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Let me tell you something I’ve learned all too well from personal experience… You can only host so many soirées before the boys start complaining about a lack of manliness in your social agenda. Party planners across the globe must learn to perfect the art of creating the perfect “boy’s night,” while still making sure it’s 100% geared towards having fun with your girlfriends. So, how do you host the perfect poker night that’s sure to be a win amongst males and females alike?
Easy, you follow these simple requirements.
THE DRESS CODE
My girlfriends are all about creating social media worthy photo ops, so forcing their boyfriends//boy friends to dress in a respectable and similar fashion on their designated guys’ night makes everybody happy! Since I wanted to go for a Casino Royale theme (James Bond, y’all), I invited all my guests via casual Facebook invite and asked all confirmed attendees to don black Vegas-worthy attire.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
Poker is obvious. Now make sure you have the right gear, since we all know men take poker very serious. Make sure you’ve got at least two decks, a superfluous amount of chips, and a proper table to play on (circular is encouraged, although we’ve played a time or two on our rectangular one).
I’m all about hanging in for a round or two, but I’ll be honest… I have no interest in playing poker all night, nor do I have an interest in inevitably losing money while pretending to know what I’m doing. Pick a game organizer, and allow them to run the poker table, while you and your non-card playing friends opt for one of the following:
- Movie Night
- Cards Against Humanity Game
- Intense Gossip Sesh
- Impromptu Dance Party
- Karaoke
… or you can frustrate the boys while playing on your phones and/or threatening to go ALL IN on every hand, like my friends and me.
Oh, and don’t forget the essential playlist! Music is too often ignored in general conversation about poker night preparation, but it’s the only sure-fire way to guarantee that, no matter which way the game turns, the atmosphere will remain fun and relaxed. I, as always, opt for 90s pop and hip-hop, since I’m clearly 12 at heart. Hence, Spice Girls Pandora definitely made the grade at my party. Never give up on the good times!
THE PARTY SUSTENANCE
Besides getting a variety of fancy pants drinks for the ladies, nothing will get you party planner brownie points faster than making sure the boys are well stocked on luxury cigars and beer. First thing’s first, the right product choices at a poker game say a lot about your character, so I obviously picked up a variety of Cubero Cigars from Walmart.
Cubero represents a wide combination of tobaccos that are renowned for their aromatic and flavorful qualities, and they manufacture and sell a variety of cigars, pipe tobacco, and fine-cut tobacco in the US. The guys will thank you with each and every puff– and if you’re feeling daring, try one yourself! Although my girlfriends and I don’t smoke, we sure take some pseudo bad-A Vegas diva selfies.
Straight out of Vegas, baby.
Next, there’s beer. Think about how many beers you drink a night… then multiply that by 4… then multiply that by your estimated number of party attendees… then add 10… then buy that number of beers. Remember, poker night is a free license to cut loose (except for you DDs), so there should be ample liquid courage to further intensify the gambling.
Also, make sure your liquor cabinet is still going strong, since most ladies will opt for cocktails. I always make sure I have an adequate amount of the following 9 essentials: gin, tequila, vodka, dark of spiced rum, light rum, bourbon, brandy, whiskey, and scotch. You can pretty much make any cocktail under the sun if you’ve got these babies in your household. Lastly, grab a bottle of wine or two, just in case you’ve got some classy old timers (like moi) in the mix.
And don’t forget about your designated DDs. Make sure you’ve got some soda, sparkling water, or sparkling cider available, too.
THE EDIBLES
KISS, kiss. Keep it simple, sweethearts (no, I don’t like calling people stupid; it’s the preschool ingrained in me). Do not go all out with a gourmet spread, since it will be completely unappreciated. Poker night calls for pizza, chips, dip, cheese, fruit, veggies, and other one-word snacks. If you want to get a little fancy, maybe try some homemade pigs-in-a-blanket or buffalo chicken dip (description below). To ensure people aren’t expecting a four course meal, have the poker party start after 8, since it’s only reasonable for guests to expect drinks and snacks from that point forward.
My friend showed me how to make this amazing buffalo chicken dip featured on the back of Frank’s Redhot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce bottle, and I wanted to share the recipe with y’all. It takes literally under 20 minutes to make, and paired with some pita chips? It’s to DIE for.
Frank’s Redhot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ingredients: 8 oz pck cream cheese, 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing, 2 cups diced cooked chicken, 1/2 cup Frank’s Redhot Sauce
- Place cream cheese into deep dish.
- Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes or until hot.
- Stir.
- Enjoy.
And there you have it! My poker party was a huge success, mostly thanks to my amazing besties, who’ve asked to be referred to by the following aliases: Lyle Smith, the investment banker from Utah, Greg McGuillicutty of unknown location and profession, Ri, Goat Roaper, N, Tonx McAwesome AKA Brother Bear, among several anonymous others. I hope these tips make your next poker night a guaranteed good time, as well!
Oh, and major shoutout to Mike– I mean, Lyle Smith. the investment banker from Utah– for some seriously awesome photography! What would I do without you?!
Who else loves an excuse for luxury cigars and a rousing game of Cards Against Humanity with all your girlfriends– AKA a boys’ poker night?
Fun night! I can't believe I actually won a hand of poker!
There's a first time for everything. All in!!!
This looks like so much fun! Not sure I'd enjoy the cigars though aha x
Freya's Fashion Chapter
Ya, I'm not a smoker, and I never will be… but the boys sure do love them!
sound like a fun night
It was indeed! 🙂
Looks and sounds like such a fun night!
You all look gorgeous!
xo
Thanks, pretty lady! It was a ton of fun, definitely need to host one again soon!
You all look absolutely stunning!! & that looks like such a fun night! K & I are vegetarians, but that recipe for the Frank's Red Hot dip would still be amazing without chicken!! Can't wait to try!
xo, B
http://www.BKCsquared.com
Oh my goodness, that dip is the best thing I've eaten in a LONG time, with or without chicken! Let me know how it tastes if you try it! 🙂
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Thank you, Sanam! I'm glad! 🙂