Girlies’ Day Out Party: Decor, Food and Favors for an Afternoon with Friends

Picture a long table set with pastel linens, mismatched vintage plates, jars of fresh flowers and a pretty banner strung across the back. That is the feel of a girlies’ day out: a relaxed afternoon party for friends, sisters, moms and daughters, where everything looks lovely but nothing needs fuss.

Here is how to put the party together in three pieces: decor, food, and activities with favors.

Decor

Choose a palette of two or three colors and repeat it everywhere. Soft pink, cream and gold is a classic mix. Mint and coral feel fresher for spring.

• Banner: Cut pennant shapes from cardstock or scrapbook paper, punch two holes in each and thread them onto ribbon or baker’s twine.
• Table: Use a plain cloth or a roll of kraft paper, then layer on a runner of lace or tulle. Mix cake stands, trays and small boxes to give the food different heights.
• Flowers: Put short bunches in mason jars, teacups or small vases. Low arrangements keep guests able to see each other across the table.
• Details: Paper fans, tissue pom-poms and a few ribbon streamers add color without costing much.

Food

Keep the menu to bite-size foods that people can eat while chatting. A mix of sweet and savory looks generous without much cooking.

• Small sandwiches cut into triangles or rounds, such as cucumber with cream cheese or chicken salad.
• A fruit platter or skewers with a bowl of vanilla yogurt for dipping.
• Mini cupcakes, sugar cookies or macarons in the party colors.
• Lemonade, iced tea or a pitcher of water with sliced berries and citrus.

Handwritten tent cards in front of each dish help guests find what they like. They also let you flag any ingredients, such as nuts, that someone may need to avoid.

Activities and Favors

An afternoon like this doesn’t need a strict schedule. Set up one or two easy stations and let people drift between them.

• Photo corner: Hang a fabric or paper backdrop and add a basket of props such as oversized sunglasses, paper flowers and feather boas.
• Mini craft table: Guests can decorate a plain tote, stamp a notecard or make a ribbon bracelet.
• Nail color swap: Everyone brings a bottle of polish they no longer use and trades with a friend.

For favors, think small and useful: a bath fizzy, lip balm, a hair bow or a sweet treat wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon. Add a tag with a short thank-you note in the party colors. Stack the favors in a basket by the door so guests can take one on the way out.

Planning Tips

Make the banner, tags and favors a few days ahead. Bake cupcakes or cookies the day before, then assemble sandwiches and arrange flowers on the morning of the party. Allow about an hour for setting the table so you can enjoy the first guests.

FAQ

How many guests suit a girlies’ day out party?

Six to twelve guests works well. That is enough for lively conversation, and everyone can still fit around one table.

What time of day works best?

Late morning through mid-afternoon suits a tea-style menu, because guests can graze on light food instead of needing a full meal.