I think this is a great idea. I typically go more to ones with an activity (like board games) because I'm soooo introverted, and the idea of just sitting around talking makes me anxious.
Post by farmvillelover on Feb 24, 2020 0:09:06 GMT -5
My neighbor did one recently and it was awesome. We were asked to bring baggies or tupperware, and an app and/or drink to share. And a snack that we could portion into the baggies for others to take one or two of. I brought chex mix, others brought almonds, popcorn, beet crackers, etc. Specifically, we had to have one protein. So it was easy for the 8 of us to fill these dumb baggies/containers and take home a bunch with us for work/day snacks, and I left with baggies of fun snacks, half of which were thinks like beef jerky.
My favorite podcast recently had a short episode on this: www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy/girlsnight I appreciated her thoughts, especially about who to invite and having a general āgoalā of sorts.
One of my friends recently hosted an accessories swap, similar to what minzy posted. Accessories are great as they fit anyone. I think they started with a guide of 1:1, bring:take, so if you brought 5 things, you could take 5 things. If some brought more than they wanted to take home, others could take more. She said it was a great time.
I think the most important part is to know your audience. Some people love just āhanging outā in comfy clothes, but others prefer to have an activity/purpose for the evening.
One of my friends recently hosted an accessories swap, similar to what minzy posted. Accessories are great as they fit anyone. I think they started with a guide of 1:1, bring:take, so if you brought 5 things, you could take 5 things. If some brought more than they wanted to take home, others could take more. She said it was a great time.
Good point, and my two swaps so far have included accessories so as to be more inclusive - bracelets, scarves, someone brought a purse last time...
Post by sunshine608 on Feb 24, 2020 10:08:51 GMT -5
My friends and I do this often. We have one on Friday.
Sometimes it low key and just bring a dish to share ( the host usually provide the meat- usually its a rotisierre chicken), wine and we chill. I enjoy this best. Sometimes people bring games and those who want to play do and others mingle. We've done self care where people bring nail items, skin masks and we chill doing those.
We've also done clothing swaps where you bring items and we all go through and trade. We've done kids and mama clothes ones.
The most difficult part of this is the policy on children. WE usually do nursing babies only. Someone will always ask or have a an issue. We have a had a few where its okay to bring kids but that's not really a MNI.
We have a neighborhood Mom's group and rotate who hosts every few months. It's usually wine and snacks. Everyone chats and has a good time. If you have a group of people that don't know each other, you might do some kind of icebreaker like a trivia bingo (scatter random facts about different people like "has lived in a different country or owns more than one animal") and then a little prize. It would be a good way to get to know people.
The massage thing would be nice I'm sure, but I don't think it's necessary at all.
A few of us do this a lot - sometimes the kids go home from school together all to the one house, and then the moms come over after work to hang out until its time to take the kids home. Not so much of a MNI if the kids are there, I guess, but they always keep to their rooms or the play room, so it's still a good night. Whether the kids are around or not, it's usually pretty organic - we bring drinks and snacks, and end up playing games or just chatting. Sometimes we have nail stuff out and all do our own/each other's nails, sometimes someone will bring over some stuff we're looking to unload to see if anyone else can use it (I always do this after christmas with stocking stuffers that I have no use for).
Definitely put something together! If the women you're inviting don't all know each other, I think the idea of a casual activity is great. Gift or re-gift swaps are always fun, game night, meal/snack prepping, etc.
I am very social and live in a community with other social mums so we do this a lot. WE often do wine playdates on a friday after school/work so that we get to socialise with other adults witout having to figure out child care. There is a core group of 3 of us and then we always try and invite others - some people come often, some don't.
WE are actually doing this this evening - the core of 3, one who is fairly regular, one who has come before and one new person - are getting together t play cards at my house.