As part of my “Youthful New Year” campaign I set about planning the ultimate girls weekend movie marathon. Invite some friends round, play some movies.

What could be simpler right? There is a whole host of chick-flicks to choose from, almost too many to make sense of and I’m promising the ultimate experience. I’m starting to feel the pressure.

The idea is to be casual and not too expensive. I struggle with both of these concepts, surely this is a genuine occasion to hire that frozen margarita machine and professional AV equipment. Maybe I could hire a theatre. Maybe I could hire professional caterers to peel grapes and put vol-au-vents directly into my mouth. No. No equipment hire, no OTT decorations, no becoming an elaborate event.

So I invite ten gal-pals to my place. The only complication with that is some minor furniture adjustments are needed so we all fit. The simple solution is for everyone to bring a cushion or pillow. That way if you’re not on the couch you’re not suffering on cement.

In line with the casual and affordable theme all guests were asked to bring their favourite snack. A brave move for any hostess because you run the risk of being greeted with 10 packets of Doritos or Aussie gold brie (available at 7-11s and all good servos). Fortunately, there were a whole range of snacks and nibbles brought from candy to cake, with savoury in-between. Success!

If you’re planning a similar event and want ideas of what to bring or ask for I can recommend:

• Cheese and/or antipasta platter
• Chips and dip (there’s always a place for this)
• Arancini & Asparagus Filo’s
• Banoffee pie
• Share bowls of lollies and chocolate
• BBQ chicken wings
• Pop corn

And for dessert/supper I recommend Nigella Lawson‘s Budino di Cioccolato. Is it hot chocolate? Is it chocolate pudding? I don’t care, as she says, “it is like chocolate satin cream” and you’ll find the recipe in Nigella Express.

I stuck to the casual and affordable concept and made a homely style beef stew; packed full of flavour with rosemary, garlic, red wine and cous cous for everyone. It slow cooked away while we watched a movie and didn’t call for a large commitment from me to be in the kitchen.

We watched an obscene amount of movies (possibly more media consumption than is recommended for an entire week), talked and ate. Everyone seemed relaxed.

I’ll devote anther post to the Ultimate Chick Flick movie catalogue. Promise. It’s coming soon. The important thing is we spent a very delightful afternoon and evening.