In the past, unwinding after a long workweek often meant hitting up the bars and clubs in the downtown core to drink, dance, and socialize with strangers.
You’d do this on Friday and Saturday night and give yourself the entire Sunday to recover from your revelry — most likely, nursing a nasty hangover.
But bar-hopping and clubbing aren’t as popular as they used to be.
People are finding different — and some might say, better — ways to unwind once the weekend arrives.
They are skipping the crowded dance floors and packed line-ups and staying home, where they can have low-key nights with close friends.
Why The Sudden Shift?
Higher Expense
One reason for this shift is that the nightlife is very expensive now. Cocktails can cost you $15. If you’re living in a major city, you can expect cocktail prices to be $20 each. So, a few hours spent at a swanky bar could really burn a hole in your wallet.
Drinks aren’t the only costs you can expect when clubbing. You have to think about cover charges, coat check charges, rideshares, late-night eats, and tips.
By the time the weekend of fun is done, your pockets are empty.
The Home Advantage
Another reason for the shift is that more people are homebodies nowadays. They prefer staying in to going out. This trend could be a leftover effect of pandemic quarantining, where everyone but essential workers had to stay home as much as possible.
The trend could also be on the rise because it’s easier to tailor the “perfect night” when you’re at home.
At a club, you have no control over the drinks that the bar serves, the music that the DJ plays, or even the people who show up. You could go out one night and realize you hate all of the options available.
You don’t need to worry about these factors at home. You have complete control over the drinks they stock in your fridge, the music that plays on your speaker, and the guests that come through your door.
And you can spend less money to make that all happen.
Your Guide to Unwinding
How can you embrace this rising trend and unwind at home this weekend? These are some ideas to get you inspired.
Invite the VIPs
First things first, you have to think about the company you’re going to invite. Pick a few close friends that will appreciate a relaxed vibe. You’ll want a small, intimate group that can keep up a great conversation.
Get Fine Cigars
Bring a little taste of luxury into your living room by getting a selection of fine cigars. Share this indulgence with your friends while you vent about your hectic weeks.
The stress will drift away with the tobacco smoke.
If you’re new to the world of cigar smoking, don’t just buy anything — go to a tobacconist and ask for their recommendations. You should look for milder flavors to start with. You’ll also want to make sure that you have all of the necessary accessories that offer humidity control for cigars.
These accessories will protect the quality of your cigars so that you have a relaxing smoke every time you light up.
Curate the Perfect Music Playlist
Music is crucial for setting the right mood. If you want a low-key, laid-back evening, choose an acoustic guitar or soft jazz playlist that will keep everyone chill.
Volume is important, too. One of the biggest annoyances with clubs and bars is that they set the music too loud to carry on a conversation without shouting.
Don’t make this mistake at home.
Keep it low enough that it melds into the background. These three steps will guarantee you an excellent night in.
You’ll chat, you’ll smoke, and you’ll unwind from the week without having to wait in any lines.