Tips for Hosting a Virtual Happy Hour for Friends

What do you think when you hear the words Happy Hour? If you’re like most people, you think about congregating with friends and coworkers over a glass of wine and some delicious bar food. One of the first things that changed during the COVID-19 pandemic was the need for social distancing. That essentially stopped Happy Hour. Of course, while it’s necessary to change how we socialize, it doesn’t mean we have to stop. Rather than going to the neighborhood bar, Happy Hour fans have other options. A virtual happy hour can provide you and your friends with the socialization and laughs you’ve been missing.

If you’ve never hosted your own happy hour from home before, here are some tips to get you started.

 

Consider your Software

Whether you’re using your phone, tablet, or computer there are several audio and video chat clients that you can use for your happy hour celebration. Some popular options include Google Hangouts, Skype, Facebook, and Zoom. Other instant messengers also offer video options, so if you have a service you and your friends commonly use that could be an option, too.

 

Choose your Date

The best way to choose a date is to check with the attendees and choose a date that works best for everyone. From there, you’ll want to consider the length of your event. A good suggestion is to start with an hour (it is happy hour, after all). Considering this is happening on a computer, it allows your friends a chance to catchup without putting them in front of a computer all day. And, if you find yourselves having a great time you can always extend your happy hour just a little bit longer.

 

Drink Suggestions

One fun thing you could do is to send some drink suggestions to your attendees before the event. This gives everyone time to get their drinks together to pair with your Happy Hour conversation. This might mean sending out a cocktail recipe or recommending a wine like Besa mi Vino. The great thing about group-ordering a wine like Besa mi Vino is that if everyone is experiencing it for the first time, it will make a wonderful conversation topic.

If you do decide to suggest a wine or recipe, let your attendees know that for future Happy Hours you’ll pass the torch and let another person make the suggestion. This could become a fun part of the Happy Hour tradition.

If you’re interested in learning more about Besa mi Vino you can find out all you need to know on their website. Plus, right now you can get 15% off your order with code LOVEYOU at checkout!

 

Set your Conversation Topics

Normally this wouldn’t be so important, but when you’re having a virtual happy hour it will help. Since many people aren’t too familiar with the virtual setting, having a few planned topics will keep things rolling easily and allow everyone to feel involved. So, whether you have a book club happy hour, or you just have some post-it notes with conversation ideas, the minutes you take setting this up will go a long way with your friends.

 

Get Your RSVPs for Next Time!

If you have so much fun that you want to repeat the event, make sure your friends know and are aware of your virtual happy hour becoming a regular event. By letting everyone know at the end of the first event, you can make plans for the next one. So, whether you decide who is buying the next round of Besa mi Vino or who will be in charge of the drink suggestions, you’ll have a plan! This will give everyone the chance to look forward to connecting with friends again, which is sure to keep your spirits high in these uncertain times.

As you can see, a virtual happy hour is easy to put on and well worth the effort. Even if you have little technical experience, it’s easy enough for just about everyone! You won’t be sorry for giving it a go!

 

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