On Saturday March 21, we hosted our first virtual Happy Hour along about 20 of our friends who joined us for drinks and casual chat. The group included representation from all parts of California, as well as New York and Tennessee.
This time hosted via Google Hangout, but there are other free video chat apps like Skype and Zoom that work on any device you may have. Everyone seems to be using Zoom these days and we will try it out this coming Saturday when we have our second Virtual Happy Hour.
VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR 101
SETTLE ON THE VIDEO APP
Decide on the video app you would like to use. We went with Google Hangout because we already had it installed on our computer, but it could definitely get a little chaotic with a bigger group. Here is a list of other video apps:
FACETIME (limited to Apple iPhone users)
SKYPE
OVOO
ZOOM
LAYOUT
As the host, you get to decide what your screen layout will be. We recommend going with grid or “tile” because it makes it easier to see everyone (again, this can be a bit chaotic with a larger group, especially as participants move through their wine consumption...just sayin’). We’re a very social bunch! And some of us hadn’t seen or talked to each other in a while…
KEEP IT SMALL
Before hosting a virtual social gathering, consider keeping it small or at least break it into smaller groups at different times if you’re met with high demand - as we were. Just like the traditional happy hour, it can get a little loud with the passage of time (and sheer alcohol consumption). It can be hard to understand the conversation happening to the point to where it may be helpful to ask certain people to mute the microphone when not the “recognized” speaker. The alternative is: just keep it small.
FOOD & DRINK
When it comes to food and drink, keep it easy by letting your guests decide what they should be drinking and eating. While we, of course, had wine and a cheese plate - with most guests following suit - it’s important in these times of self-quarantine that we address these challenges with flexibility and the acknowledgement that our guests are confined to the restrictions of their own pantry. With respect to wine of choice, we gently suggested pinot - and, again, most were able to meet the challenge - but we were also quick to pivot to a Tempranillo at the suggestion of one of our attendees when it invariably came time to open a second (third?) bottle. Flexibility is key as we all “roll with the punches” together! This isn’t about exclusion.
HOT SPOT
Wherever you choose to host your happy hour, make sure the WiFi reaches and that you’re comfortable. It’s also to play around with lighting and angles. You want your virtual guests to see you in the best light without your internet freezing, but also give yourself the flexibility to move around.
We started our happy hour in our living room and by the end of it we found ourselves in the backyard with two rounds of logs in the fire pit as the sun set. To this point, we also recommend having SEVERAL fully charged devices on hand. We easily went through two laptops and a tablet, ending the evening on the iPhone while winding down the fire pit with our fur child-firmly grasped in lap.
However you decide to conduct your virtual happy hour, just consider the basics we’ve laid out for you. Keep it light and easy! As moderator, let your guests guide the flow of the conversation. Like a good happy hour, it will invariably start slow & quiet…building to the perfect crescendo by the end.
We hope you all stay safe and healthy during these uncertain times of the COVID19 pandemic. We will get through this together, so kick back, relax and enjoy a glass (or bottle!) of your favorite comfort wine that brings you to your happy place like a warm blanket.
Cheers!