Celebrities, athletes, and politicians know there’s nothing better than a good cigar. Nothing makes a good cigar better than the good company you keep. Despite popular belief about stuffy cigar lounges, there are many ways to enjoy a good cigar and camaraderie together. Even celebrities understand this and a cigar party.
Cigar parties are more than just about cigars. Although, that is part of it. They are also about the people…the fellowship of great conversations over equally great smokes. The Governator himself made many friends thanks to his regular cigar parties. He also found many kindred spirits among the people he invited. Several of those same friends are now lifelong cigar lovers. The idea is less of a party atmosphere and more of a gathering of like-minded individuals.
Determine the Type of Gathering
Putting together a cigar party doesn’t need to be a big Hollywood affair. Yet, you’ll probably want to plan the correct type of gathering for the people involved. So, first, decide who you’re going to invite.
A cigar party also doesn’t need to be lavish or exclusive. Yet, it’s much more than a celebratory smoke after a promotion at work or the birth of a new grandchild. Instead, it should be a gathering of friends who enjoy cigars in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Even a new or casual smoker can enjoy a cigar party with the right people involved.
Once you’ve nailed down the guest list, it’s time to pick a date and location. Friday nights after work are perfect for getting together and winding down over a good smoke. The important thing is that it’s convenient for all guests.
Enjoying a fine cigar does not need to be a stressful affair. Relaxing and sharing the latest news and stories with friends is an excellent source of enjoyment for all. Host a cigar party over a game of poker if you want something with a bit more flair or activity. Or, combine it with some premium scotch.
Choose the Right Locale
You don’t have to roll out the red carpet for your cigar party, but you should choose the right room in your house for the gathering. Most times, a den or “man cave” works well. Another option is to set up in the basement and allow everyone to enjoy themselves without worrying about the rest of the house. The dining room will do fine if you’re going for a poker night. The most important thing is that everyone is comfortable with smoking in your home. Eliminate the hassle by choosing a room where everyone can sit in comfort.
Set Up Your Cigar Party
Once you know who, when, and where, you can start to prepare the what. A good host will provide everything a cigar smoker needs to enjoy a smoke. You don’t have to break out the premium hand-rolled Cubans for a cigar party, but having a box of good quality cigars available for your guests will make you a good host. Besides providing cigars, guests will also need cutters, ashtrays, and lighters. Having all the tools of the trade will make the experience much better for everyone involved.
If the gathering runs longer than a couple of hours, it is advisable to provide refreshments. However, you don’t need Gordon Ramsey to cook a meal for your guests. Instead, keep it simple by setting out finger foods or light snacks for everyone to enjoy.
Cocktails are another excellent suggestion. If your gathering is already centered around alcohol, such as Scotch tasting, you’ll already be covered. However, if you don’t have beverages built into the party, provide a bottle or two of everyone’s preferred drink. Alternatively, asking guests to bring something of their preference is acceptable. It’s also OK to invite guests to chip in on the content of the cigar party, especially if you’re making it a regular occurrence.
Themes for a Recurring Cigar Party
If you’re planning on creating a regular cigar party encounter, schedule a theme for each party. Having a theme doesn’t mean having your guests dress in costume and pretend to solve murder mysteries. Simply put, it means picking an agenda for the evening; This might include having everyone try a new brand or flavor of the cigar. Or, you might want to theme a cigar party around comparing a light or mild domestic cigar with a premium heavy cigar.
Still, another option to consider is to create a combination event. Combining poker with cigars is natural and often quite enjoyable, even for a casual smoker; This offers an excellent experience for new cigar smokers. It also helps them become acquainted with the different strengths of cigar flavors. After all, a cigar party is more about inclusion than exclusion.
Cigar Party vs. Cigar Lounge
The atmosphere is the big reason for hosting a cigar party over going to a cigar bar or lounge. Cigar bars and lounges are businesses. They operate in a way that is not inviting to all cigar enthusiasts. The crowds, age ranges, or experience levels that a lounge caters to are sometimes off-putting to some. The exclusive, sometimes stuffy atmosphere might feel uncomfortable as well.
There is often an assumption that cigar smokers only love the finer things in life. While this is true, it is not the only way to enjoy a cigar lifestyle. Cigar lovers may also know how to roll with the punches and have a good time with friends. Hosting a cigar party at home is a great way to enjoy the company of friends and the flavor of a great cigar. It also helps eliminate the headaches that accompany going to a cigar bar. That includes paying for overpriced drinks and dealing with people outside your social circle.
Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy