Who doesn’t love a fun girls' night? No one, that's who. But going out for drinks and dinner can get rather costly on our already tight college allowance, and staying in can result in total boredom and a short-lived attempt at a frugal night in. What we need is the perfect balance between the two, so I present to you: DIY wine-tasting. Throw your hair up in a messy bun, slide into your pajamas and get ready for fun night of wine, food and laughter with 10 to 12 of your girlfriends.

What You Need:

wine (lots of wine), snacks, paper plates, small disposable cups, and music.

Cheese is an essential / via Pinterest

First, let your 21+ year old girls know about your get-together about 2 to 4 days prior to your wine tasting night. Ask everyone to bring a wine glass, a small snack/appetizer (finger foods are recommended), and $2 to help go toward the wine (so much cheaper than a cab and bar tab)!

The dollar store will become your new best friend when it comes to parties and gatherings. This is where you can get paper plates, disposable cups and napkins for your girls' night at a MAJOR discount (helpful hint: take a set amount of cash with you to avoid over-spending, easy to do when everything is a dollar)! You may even want to grab a short vase and a floating candle for a centerpiece while you're there, too.

The most important step: the wine. This is where you should do some homework. Check online to see what grocery stores have sales and/or check out stores such as World Market. If you’re having a larger gathering, head straight to Sam’s Club or Costco. Bulk = cheaper. I would suggest getting three different types of wine: a red, a white and a rosé. To help with the cost, set a limit of around $8 to $10 a bottle.

You're finally ready throw it all together. Have a designated area for your friends to drop their snacks by the plates, have the wines set up as the focal point, and set the tone with music.

Once everyone has arrived, pull out the small cups for everyone to taste a little of each wine. After everyone has had a chance to taste all three, pull out the big glasses filled with your personal fave, and kick back with the gals. Enjoy the snacks and remember to step back, relax and savor these special moments with your friends. This stage in our lives will be over before we know it.

Other helpful tips:

- Invite your friends to stay the night. Drinking and driving is NEVER acceptable.

- The drinking age is 21, so don't drink unless you are 21.

- For we "under-agers,” bring over a bottle of soda--no need to rage on a relaxed girls night in.