Between epic Lip Sync Battle Parties, bike crawls, team-building Beach Olympics, and full-blown theme parties, Husband and I are no stranger to planning big, fun events. At this point, we’ve built a rhythm to our organizing. (I do the invites, the schmoozing, the fun. He does the assembling, the mixing, the practical.) But entertaining doesn’t always have to be a giant undertaking. If you’re looking to add some fun, start small – like a happy hour. Invite some people, come up with a great cocktail, have some snacks, and host the best happy hour.
To Theme or Not To Theme
Decide whether you want a theme for your happy hour or not. And know that if you decide to theme, it can still be casual and not over the top. You can have an 80’s theme happy hour by mixing 80’s dance hits and a cocktail that you name The Rubix Cube and that’s it. It really isn’t any extra work and can help with focusing your get together. Personally, I freaking love themes.
Obviously.
Invitations are a must
When we were planning our wedding, I mentioned to my mom that we were opting for a dessert table instead of a cake. She looked at me horrified, “You can’t have a party without a cake.” I feel the same way about invitations.
Invitations are one of those things that seem outdated with the rise of emails, Facebook messenger, WhatsApp, and overall technology. But it makes a difference. That’s not to say you shouldn’t use technology to send invites – because you totally should – but an invite gives your gathering that extra personalized touch. It makes people you invited feel special and shows them that, while small, it’s still an event to plan for.
You could use a service like Paperless Post (below) if you want to be more organized and keep track of your RSVPs. Or you can create a fun graphic with a site like Canva and email it out to your guests. Little details like this go a long way.
Who to INVITE
This seems obvious but humor me. You could invite your closest friends which is an obvious and totally cool route. But sometimes it’s nice to mix it up. Maybe invite people you have yet to get to know – it’s a great, no pressure way to make new friends. Or mix different groups that you think might get along. It’ll be slightly more awkward in the beginning but after a couple cocktails, people will start to open up and meet new people outside of their circle.
guest help
The biggest party planning mountain I’ve overcome is understanding that I don’t have to do everything myself. And a simple way to delegate is to ask guests to bring something. Typically, in the invitation (another reason to send a proper invite), we tell people that we will provide light snacks and a specialty cocktail and ask that they bring a snack to share and whatever additional booze drink they like. We’ve never met a guest who wasn’t more than happy to contribute a snack and some beer. And if there’s a theme, people often have fun with the yum appetizer they are going to bring.
I tell you this with total certainty – if you could get past asking for others to pitch in, your happy hour (or any event) will be so much more enjoyable.
Cocktail
If you aim for anything to hit the bull’s eye, aim for this. A specialty cocktail just feeeeels special because how often do you go around making yourself a spicy grapefruit margarita or a house-made infused cranberry vodka with apricot liqueur and lemon sour? I’d bet not very often so when someone takes the time to make it for you, it feels that much more attentive and personal. Here are some easy and pretty adult drinks to make if you’re stuck for an idea.
sit back
A happy hour is meant to be casual so once you’ve mixed up a round or two of your specialty cocktail, kick back and enjoy. Your guests don’t need you to waitress drinks for them, especially since they’ve brought their chosen libation. Cheers! It’s time to mingle and laugh and enjoy.
P.S. 8 ways to make new friends and seizing the yes in your life
(This post is sponsored by paperless post.)
Drinking the Whole Bottle
you know I love a good happy hour!
Riselle
Excellent tips as always.