There’s something about Thursday afternoons that just feels hopeful, isn’t there? The week is almost behind us, the weekend is within reach, and suddenly even the smallest plans start to feel like a celebration waiting to happen. With only 24 hours to go until Friday, I thought it would be the perfect time to share something fun from our home to yours: our cocktail party playlist.
Last weekend, Jeff and I hosted a small get-together, and it turned out to be one of those nights where everything just clicked—the drinks were flowing, the conversation felt effortless, and the music tied it all together in the best way. A few friends asked if I’d be willing to share our playlist afterward, and honestly, I’m delighted to. Because what’s a party without the perfect soundtrack?
Why the Right Music Matters
There are lots of elements that make a party memorable—the guest list, the food, the lighting—but music is the invisible glue. It sets the tone the moment your guests walk through the door. Too loud, and everyone ends up shouting over it; too mellow, and the energy never quite gets off the ground.
For our party, I wanted a mix that felt polished but not pretentious, fun without being overwhelming. Something you could talk over easily but that would also get people swaying a little if the mood struck. Think of it as sonic wallpaper with character: subtle enough to stay in the background but strong enough to shape the whole evening.
The Building Blocks of the Mix
When I put together a playlist for entertaining, I usually think in three parts:
- The Arrival – Early in the evening, you want warm, upbeat music that feels inviting but doesn’t demand attention. This is the moment where people are settling in, grabbing their first drink, and catching up with each other.
- The Peak – As the night hits its stride, the playlist should pick up a bit more rhythm. Nothing too high-energy (save that for a dance party), but enough to create a lively backdrop that keeps conversation buzzing.
- The Wind-Down – Toward the end, I like to slow things down slightly. These are the songs that make people linger with their last cocktail, maybe move to a cozier chair, and draw the evening to a natural close.
With that in mind, here are some highlights from our playlist:
A Few of Our Favorites
- “Lovely Day” – Bill Withers
No party playlist is complete without this one. Smooth, soulful, and instantly uplifting—it’s like a smile in song form. - “Beyond” – Leon Bridges
A modern classic that feels timeless. Leon Bridges has a way of threading romance and warmth into every note, which makes it perfect for setting an inviting tone. - “Give Me the Night” – George Benson
A groove that makes you want to glide across the room with a martini in hand. It hits that sweet spot of being jazzy and funky all at once. - “Valerie” – Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson
A little retro pop with a kick of energy. By this point in the evening, everyone’s feeling a bit more relaxed, and this track always gets people humming along. - “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
Do I even need to explain? This one is pure joy bottled up in a disco groove. It’s impossible not to move, even just a little. - “Nightshift” – The Commodores
Later in the night, when things start winding down, this is one of my favorites to play. Smooth, soulful, and just the right amount of nostalgic.
Setting the Scene
When we hosted our cocktail night, Jeff handled the drinks (he takes his mixology duties very seriously), and I had way too much fun setting the table with little appetizers, candlelight, and fresh flowers. But honestly, it was the playlist that tied the whole thing together.
At one point, I looked around and saw friends laughing in clusters, the clink of glasses mixing with the beat of a bassline in the background, and it struck me: this is what makes a house feel alive. Music doesn’t just fill the silence—it creates atmosphere, a kind of invisible thread that pulls the night together.
Make It Your Own
The best part of curating a playlist is that it doesn’t have to be static. You can mix in your all-time favorites, throw in something unexpected, or even tailor it to the season. (I’m already thinking about what my fall entertaining mix might sound like—something a little moodier, maybe with some jazz standards and cozy acoustic tracks.)
If you’re planning a gathering this weekend, feel free to borrow ours as a starting point and then make it your own. Add that one track you always end up dancing to in the kitchen, or the guilty-pleasure pop song everyone secretly loves. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating a vibe that feels easy, fun, and a little magical.
Here’s to the Weekend
So here you go: our cocktail party playlist, from our living room to yours. I hope it brings you as much joy as it brought us, whether you’re throwing a full-blown party or just mixing up a Friday night drink for two.
Music has this wonderful way of making even ordinary evenings feel like something special. And if all else fails, just put on “September” and let Earth, Wind & Fire do the heavy lifting.
Here’s to the weekend—cheers!
