An Escape With The Greater Boston Gala Girls

It always seems like a good idea – have the ladies over for drinks and appetizers on a weeknight and take a break from life’s hectic schedule.

The problem is no one wants to spend the money, plan the menu and take the time to entertain because the task seems so daunting especially with work and kids.

Not so, according to a local group of friends who have launched a website specifically targeting busy moms who want to party.

Westwood Patch caught up with nearby Dedham resident Alex Shumway from The Greater Boston Gala Girls for tips on how to pull off a “ladies night in” without slaving over the stove and breaking the bank.

Firstly, the key to a successful soiree is a signature cocktail it signals to guests that it’s not an ordinary night with a bottle of chardonnay and block of cheese, said Shumway.

“If you are going to make an event of it, lift it up with a signature cocktail, maybe something pink for spring,” said Shumway.

Ditch the pans and pass on a full-course dinner. Decide on two-make-ahead appetizers that you can whip together the night before or the morning of the party, said Shumway.

“The thought of going to someone’s house for dinner after work makes me want to put my head down and fall asleep,” said Shumway.

On top of making the preparation easier, serving appetizers allows you to control spending.

Next, set the atmosphere by choosing a theme or color palette, in February you can throw an Oscar-themed soiree, in October an orange and black party for Halloween. Pick up flowers at Costco, pull out your dusty Waterford glasses and decorate the room with tea lights, said Shumway. Then, make a soundtrack on your Ipod to set the mood, such as songs with “mom” in the title for Mother’s Day, and then give it to your guests as a party favor.

Lastly, shake things up with a game, said Shumway.

“We may have left college behind but everyone loves a drinking game,” said Shumway. “If you have nine friends over that may not know each other well a game is a great way to get things going.”

For more tips and to watch the gala girls videos on entertaining, visit GreaterBostonGalaGirls.com.