How To Host A Boys Night In!

Lots of beer, a home theatre system and Marshall speakers and you're already halfway there, buddy!

It's a known fact that entertaining a group of men is different from hosting a girls' or a couples' night in. Once the finance bro attire comes off in favour of well-worn jeans and ripped muscle tees, you know it's going to be a loud, boisterous crazy night.

It all begins with picking the right day when all your buds are likely to be in town and less likely to ditch given the number of parties and events being hosted. A Friday night with board games or a Sunday dinner works well for most dudes in a nine-to-five, five-days-a-week work schedule. A vibrant guest list comprising fun people, who are likely to engage in fun conversation, banter and be up for anything. While it's good to mix varying groups of friends so that everyone brings something new to the table, surprising your core gang with new faces may not work at times. The idea is to mingle and also throw in some outsiders, who stand the chance of becoming insiders as the party progresses.  

Once the guest list is sorted, it's best to send out personalised texts at least a week in advance followed by a reminder a day prior to the bash. However, personally calling your BFFs is ideal as it shows you really want them to be present. However, if you're too busy to make that call then texting works with a personalised message or a fun graphic invite. However, a random broadcast message could be a tad turn-off-ish for a few. So tread with caution and thoughtfulness.     

In case you're contemplating throwing a beer-centric bash then do keep other options like gin, wine and vodka too. Most dudes who work in creative fields like fashion won't go anywhere close to a beer bottle. So better have some g&t or the good ol' red wine for the toffee-nosed. Serve drinks with munchies like popcorn and assorted appetisers which should set the mood for the rest of the evening. Ideally ask your party hearties for their beverage preferences prior, and stock up on their go-to drinks. Some may like their Scotch with Redbull and others may prefer Old Monk. Ensure the freezer has enough ice. Last minute Blinkit orders often tend to spoil the flow. 

Mumbai based fashion and celebrity stylist Divyak D'Souza likes to host YouTube indoor parties at his pad where he curates a list of entertaining watches. "It could be comedic content or music videos. Figure out a fun YouTube playlist which everyone enjoys as a group. My friends bring their own recommendations and play their YouTube videos too. Make sure you get great food and drinks," he quips. D'Souza also suggests adding little touches like diffusers in the living room and washroom besides rajnigandha blooms which add warmth and coziness. "If the home is cold then keep blankets or stoles on the couch so if guests feel chilly then can cover themselves. For someone who lives and parties in Mumbai, no one values effortlessness more than Bombayites. The city is super hectic and when you come to a friend's house to chill, the last thing you want to hear is the dress code. Everyone wants to be effortless when it comes to dressing," he adds. 

Delhi-based multi-disciplinary artist Eeshaan Kashyap gives his buds a good two-week's notice since everyone's so caught up these days followed by a reminder, 'Hi, I'm seeing you tomorrow'. "It has to be a mix of people who know each other with some new names added to the guest list. I usually like to put together people from fields like fashion, law, medicine and corporate worlds. There should be something interesting to talk about so the group dynamics is important," says Eeshaan, who usually sets up a bar with all drink options so one could go and help oneself. "That way it's easy for the host and also for everyone coming in and enjoying it," he adds.  Known for his thoughtfully curated table arrangements and food, Eeshaan suggests making the best of whatever one has around. "It could be rocks, flowers or candles. One must put a bit of effort and play it out thoughtfully. It needn't be fancy. If I'm doing a flower arrangement in winters then I ensure I do only one colour of flowers. I like to put name cards or handwritten notes for people who are coming in. Everyone chats over food, drinks and music," says Eeshaan, who hosted a 'dress like your favourite artwork' themed party last year.

Most importantly, it's important for the host to be relaxed and be up for some fun. Once you're having a blast, your boy gang is likely to be on the same frequency.