hosting a couples cocktail party
It’s been a busy weekend – my girlfriend Maddie was in town from LA, went to Matt’s piano recital, coordinated one of my first gigs for hire, and managed to have a pool day with some other girlfriends. Finally sitting down to share a fun cocktail recipe (made with yummy tea), and a few quick tips for hosting your next couples gathering to make it fun for your friends – and their plus 1s.
I had a lot of girl time this weekend, and it made me reflect on how easy and effortless it can be to hang out with your friends versus going to a couples gathering or event with your significant other. Let’s get real for a second. It can make people nervous to hang out with people they don’t know well, especially if you’re a new plus 1 in the group. There is an added pressure of making conversation with people you don’t know, of not being a leech on your S.O., trying hard to be outgoing and funny, feeling like you need to fit in with their group, trying to make a good first impression, not looking confused when they all laugh about stories referencing people you’ve never heard of, remembering everything someone told you the last time you saw them 2 months ago, running out of things to say and trying to find your S.O. for an SOS…Phew! That was a lot. Anyone else ever share these feelings? ;) We’ve probably all been there at least once!
Cocktail parties (weddings, work events etc.) can be hard for plus 1s! Here are 4 Tips to Hosting a Successful Couples Cocktail Party that you can use when hosting to ease party woes and keep the good vibes flowing:
1. say hello
It’s so simple, but we’ve all had the moment when you walk in searching for a familiar face. As the host, simply pausing your conversation to greet newcomers to the parties means the world - even if it’s a playful shout across the room. It helps orient guests with a familiar face and voice as soon as they walk into a room full of crowded people and conversations. You don’t have to have a whole conversation in that moment, but it can bring the plus 1 comfort knowing that a friendly host probably has friendly friends too!
2. low-pressure activities
No need to go crazy here, but a few simple things to do can help give guests and plus 1s an outlet for entertainment if they need a conversation starter or end up separated from their S.O. for a little while. If your apartment building has a lounge with ping pong & darts, or you have a couple of simple card games to set out on the table in your living room that would be perfect! Mini-photo booths or build-your-own food stations are also a fun, simple “activity” to have at the party.
3. open invitation
If you know there will be plus 1s at your party who are brand new to a big group of close friends, let your friends know that their plus 1 is welcome to bring a friend. The more the merrier! It might make that person more comfortable opening up & starting conversations if they have a buddy nearby.
4. Delicious Cocktails
A DIY cocktail bar makes for an easy, interactive “thing to do” that can save a plus 1 from feeling idle. They can head over there to take cover from a conversation heading south, or it might be the spark to chat about fun things they are observing at your event.
Speaking of cocktails (and keeping up with my Summer Sips Series), I wanted to share two fun cocktail recipes with and without alcohol (for the expecting mamas or those who don’t want a hard drink).
Did you know that Long Island Iced Teas are traditionally topped with soda? I worked with Soiree Tea to whip up these tasty recipes, and they are so much better topped with real tea for a light, refreshing taste. These drinks are perfect crowd pleasers for your friends and their plus 1s:
1 Drink, 2 Ways – Long Island Mango Tango Iced Tea
Long Island Mango Tango Iced Tea
1 oz Soirée Peach Mango Black Iced Tea [Deets to steep & cool your tea here!]
½ oz Vodka
½ oz Tequila (use Silver or clear, rather than gold or dark)
½ oz Gin
½ oz Rum
½ oz Triple Sec or sweet mango juice
Splash of soda water
Squeeze of lemon
Prep: Make your Peach Mango Black Iced tea and set it aside. Add all of your ingredients and a few ice cubes to a shaker. Then shake and strain into a glass. Top with about 1 oz of your Peach Mango Black Iced Tea, and add a cute straw. Easy!
Virgin Long Island Mango Tango Iced Tea
1 oz Soirée Peach Mango Black Iced Tea [Deets to steep & cool your tea here!]
1 oz lemonade
1 oz soda water
½ oz Triple Sec or sweet mango juice
Squeeze of lemon
Prep: Make your Peach Mango Black Iced tea and set it aside. Add all of your ingredients and a few ice cubes to a shaker. Then shake and strain into a glass. Top with about 1 oz of your Peach Mango Black Iced Tea, and add a cute straw. This non-alcoholic version is the perfect mix of sweet and fizzy to sip on during your next party!
Here’s how to prep your Soirée Peach Mango Black Iced Tea at Soireetea.com
If you’ve made it this far, head back over to Instagram and let me know what party tricks you use to keep your friends and their plus 1s entertained!
Enjoy the cocktails responsibly!
[[Recipes are in collaboration with Soiree Tea.]]