In a world where social connections have become more vital than ever, author Nick Gray, culling his 15 years as one of New York’s most inventive party throwers, introduces a refreshing approach to hosting with his book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party. With over 500 parties under his belt, Gray combines his practical expertise and firsthand experiences to guide readers to create memorable gatherings, no matter the scale.
Gray’s philosophy challenges the notion that extravagant events are necessary for meaningful social engagement. Instead, he emphasizes that all it takes is a simple and inviting reason for guests to leave their homes. Whether it’s a casual happy hour, an intimate cocktail party, or a neighborhood get-together, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party provides readers with the tools to make any event successful.
New York Lifestyles caught up with Gray just in time for the summer party season.
What is the purpose of your book?
To teach people how to host a happy hour that will help them make new friends, meet their neighbors, and build their network.
What inspired this?
I went to many unpleasant events in New York City—networking events, loud parties, all these things that were extremely hard to meet new people. So, I decided to learn how to host a good party. Then my friends asked me how to host their parties. So, I made a Google doc that got passed around, eventually turning into my book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party.
Please share with our readers some quick tips.
· Host your gathering on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday night. These are not socially competitive nights, so you will have a higher attendance rate and make it easier for people to say yes to your invitation.
· Make sure you set both a start time and an end time.
· Limit your event to only 2 hours long.
· Use name tags and a short series of introductions.
· Send a series of 3 reminder messages.
How did you learn this?
When I first moved to New York City, I did not have excellent social skills—but I knew I wanted to meet people. Everyone wants to be invited to a party. It was an uncomplicated way for me to meet new people. I ended up hosting hundreds of happy hours, dinner parties, networking events, and cocktail parties. Through trial and error,
I learned that there was a formula for a successful event that anyone could understand. I call it the “NICK party formula.”
What inspired you to start planning parties?
There’s a loneliness epidemic or a “friendship recession” happening. I moved to New York City to meet new people and make friends. I wanted to be surrounded by people who would inspire me.
How will this help people overcome insecurity, anxiety, etc.?
Most people need to remember how to gather and make small talk! I’ve written a step-by-step guide that shows how even introverts can be successful and learn how to host a party or a happy hour. People with social anxiety want to know what to expect. When you let them know an approximate agenda, who will be there, and what they might have in common with them, that helps to give them the confidence and courage to show up, start new conversations, and meet new people.
What has your experience with New York City been like?
There is no place like it: the people, the talent, the creative class, the food, the culture. New York City is unique. I launched my last business there, Museum Hack, where we worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. That is my favorite museum in the entire world.
For more information on The 2-Hour Cocktail Party,
visit your local bookstore; it is also available on Audible.