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Our Favorite Unconventional Friend Group Night Ideas
- OldeHouseTX
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
While we can argue, a relaxed, traditional night in can be great, sometimes you just find yourself in the mood for something different. Maybe you’re tired of the wine nights, or you’re just looking to switch up your next hangout. Putting on a unique friend night for your crew could just be the scratch for your itch.
Let's get down to our best unconventional friend group night ideas that will get you out of the old routines.
First, Find the Right Spot
Pick a venue that adds some flavor and mystique of it's own to your evening. Hosting at home is fine, but typical, and right now we're talking about unusual.
The easiest way to start is to find a fun and affordable property on Airbnb or VRBO for the night. Try to find a place that has a number of unusual accommodations and amenities on site. Perhaps it's game tables or musical furniture. A large commercially equipped kitchen for cooking/baking time. A place with lots of mysterious rooms for a small murder mystery gathering.
If you’re in Texas, how about staying somewhere with a little extra charm—like a historic Airbnb just outside of Dallas? The Olde House is is the perfect for any theme you may have in mind. And speaking of themes, let’s dive into how to choose the one that’ll make your night truly unforgettable.
Set an Unconventional Theme for the Night
Try ditching the traditional dinner or wine gathering and go for one of these creative out-of-the-box themes.
1. A Killer Murder Mystery Night
If your friend group loves a good board game night, why not take it to the next level with a murder mystery party? Leave the board game Clue at home and instead create your own plot, draw roles from a hat, and let the drama unfold. And, of course, don’t forget the themed decor, snacks, and drinks to make it even more fun!
You can serve up themed cocktails and mocktails like:
Bloody Mary (Vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and celery sticks)
Corpse Reviver No. 2 (Gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe)
The Bees Knees (Gin, honey syrup, and lemon juice)
The Red Herring (Cranberry juice, ginger ale, and a splash of lime served with frozen berries)
Need more help planning your murder mystery night? Check out this step-by-step guide to hosting a murder mystery party that's to “die” for.
2. PowerPoint Party
Hosting a PowerPoint night with friends is one of the easiest (and funniest) ways to switch up your next hangout. Each person puts together a short presentation on literally anything—the crazier, the better. You can go with a theme like conspiracy theories, celebrity hot takes, or “Roast Your Friends” night. Or you can let everyone go rouge and present on whatever chaotic topic stands out to them.
Make it extra fun by having each person bring a snack or drink that matches their presentation. Think: a spicy margarita for someone sharing hot takes, or iced tea names “The Tea I’m About to Spill.”
The best part? This low-key night is easy to pull off. All you need is a laptop, TV, snacks, drinks, and your friends. Could easily become a tradition if you've got quirky friends.
3. Or, Turn the Power Off (An Outage Night)
Go the opposite direction with your plans and turn off the electronics. We're talking no phones, TVs, no internet. Shoot... no lights on in the house. Use faux candlelight, play old school games, tell stories. You'd be surprised how creative your group can get when forced to entertain yourself for an evening.
4. Reading Retreat
For all the bookworms, how about setting up a reading retreat? Whether it's for a weekly book club with everyone reading the same novel, or if you just want a cozy night in with friends curled up reading novels of their choice, this one’s calling your name for your next hangout.
Here's the plan: Bring blankets, extra pillows, slippers, a candle or two and a book that you've been waiting to read. When it comes to snacks think low-key, comforting options like popcorn, chocolate sweets, or pastries. For drinks, offer hot cocoa, decaf coffee, tea, or even a homemade mulled wine.
You could even theme the snacks around the book of the week.
5. Cozy, Nostalgic Pajama Party
Pajama parties aren’t just for kids. Bring the nostalgia back by hosting a throwback PJ-themed night (or a sleepover!) where everyone shows up in their cutest Pajamas. Serve up a brunch-style dinner with mimosas, waffles, and maybe even your favorite childhood cereals. After that, press play on your favorite childhood movies and break out the classic snacks, like popcorn, Gushers, and gummy bears.
As for drinks, make it a challenge for everyone to glow-up their favorite childhood drink. Each person can create adult versions of Capri Sun, Yoo-hoo, or even Kool-Aid.
6. Around the World Night
Have your friends each bring a prepared dish, drink, tradition or game from a different country. Encourage friends to dig in and find some deep cut culture to bring to the evening. Maybe there's a unique pastry or dessert from overseas, or a game found only deep in the culture of a particular region.
We love this one, as it's an opportunity to eat or drink something new and tasty, learn something you can carry with you and to get out of your own shoes for a night and experience life around the world, right from the living room.
Using These Unconventional Friend Group Night Ideas
Planning a memorable friend group night could be the switch-up you're looking for. To make life easier, consider picking a theme, dividing up the tasks, and booking a place to have a night full of fun.
Whether you’re leaning towards a spooky murder mystery, throwing it back with a nostalgic pajama party, or planning any theme you can imagine, let Olde House set the scene—your friends will thank you later! Book now
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