As the shorter, darker and colder evenings of winter set in, all of a sudden, the idea of going out doesn’t hold quite the same appeal as it did during the spring and summer months, and the idea of having to brave the rain and wind to socialise with friends is enough to put anyone off in favour of a night in instead.
Holding a social event in the comfort of your own home is a great solution, and will give you the perfect opportunity to get dressed up to the nines and catch up with the people you care about in a warm and dry environment. And if you thought staying in meant compromising on all the lavish ingredients of a luxury night out you love, then think again – because it’s perfectly possible to recreate the same level of glitz and glamour at home, too.
If even the idea of socialising feels a little too much at this time of year and all you’re really craving is a romantic night in for two, then you can do that whilst enjoying just the same level of opulence, too – all it takes is a little planning, and you can bring the evening of your dreams to life.
Here, we take a look at three fabulous ideas for a luxurious night in this winter, with something to suit everyone.
A private casino night
The glamour and excess of a night at a casino is hard to match, but the good news is, you no longer have to visit a prestigious and elegant land-based establishment to enjoy the experience. As they say, staying in is the new going out, and holding a private casino night at home for a select group of friends is the perfect way to get a taste of the high-rolling lifestyle this winter.
For a night of high-stakes entertainment that promises to get everyone into the spirit, transform your home into a high-end casino with lavish decor including plush roll-out carpets, velvet ropes and ambient lighting. You can either rent or purchase high-quality casino tables for favourite games like poker and roulette – the latter coming complete with a life-size wheel – and hire live dealers to give the night an authentic feel, and ensure that champagne and canapes keep flowing throughout the night.
If the idea of hosting a large get together feels overwhelming and you’d rather enjoy an experience just for one or two, then stay in, get cosy and log onto your favourite online casino. The Phone Casino is one of the best digital platforms for online slots in the UK and offers a host of other casino games to try your hand at from the comfort of your sofa – just don’t forget the high-end drinks and snacks.
A cheese and wine evening
If games aren’t your thing and you’re craving a quieter and more intimate gathering with friends, then hosting a cheese and wine night is the perfect solution. Placing a focus on savouring the finer things in life, it’s the perfect way to celebrate and share the fine wines you love, so provide a good mix of reds, whites and sparkling wines and do some research on their perfect matches when it comes to cheese – or better yet, bring in a sommelier to take charge of the evening and share their knowledge for an even more memorable experience. They’ll know exactly how best to pair your wines of choice with a curated selection of artisanal offerings, and will be able to help you create a menu that explains each pairing and highlights the tasting notes to add an educational element to a wonderful evening.
All that’s left for you – or your private waiting staff – to do is serve it all up at an elegantly set table that is decked out with your best china and crystal glassware, then sit back and enjoy.
A high-end movie night
Who said a film night at home had to be boring? If you’re looking for a great way to spend a luxurious evening in for two, then creating a high-end setting and stocking up on decadent snacks is a cosy and romantic way to do just that. If you already have a home cinema room then you’re one step ahead of the game, but if not, then you can easily create the perfect set-up with a large screen or projector, surround sound, and sumptuously comfortable seating. Ambient lighting will go a long way towards setting the mood, and ensuring there are plenty of warm blankets and cushions to hand to snuggle up with will add an extra layer of indulgence and relaxation to the evening. Film-wise, it’s all a matter of taste, but a classic or critically acclaimed film from a genre you both enjoy is a good place to start – or a rom com will work well if you’re really looking to ramp up the romance factor.
Don’t scrimp on the refreshments, either; ensure you have plenty of fine wines and champagne chilled and ready to go – or have fun mixing up some cocktails together in the kitchen before you settle in for the night. For snacks, make up a variety of gourmet popcorns, having fun with ingredients and flavours to create something really unique. Savoury popcorn works well with a sprinkling of chilli powder, a scattering of parmesan or a dash of truffle oil, while a sweeter alternative might incorporate melted chocolate or a caramel drizzle. There are no rules, so get creative and enjoy.
