I love game nights! I also like a little healthy competition, so instead of dinner and a movie or standing in a crowded bar invite over your gal pals for a poker night party. So when hosting a girls night poker party here are my five essentials tips to stack the deck in your favor for a fun night of Texas Hold’Em. Sure cards and chips are essential, but so is the food, drink, ambience and even the playlist.
Girls Night Poker Party
1 – Send an Invite That Matches the Theme: Skip the email invitation and send your girlfriends an invite you make with the queen of hearts card so they get the message that this party is girls only. For poker night 6-10 friends is best. Expect the party to last about three hours.
2 – Swap Cash Winnings for Little Gifts: Don’t want friends to bet real money, why not have their “winnings” apply to little gifts they can choose at the end of the evening like a gift certificate for a mani/pedi, a gift card, a box of freshly baked goods, etc.
3 – Play Up Your Poker Face with Fun Props: Not sure you have a poker face like the pros? No problem! Put out props so your gal pals can take on a new character form – various hats and visors to sunglasses and simple masks to distract your competition. Plus, it makes for fun snapshots throughout the evening.
4 – Get Guests in a Game Night State of Mind with Your Playlist: Curate a custom playlist that sets the mood. Are you rolling the dice on Vegas-style games? Don’t forget to include Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” in your mix or the ever classic “Luck Be a Lady” made famous by Frank Sinatra.
5 – Use Light Bites and a Signature Cocktail: Stick to small bites and avoid greasy and sticky foods as they can mess up your deck of cards. For drinks, print out the recipe for a signature cocktail, set up all the ingredients and glassware on your bar or kitchen counter and let guests serve themselves. Try the Pinnacle® Vodka Watermelon Money-Maker, which is a tasty melon martini your guests are sure to love!
Watermelon Money-Maker
1 part Pinnacle® Original Vodka
1/4 part Dekuyper Watermelon Liqueur
1 part White Grape juice
Splash fresh lemon juice
Method: Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour into martini glass and garnish with a loopy straw and small cube of watermelon.
Paper party decor from Minted.com
Playing cards and green poker visor from CelebrateExpress.com
Style Expert Alison Deyette shares her entertaining tips for parties for all occasions on TV and her site. Want more party ideas, check out her summer entertaining ideas.
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