Cosy Nights In for Less: Fakeaways, Film Nights and Winter Fun at Home

When it’s cold, wet and dark by five o’clock, there’s nothing better than a cosy night in. But between takeaways, streaming subscriptions and snacks, nights in can end up costing nearly as much as going out. The good news is that with a bit of planning, you can enjoy brilliant evenings at home for a fraction of the price.

Fakeaway Friday

Takeaway prices and delivery fees can add up quickly. Making your own favourites at home is usually much cheaper, and often tastier too:

• Homemade pizza: shop-bought bases or a simple dough, a tin of chopped tomatoes and whatever toppings you have in the fridge. Get the kids to build their own.
• Fakeaway curry: a jar of paste, a tin of coconut milk, some veg and rice goes a long way. Add naan from the bakery aisle.
• Oven “chippy” night: thick-cut oven chips, breaded fish and mushy peas make a cheap, cheerful treat.
• Stir-fry in minutes: noodles, frozen veg and a sauce is quicker than waiting for a delivery driver.

Supermarket “dine in” meal deals and own-brand ranges can also be great value for a treat night.

Film night for less

Turn an ordinary evening into an event without spending a fortune:

• Make your own popcorn. A bag of kernels costs very little and makes several big bowls. Add a sprinkle of sugar, salt or cinnamon.
• Rotate your subscriptions. Rather than paying for several streaming services at once, keep one at a time and switch when you’ve watched what you wanted.
• Check what’s included already. Your broadband or mobile package may come with a free streaming perk, so it’s worth checking.
• Don’t forget free TV. There’s plenty of free-to-watch content on catch-up services, and your local library may lend DVDs too.
• Get comfy. Duvets on the sofa, fairy lights on and phones away make it feel like a proper treat.

Winter games and entertainment

Not every evening needs a screen. Some of the best nights in cost nothing at all:

• Board game and card nights. Dig out old favourites or swap games with friends to keep things fresh. Charity shops are a treasure trove for games and jigsaws.
• Quiz night at home. Take turns writing questions, or use free quiz apps.
• Pamper or craft evening. Make Christmas cards or decorations, or have a pampering night with face masks.
• Bake together. Biscuits, flapjacks and cupcakes are cheap to make and keep everyone happy.

Host a night in with friends

Socialising at home is a lovely way to see people without the cost of a night out:

• Go potluck. Everyone brings a dish or a bottle, so nobody’s left with a huge bill.
• Theme it. A film marathon, games night or curry club gives everyone something to look forward to.
• Take turns hosting so the costs are shared over the season.

Snack smarter

• Buy snacks in big bags or multipacks and split them into bowls rather than buying lots of small packs.
• Look out for multi-buy offers on crisps, dips and drinks.
• Own-brand snacks and chocolate are often just as tasty as the big names.

Cosy, cheap and cheerful

A night in is all about the company, the comfort and a good film or game, not how much you spend. Try a fakeaway or a family film night this week and enjoy the savings. Keep an eye on our latest deals for more ways to make your winter evenings go further.