Do you need to turn a new page on your decades-old book club? Have your wine tasting excursions included a little too much whining and not enough dining? Just as your kids’ parties need to keep up with trends (and age-appropriate interests) so too must your own gal pal parties and girls nights out on the town. Here are five new ideas to help you and your besties make the most of your GNOs!
Paint and Sip Picture this: It's Friday night and you've got a paintbrush in one hand and a glass of wine in the other, chatting with gal pals, sipping on your favorite vintage, while creating your own personal masterpiece. After a week of carpooling and keeping up with the kiddos, moms are hitting these adult-focused art studios- hard. We've got a few spots to choose from. Uptown Art in Westwood is a brand new BYOB spot for painting where the only request is to come ready for fun. Themed projects re-create licensed work from actual artists and private parties (a minimum of 10pp) are given their own room to work in, for a more intimate vibe (prices start at $35 for a 2hr session). At Pinot's Palette in Ridgewood, groups under 12 can reserve spots at long communal tables to paint modern-takes on classics like "On this Winter's Night" and "Moonlit Van Gogh" while larger groups can reserve as a private party (prices start at $35/pp for a 2hr session). Watch for new studios in Englewood and Glen Rock soon.
Murder Mystery Night Does an evening of theater sound good? Take it up a notch at The Murder Mystery Co's Interactive Dinner Theater Show where diners become part of the cast as they try to solve an alleged murder over dinner with pals. Costumes and characters will have you and your pals giggling during the two hour "show" put on by trained actors who work out of locations in Wayne and Jersey City, larger groups can book private parties and choose from fun themes like "Totally 80s, Totally Murder" and "Murder at the Masquerade" (tickets start at $30/pp and include a 3 course dinner, drinks are available to purchase).
Sweet Idea If chocolate + wine + conversation with your besties is your formula for the perfect evening, head over to Chocolateworks in Fair Lawn and play chocolatier for the night. Craft personalized sweet treats out of their artisinal chocolate at Chocolateworks adults-only chocolate workshop where wine is welcomed and leave with treats to spare for the kiddos (parties start at $400 for 2 hours).
Beauty and Your Pals Let's face it, in your 40s, running around town "makeup free" may not be the best idea. So why not learn a few tricks of the trade with your best friends in tow? Expert Makeup Artist Ashley K from Muah Makeup Bar in Westwood hosts a "Ladies Night In" makeup class that includes a Makeup Lesson on how to create your desired look plus your choice of drink. After an hour at the bar you'll be on your way with a buzz and a great contour (prices start at $45/pp and include snacks and beverage).
Bottles of Fun Instead of bringing the wine to the party, make and bottle your own vintage at Your Own Winery's Girls Night Out. Choose from over 50 great wines, develop your wine, bottle it and then make your own custom labels (parties start at $225 with a maximum of 6 people).
