The Cocktail Hour

So what is cocktail hour anyway?

Ever wondered about the history of the cocktail party? The ancient Greeks had a cocktail hour in the late afternoon or evening, complete with hors d’oeuvres. From the 1930's through the 1960's, the cocktail hour became once again a very popular recreational activity. Well-dressed men and  women in stylish dresses called "cocktail dresses"congregated in other peoples homes or in bars and clubs to unwind, socialize, and relax before dinner.

Cocktail parties spoke of denote class, money, and a certain debonair sophistication.

Because of the popularity of the cocktail party, to not have the proper "cocktail accouterments" was unheard of. Everyone owned the essential barware, a swank cocktail shaker, an atomic designed cocktail tray, and cocktail glass. Discussions of the days news circulated while great music saturated the atmosphere. It was a time of day that gave everyone  the opportunity to enjoy the leisure  that the cocktail party embodied.

In our high tech world, maybe it is time to put away the laptop and blackberry for a while and once again take the essence of the cocktail party out of the closet dust it off and take time to enjoy a good drink and good company without texing or answering an email for a few hours.

CHEERS!