The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: Summary and Review

The 2-Hour Cocktail Party: How to build big relationships with small gatherings by Nick Gray

Review

Using the tips in this book, I hosted the easiest party I had ever thrown in my life. The book even includes exact scripts for the invites and what to say to guests; I could simply copy/paste everything to execute the party.

Here are some photos from the parties I hosted based on this book:

Podcast

Nick reached out to me about his book and I recorded an interview with him on the Friendship Futurism podcast! To test out Nick’s ideas I hosted a party at my place with my friends using Nick’s formula, and it went really well! You’ll hear about it in detail during the conversation, give it a listen here:

Show notes

Notes

The podcast episode above has most of the top things I learned from the book, but some additional notes:

Always use name tags.
It’s important to get your core group to RSVP before sending the invite out to acquaintances you don’t know, for social proof.
It’s also important to give people who don’t know anyone else an “in” to meet others at the party, for example by writing guest bios, or else they may feel excluded.
You should try to assign people a job during the party; e.g., help greet folks at the door, serve drinks, or manage timekeeping. Not only does it spread out the work, it helps you build relationships with your co-hosts.
Always having the “next party” on your schedule gives you a natural way to bring new people you meet into your friend circle:

When I meet someone new, I ask myself: do I want to continue the conversation or see them again? If the answer is yes, then they would make a great guest for one of my parties.

Icebreakers

Basic icebreakers

What is your favourite breakfast food?

Advanced icebreakers

What’s one of your favorite secret spots or life hacks for this city?

This can refer to restaurants, traffic shortcuts, amazing thrift stores, bars with great live music, or anything else special that guests want to share about their city.

What’s a compliment someone gave you that you still think about?
If you were to do a citywide poll, what would you want to learn?
What’s one great habit that you’re proud of, and how did you develop it?
Do you have a favorite charity that you wish more people knew about?
If you could teach a class about one topic that you’re passionate about or an expert on, what would it be?