5 Easy Ways to Catch Up with Friends This Summer

Sometimes quality time requires no “talking” at all. Consider hosting a lazy girl’s book club--also known as a marathon Netflix session. Maybe this means revisiting an old favorite (does Season 1 of Friends still hold up?) or exploring something brand-new (here’s what’s coming up this month). Can’t seem to agree? Just spend a few hours watching the trailers.

Spontaneous gatherings at home sometimes make for the most memorable evenings. Even better if you have a bottle of Chandon rosé chilling in the fridge. Assemble your friends (you know you’re long overdue for a catch-up), circle up the patio furniture and start sipping on this tasty sparkler. Kick off your shoes and you’ve got a homemade happy hour.

Take it to the streets (or the park or the woods) with your four-legged pals. Studies suggest friends who exercise together are healthier people in the long run. Not to mention you’ll get a wonderful boost of endorphins from laughing the whole time.

How to go shopping without spending a penny? Raid your most fashionable friends’ wardrobes with an organized clothing swap. Have your chic pals bring a bag of unwanted items and arrange a “boutique” in a spare bedroom (don’t forget a full-length mirror). Draw numbers from a hat to determine who gets first dibs at one item, set a timer for five minutes to browse and try on, and continue in rounds until everyone feels satisfied. Donate any leftovers to charity.

The best thing about this potluck-style event? No. Cooking. Required. Each person hosts a course (appetizers, salad, main or dessert) in her home with her favorite takeout on hand. The dinner party begins at house one (appetizers) and moves to the next for each progressive course. By evening’s end, you've had an eclectic, hassle-free meal (who says egg rolls and enchiladas don’t belong on the same menu?) and everyone gets to play hostess.