right place, because this is your menu.
A couple nights ago I had a few girlfriends over and we kept the vibe casual with pizza as the main event. But since I can never resist a little extra flair, I elevated the night with some playful apps, a touch of fancy, and a sweet ending.
The Menu ✨
1. Pizza, always.
Order from your favorite local spot. Ours was Desano’s here in Nashville, because sometimes delivery just is the vibe.
2. Nachos… but fancy.
Start with a bag of truffle potato chips (I go for the Trader Joe’s ones). Layer with torn prosciutto, dreamy dollops of crème fraîche, and finish with chives + arugula microgreens. Then the magic: a hot honey drizzle. Serve alongside chilled caviar for anyone who wants to feel extra fancy.
3. Jammy tomatoes over whipped feta.
Spread whipped feta across a pretty platter, then spoon over slow-roasted jammy tomatoes. Scoop up with crisp baguette slices. This combo is chef’s kiss.
4. A crisp little salad.
On theme with the night of being unfussy yet thoughtful, this one is a winner. Butter lettuce with cucumbers tossed in a yogurt-based herby ranch, finished with tangy pickled onions for a fun little pop of crunch and color.
5. Dessert (the low-effort, high-reward kind).
Sometimes the simplest desserts get the biggest smiles—a scoop of gelato in a pretty coupe with a cookie on top is proof. I went with a dairy-free lemon gelato and a little butter cookie on top. I used these little dessert dishes we got as a wedding gift (they’ve quickly become MVPs in my kitchen).
Recipes:
Jammy Tomatoes
1–2 pints cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Smashed garlic cloves (peel on)
Fresh oregano
To do: In a cast iron, toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano. Bake low + slow at 300°F for about 60 minutes. Remove garlic peel and oregano stems, then spoon over whipped feta.
Whipped Feta
8oz feta
2tbsp Greek yogurt
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 garlic clove
2tbsp good olive oil
Honey drizzle
1 tsp chili onion crisp
Fresh cracked pepper
To do: Blend everything in a food processor until smooth. Taste + adjust as you like. Want it brighter? Add more lemon or even a splash of white wine vinegar. Silkier? Add more olive oil. For extra decadence, add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
Baguette Slices
Slice diagonally ½-inch thick
Brush with olive oil
Bake at 425°F for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway through
Truffle Chip “Nachos”
Truffle potato chips
Prosciutto
Crème fraîche
Chives
Arugula microgreens
Hot honey
Caviar (optional, but makes the whole thing feel cheeky and luxe)
Hosting Tips ✨
Mix high + low. Store-bought pizza with a couple homemade sides feels intentional without the stress.
First impressions matter. Have the appetizers out, wine chilled, and candles flickering so the vibe feels special from the moment everyone arrives.
Use your prettiest platters + glassware. Even if it’s just chips and dip, serving it on a pretty plate instantly elevates the night and makes people feel special! Don’t save them for a “special occasion”… this is the special occasion ;)
Drinks: batch it or keep it easy. Either make a pitcher of cocktails like spritzes, margaritas, or sangria, or keep it classic with a red and white wine option. Have the white chilled in a stone wine chiller so it stays cold and looks gorgeous on the table.
Add a playful touch. Conversation cards are an easy way to add a little twist to the evening- silly, thoughtful, or themed to the night.
End on a sweet note. Even the easiest dessert can feel elevated with a little intention- think a scoop of gelato in a coupe glass, a drizzle of caramel, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or a cookie on top. It’s the small touches that people remember!
Ok that’s all for now! An elevated, playful spin on pizza night that feels special without feeling like work.
Who’s hosting next? Be right over!!! ;)
jen x
