Things You Need to Host a Stellar Happy Hour At Home

Image: French By Design

Remember Happy Hour? Okay, so happy hours aren’t entirely a thing of the past. Nearly a year ago now we all had a pretty interesting and I’ll admit sometimes fun hanging out on Zoom and Google Hangout with our friends having a drink. In fact, it became a weekly ritual for some time with my crew and sometimes we even still give it a whirl now. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to tech meet up with the crew to enjoy a nice happy hour. With much of the world phasing in reopening you can choose to go out (if you want) or you can just savor the happy hour at home after a long day of work. Something I enjoy doing because sometimes…it’s all too much and Happy Hour is a chance to forget everything if even for just an hour. Although let’s be honest, no appetizer I make at home is going to compare to a half-off appetizer or half-off sushi. But, that’s a problem for another day.

Anyway, here are the key things you’re going to need to have a happy hour at home. Not just any happy hour, a stellar happy hour.

Cocktails

What’s a happy hour without a good cocktail? Of course, wine or beer works too, but if you’re really going the extra mile, go for a cocktail.

Like this Sparkling Berry Cocktail or The Perfect Margarita

Image: Urban Outfitters

A Good Playlist

I’ll be the first to say a good playlist is essential for literally everything, but especially for happy hour. It sets the tone and lets you forget where you are temporarily - the place you likely always are.

I currently don’t have a happy hour playlist (maybe it’s time to make one?) but I recommend Disco Margs and as always you can see what I’m listening to right now here.

A Snack Board

What’s likely the first thing you order at Happy Hour? A charcuterie board. Of course, you can make one at home with whatever you have on hand or browse the Trader Joe’s for a selection of delicious cheese and snacks.

This is my current favorite antipasto appetizer board, but you can see others that caught my eye here.

A Good Outfit

Anytime happy hour was on the books after work or class, I always put more effort into my outfit that day. Confidence is key and you wanna look your best. This is your chance to get a little more dressed up or just change out of your work sweatpants into your happy hour sweatpants. Whatever your vibe is that day.

I Suggest: Sweatpants, Sweater, Matching Set, or a Nap Dress