Staying in? Turn the lights down low and light up your candles. Make your seating extra cozy by adding lots of pillows and throws.

But if you ladies are pre-partying at home before going out on the town, think high energy with bright colours and a disco ball. Convert your living room into a starlet's dressing room with mirrors, cosmetics, powder puffs, makeup brushes, perfume — basically, everything you need to feel glam.

Girls' night is a great reason to get dolled up, whether you go out or stay in. Going out but have nothing to wear? Invite your guests to get ready at your place and ask them to bring over some extra going-out accessories and jewelry to share. A different handbag or earrings will add new life to any of your outfits.

If you're staying in, you might want to go with a more casual dress code. T-shirts, jogging pants and flowy skirts are perfect for a kick-back night in with friends.

We're having a pageant party and you're the host! From ballots to beverages, TLC has everything you need to throw the perfect Miss America Pageant Party on Saturday, January 24. First, get the girls (and guys, too) together. Then mix up the Miss Ameritinis, print out some ballots and get ready to root for your home girl. The competition is sure to heat up — on the runway, and in your living room. Who goes down, and who gets the crown?

When planning the food for your girls' night, it's important to know your audience. Women who are concerned about their health and fitness might get stressed by a pizza and chips feast, and those looking for a night of indulgence may not be thrilled to spend an evening gnawing on baby carrots with nonfat dip. As with most things in life, balance is key.

To keep everybody happy, pair healthful snacks like crudités with creamy, decadent dips and sauces. Artichoke dip, cheese fondue and seven-layer dip let people choose just how healthy they want to be based on how deep they dip. Tiny, gorgeous foods that pack a lot of flavor -- mini quiche, tea sandwiches, cupcakes -- let everybody try an array of goodies without filling up on one. Round out the meal with a big salad dressed in a light vinaigrette and loaves of warm, crusty bread.

For dessert, you'll need some chocolate. And then more chocolate. And, of course, a few items for those rare creatures who don't like chocolate. As with your savory dishes, you'll want to serve a variety of desserts, some light (sorbet, angelfood cake, fruit) and some real showstoppers, like cheesecake and ice cream sundaes.

Miss Ameritini • 1 ½ oz gin • ½ tsp dry vermouth • 1 drop of red food coloring Pour gin and vermouth into a cocktail shaker. Add ice. Shake, then strain into chilled cocktail glass. Add red food coloring for a little TLC. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or olive. Non-alcoholic: Use equal parts club soda and cranberry juice cocktail, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

1.	Man, I Feel Like a Woman / Shania Twain
2.	Ladies Night / Kool and the Gang
3.	Barbie Girl / Aqua
4.	Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves / Eurythmics & Aretha Franklin
5.	Shake Your Thang / Salt-N-Pepa
6.	No Scrubs / TLC
7.	It's Raining Men / The Weather Girls
8.	Knock 'Em Out / Lily Allen
9.	Wannabe / Spice Girls
10.	Independent Woman / Destiny's Child

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