Party Idea: Happy Hour at Home

You have a long week ahead but are dying for some time with your girlfriends. You don't have the time to go out on the town, nor do you have the funds. If you're anything like me, you don't want to have to ask your husband to watch the baby one more night so you can go do your thing. I've found a simple compromise that makes his life easier, and allows you to spend time with your friends for some much needed catch up time. Happy Hour at home! This is starting to become a nice little trend amongst the moms of the world who need some "me time", or those wishing to stay away from the bar scene who long for a chat night.

Don't get me wrong--I still love to go out to happy hour when time permits. I do think that this is a nice alternative and still allows you to get some time with your friends. I try to schedule happy hour a bit later when either baby is already down to sleep or pretty close to it--then my hubby can still get some of his things done, but I'm there if he really needs me. It's worked well for us, and seems to accommodate a lot of my friends schedules and situations as well.

To make a nice happy hour at home, you have to set a spot in your house that will work well. If it's nice weather out, it's a no brainer--sitting outside on the deck is relaxing and creates a perfect atmosphere. Even if it's a bit chilly, setting up one of those outdoor fireplaces makes for a perfect spot for a soiree. If weather won't cooperate, then be sure to set a spot that will be free of distractions. (as much as possible) If your spouse is keeping an eye on the kids, then go somewhere free of monitors, phone calls, and anything else that will thus interrupt your "me time". Wherever you choose to hang out, be sure to have some music playing to help set the mood of fun and relaxation.

I like to prepare some little happy hour munchies, and I keep it simple. (even for me!) I put out hummus (mine is homemade, but store bought works just as well) with pita, chips with salsa, almonds or mixed nuts, and perhaps a hot item like artichoke dip. Keep the work on yourself to a minimum, but munchies are always appreciated by guests and a good idea when you're serving cocktails.

As for the drinks, I try to get what I know my friends like. One whole group of my girlfriends are wine lovers so I get a couple of nice bottles of wine (or a bunch of inexpensive ones!). My girlfriend had a great idea when she had us over--we each brought a munchie and a bottle of wine. It made it easier on her and we were all able to contribute something we liked. Perfect! If you're not dealing with wine lovers, then perhaps a couple different kinds of specialty beers or a custom cocktail is a fun idea. I've created a spiked punch or looked up some fun cocktail recipe for the season or the occasion--or just something fun and colorful that's easy to make works too.

You don't have to miss out on happy hour with your girlfriends if time (or money) is not on your side. Taking turns having it at each other's house works well and makes for a fun change of scenery. Keep it simple and remember it's all about having a little "me time" to keep you going!