The cocktail party has never been as stylish as they are today. Combining colorful and exotic drinks, flavorful appetizers, decorative accents with good friends and conversation make a successful cocktail party. The keys to a successful yet easy party is keeping it simple and remembering the details.
-Pre-Planning-
*Choose the theme
*Choose place and time
*Invite guests
Start with an uncomplicated idea or theme for the gathering. The theme can be easily obtained by taking cues from the seasons or the occasion. Anniversaries and birthdays are clear cut but if choosing a party without a special occasion in mind, the seasons or upcoming holidays can aid in the process. Focusing on a single idea will set the tone and pull the event together.
Decide now where the party will be held. Consider the weather and what spaces can be utilized to bring the occasion together. The space availability will determine the maximum amount of guests that can be invited. If choosing an outside gathering, excess furniture can be moved or rearranged to allow for more space. And last in the pre-planning, choose the date and time. When inviting, be specific with the time frame giving a start and end time and use the word "cocktail" to indicate the type of party.
-Planning-
*Choose menu and drinks
*Choose decor
*Organize
Giving a cocktail party a sense of style while keeping it unpretentious can be painless. Use basic principles and relaxed touches to create a unified look based around the theme of the party. Base the atmosphere around the seating and the cocktails which should be separated if possible to keep the areas free of congestion. Use flowers, lighting and music to set the mood and then add those final touches that bring the theme all together. The music playlist should match the theme, starting with mellow tunes and becoming more energetic as the party progresses.
A short cocktail party should consist of three different types of specialty drinks and four to five different types of appetizers. Choose simple recipes that can be easily prepared in large quantities but are also in check with the theme of the party. Snack items can be placed at the bar area such as nuts, flat breads, olives and crackers.
For the appetizers, plan on at least six appetizers per person for each hour the party will last. For a party of six, lasting two hours, prepare at least 72 appetizers. However, if you decide on the buffet style (serve yourself) approach, plan on preparing extra appetizers as many tend to nibble more when they are made available freely. These finger foods should vary from hot and cold, sweet to savory and include a variety based on the party theme. How these are served will depend upon if you choose the buffet style or having them served on trays to the guests. If you choose to personally serve the appetizers, consider asking a family member to assist in the serving or hire extra hands in advance.
Now for the stars of the party-the drinks. Take the approach of having three specialty drinks (one should be nonalcoholic) along with basic beverages including water, soft drinks, wine and beer. Purchase plenty of ice, at least 1 1/2 pounds per person or more if you will be chilling glasses and bottled beverages. The bar should be stocked with all of the necessities. These items will depend upon the types of drinks you have chosen to serve. Decide in advance who will be tending bar as outside help may need to be hired for the job.
-Bar Tools-
*Ice bucket with tongs
*Different sizes of glasses
*Garnishes and accessories including olives, lemon or lime wedges, swizzle sticks, straws
*Mixing glass
*Jigger
*Bar spoon, measuring spoons, muddler, citrus zester, knife, small cutting board
*Cocktail shaker and strainer
*Corkscrew and foil cutter
*Bottle opener
*Bar towels and cocktail napkins
-Putting It All Together-
*Make lists
*Shop
*Decorate
*Start food preparations
Your lists should include what needs to be purchased, who will be responsible for different tasks, what tasks need to be completed and when. A do-ahead checklist will keep your timeline organized of when to start cleaning, what needs to be specifically cleaned and when to start decorating. Don't forget to add extra towels and soap to the bathroom.
Another list can be made geared towards the food preparations. Plan early on which foods can be prepared ahead of time and those that need to be completed just before service. Also decide at this time the order in which the food will be served if you decide not to do the buffet style.
Organize your lists from start to finish keeping on a timeline. Then it is time to shop, start the food preparations and decorate the party areas. Remember to keep it simple.
A successful cocktail party is all about the organization and the small details. Make lists early in the planning process, shop and prepare for the event allowing plenty of time to keep stress levels at a minimum. The more cocktails parties that you host, the more comfortable you will become putting an event like this together.