Hosting a Cocktail Party
Hosting a cocktail party is a fantastic fun way to entertain your friends and family in a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. Here’s my guide to how to host a cocktail party, for some guidance and inspiration.
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BASICS:
Like any party you need to decide a DATE, TIME and VENUE, obvious are Evenings and Weekends when more people are likely to be available, but ultimately it is up to you to decide, and also find out when the guests that you couldn’t do without can come. Then follow the rest of this guide.
Where to host a cocktail party
The venue of the party will depend on your budget and the number of people coming to your party. Also if your not hosting at home the date of your party may center around the availability of your desired location.
This post is about hosting an Easy Cocktail party so I would suggest your home as the ideal location. (Or a friends home, especially if they are lucky enough to have a garden or terrace!)
Cocktail party invitations
Now you have decided on the venue and date, it’s time to send out the invitations. I find this part really exciting as it sets the scene and starts tyhe anticipation. Send out your stylish invitations well in advance to make sure your favourite people can come.
Essential info the put on your invites are the date, time, location, and dress code.
Cocktail Party Menu
Select a variety of cocktails to offer your guests. Include classics like martinis, mojitos, margaritas, and some non-alcoholic options.
If you want to be really professional you could make your own menus, here are some on Zazzle to give you some inpiration.
Perhaps you need this book –
Bar tender or self service
As you can see, Cocktails are a bit more complicated than serving a beer from the fridge. You will have to decide who is going to make the cocktails. Are you going to make them? Are you going to get the guests to make them? Or you can even hire a professional bartender.
One idea is to set up a self-serve cocktail station with recipes, ingredients, and equipment.
Cocktail Glasses
Ensure you have an assortment of glassware for different types of cocktails. Martini glasses, highball glasses, and cocktail shakers are essential.
Or posh paper cups, and disposible ones are good too.
Vintage glasses are great, you could scour the charity shops, or look on vintage site such as Etsy.
These look great and are budget friendly – Goodluck 50PCS 9oz Gold Disposable Cups, Plastic Cups with Gold Rim.
Cocktail Garnishes and Ingredients
Garnishes and ingredients are important, because the look of the cocktail is what makes it special.
Stock up on garnishes like lemon and lime wedges, olives, cherries, and cocktail onions. Have a variety of mixers, spirits, and syrups.
Cocktail Party food
All these cocktails will make your guests a bit hungry and to save yourself and the guests from eating all the garnishes, plan a selection of hors d’oeuvres, finger foods, and small bites. Options can include sliders, mini quiches, and bruschettas.
Cocktail Party music
Create a playlist of background music that complements the atmosphere. Jazz, lounge, or soft rock are good choices.
Seating and Layout
Arrange seating to encourage mingling. Set up cozy corners with comfortable chairs and tables for guests to gather.
Lighting
Use warm and ambient lighting to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Candles and fairy lights can work wonders.
Theme and Decor
Consider a theme or color scheme for your party and decorate accordingly. Themes like ‘Mad Men’ or ‘Tropical Paradise’ can add flair.
Cocktail Party Favors
Consider offering small party favors or personalized cocktail stirrers for guests to take home.
Enjoy the Party
Now your organized it’s time to enjoy the party. Have a good time and mingle and engage with your guests to make everyone feel welcome and ensure they have a great time too.
Below are some FREE cocktail stick flags you can print out and make – or use as an inspiration to design some of your own. – Just click on the picture to download.
