Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There’s no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com.

The holidays is certainly a time where we can overindulge, whether it’s overspending, overeating, or overstressing. There’s office parties, there’s family get togethers, and there’s outings with your friends. Instead of dealing with the crowds, the portions you can’t finish, and spending a bunch of money you don’t have, consider having a girls night in, centered around drinks and dessert.

Drinks and dessert is a more frugal spin on a holiday party. You can even choose to do it potluck style. Have one girl bring an alcoholic beverage and dessert of their choosing. You can do cake and champagne, cupcakes and wine, pie and martinis, brownies and margaritas, muffins and shots, or combine drinks with dessert with a flavored beer float. Add a romantic comedy and a few games like Dance Central or Zumba for Xbox Kinect and you’re ready to have a blast.

Drink Ideas

  • Stella Rosa (my favorite)
  • Moscato
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Riesling
  • Zinfandel
  • Sparkling Champagne
  • Sex on the Beach
  • Orangelicious Margaritas
  • Appletinis
  • Cosmopolitans
  • Lemon Drop Martinis
  • Electric Lemonades
  • Mojitos
  • Sangria
  • Long Island Iced Teas
  • Daiquiris
  • Mai Tais
  • Coffee liqueurs

Dessert Ideas

  • Gingerbread cookies
  • Sugar cookies
  • Cake pops
  • Coffee cakes
  • Cinnamon muffins
  • Blueberry muffins
  • Peppermint bark
  • Red velvet cupcakes
  • Devil’s Food Cake
  • German Chocolate Cake
  • Coconut Cake
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Lemon Supreme Pie
  • Pound Cake
  • Oatmeal Raisin cookies
  • Caramel Apple cookies
  • Lemon Bars
  • White Chocolate Brownies
The possibilities are endless and the fun won’t stop. If you’re hosting, don’t forget to make a holiday music mix, and think about gifts for the girls. Even a mini gift basket with ingredients for a favorite dessert, the recipe, a gift card, and some wine. I saw some nice wine openers and stoppers at Ross that would make great gifts. You can also buy inexpensive holiday tins for them to take away left over desserts. It’d also be nice to decorate margarita glasses for keepsakes.
I’m curious! What’s your favorite girls night in activities? What are your favorite drink and dessert pairings? What are you doing for your holiday party?

Remember to check out Duncan Hines’ website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.