Page 19Pick a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday night three weeks from now and save it on your calendar. (Page 22)
Chapter 2: When to Host Your Party
A three-week runway allows you to do most of the work in advance to guarantee great attendance. (Page 28)Avoid schedule conflicts for your guests. Host your party on a less-busy day. (Page 32)
Chapter 3: Where to Host Your Party
Host your party at home for these reasons. The crown is optional. (Page 41)Standing allows for more dynamic interactions. Sitting keeps people trapped in conversation. (Page 46)
CHAPTER 4: Who To Invite
Page 51Stack the deck for your party by inviting your core group first. (Page 52)Your first party should have fifteen attendees. It will be a mix of different people you know, including great guests and your core group. (Page 57)Every new person you meet becomes a potential party invitation. (Page 60)Page 63
Chapter 5: The Magic of Name Tags
Name tags make it impossible to forget someone’s name. (Page 69)I’m so bad with names that I’ve written the names of first dates on the inside of my hand to not forget. I was only caught once. (There was no second date.) (Page 72)Do this: a first name written in big, clear letters is easy to read. (Page 76)Don’t do this: a full name written in cursive with a pen is harder to read. (Page 76)Make sure guests place name tags where they are easily visible. (Page 77)
Part 2: Putting the Party Together: The Logistics
Page 81
Chapter 6: Sending Out the First Invitations
Page 85
Chapter 7: Setting Up the Event Page
Page 99Page 101
Chapter 8: Inviting Your Great Guests
Show vulnerability by telling your guests that you’re new to hosting. They will appreciate your honesty and won’t expect you to be an expert. (Page 110)
Chapter 9: Sending Out Reminders
Page 116Page 132
Chapter 10: Pre-Party Preparations
This really happened to me. (Page 136)To quickly tidy my space, I put medicine, clothes, mail, and other random items inside a plastic bin. Then I hide it in my closet until after the party. (Page 147)Snack and bar area. At my parties, I split this between two smaller tables. It helps break up the flow so everyone isn’t crowding in one area. (Page 149)I love these simple signs and so do my guests. I post them up before every party. It’s an easy way to add a bit of fun and personality and make people feel welcome. (Page 152)
Part 3: Party Time
Page 155
Chapter 11: Navigating the First Twenty Minutes
(Page 163)Pick someone outgoing and confident to be a connector. Ask them to say hi to all of the guests and include others in their conversations. (Page 164)Other options for calling attention at your party. (Page 167)(Page 169)
Chapter 12: Beginner Icebreakers
Page 172Icebreakers are like a short survey of the party. They help your guests meet more people. (Page 174)For a party that starts at 7:00 p.m., do icebreakers at approximately 7:10, 7:40, and 8:20 p.m. (Page 175)Page 177A good icebreaker is a fast icebreaker. Thirty seconds is a good limit for someone’s answer. (Page 182)High five! You’re doing great. (Page 189)
Chapter 13: Advanced Icebreakers and Bonus Techniques
Beginner icebreakers are easy for your guests to answer. No brain teasers, please. (Page 192)Guests standing in a circle for the icebreaker. (Page 198)You’ll be happy you took a group photo at your party. It’s easy to forget, so make a reminder or ask someone to help. (Page 201)Don’t be afraid to cut people off if their icebreaker answer is too long. (Page 204)
Chapter 14: Ending on a High Note
End your party quickly and confidently. Accept the impermanence of it. (Page 212)Page 214Page 217Page 218
Nick Gray is the author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party. He’s been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and in a popular TEDx talk. He sold his last company Museum Hack in 2019. Today he’s an expert on networking events, small parties, and creating relationships. Read more about Nick Gray here.
3. BuyThe 2-Hour Cocktail Partyon Amazonor Audible. Look at the reviews: 500+ people can't be wrong. This is my book that I've worked on for the past 5 years and hosted hundreds of events with. It is the single-best resource that is PACKED with tactical tips and the exact scripts I use.
