How to organize a cocktail party
References
In this article: Choose drinks Feed the guests Preparing the party venue Related articles References
A cocktail party is a great way to bring friends, old and new, together over a few drinks and appetizers in a fun atmosphere. Since cocktail parties usually only last a few hours and don't involve a sit-down meal, they're pretty easy to organize. Choose the right place, gather all the ingredients and organize an unforgettable cocktail party!
Part
1
Choose drinks
1
Prepare a specialty cocktail or two. To make the evening unforgettable, prepare a cocktail of its own! By preparing a signature cocktail or two, you will also avoid unnecessary stress. You'll be able to focus on your guests and making sure they have a great night, instead of being stuck behind the bar making complicated drinks [1] .
For example, prepare a rum punch. You will prepare it with anticipation and in sufficient quantity, so that your guests can all help themselves to a glass when they arrive [2] .
Also whip up some signature mocktails, like a non-alcoholic peach punch, for guests who'd rather not drink alcohol. This will be especially important if children are present at the party [3] .
Tell yourself that each guest will drink 1-2 glasses per hour. Consider the number of your guests and the length of your party to get an idea of how many drinks to expect [4] .
2
Fill your bar. If preparing one or two signature cocktails will save you from having to answer too many requests, make sure you have the necessary to prepare other cocktails and please your guests. If your guests are happy, everyone will have a great time!
Provide different types of beer, as well as red and white wines, for guests who don't want to drink cocktails.
Have basic spirits on hand, such as whiskey, gin, tequila, brandy, rum, and vodka. You'll be whipping up a martini in no time!
Don't forget soft drinks and toppings. Basic soft drinks include tonic, sparkling water, and different kinds of soda. Cut lemons and limes, which you will only have to place in the glasses. When a guest asks you for a gin & tonic, you can prepare their drink in a jiffy [5] .
3
Get suitable glasses. You will need to provide different types of glass, depending on the type of drinks you will be offering. Plan about twice as many glasses as there will be guests: at a party, glasses are always broken [6] !
If you don't prefer to invest in a large stock of cocktail glasses, you can always rent them.
You will need wine glasses, tall straight-sided glasses, pint glasses for beer, small shot glasses for liquors, martini glasses and champagne flutes.
Provide glass markers for your guests, so that they can identify their glasses. Indeed, people will wander from one group to another and might not always remember where they put their cocktail [7] .
4
Provide enough ice. During a cocktail party, your stock of ice will quickly decrease. Provide a sufficient quantity. Keep in mind that you will use the ice cubes for your cocktails, but also to keep the bottles cool.
Large ice cubes will melt less quickly in cocktails. Choose sufficiently large ice cube molds and prepare your ice cubes in sufficient quantities.
Do not take out all your ice cubes at once to make them available to your guests. They will melt! Keep some in the freezer [8] .
Part
2
Feed the guests
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1
Provide snacks. Since a cocktail party doesn't usually include a sit-down meal, you'll need to provide plenty of snacks for guests. Alcohol does not mix well with an empty stomach! Tell yourself that each person present will eat 2 to 3 starters [9] .
The great classics include the cheese and charcuterie platters, served with olives, nuts or even fruit plates.
In addition to savory appetizers, also plan some sweets, such as cookies [10] .
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2
Prepare only a few dishes, but in large quantities. Appetizers are not always easy to prepare. To make preparations for the evening less complicated, prepare large quantities of a few simple dishes. A table covered with plates and bowls will do better than a few scrawny trays, even if the food is very varied [11] .
This will allow you to easily fill the trays that are starting to look sadly empty.
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3
Prepare easy-to-eat snacks. Avoid complicated appetizers, which require sitting down to eat, with a plate and cutlery. It will be easier for guests to chat with each other by tasting simple little things that they will eat with a napkin and a toothpick [12] .
Meatballs on a toothpick or bites of cheesecake are always popular and very easy to eat [13] .
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4
Serve vegetarian options. It will always be good to provide vegetarian options for friends who do not eat meat. For example, provide a platter of raw vegetables, which can also be enjoyed by vegan guests.
If you have time, prepare a vegetarian bruschetta. Otherwise prepare a very simple sauce, for example with spinach and artichokes, to eat with crackers [14] .
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5
Consume local. By choosing local ingredients, you will participate in the economic development of your region and you will offer a very good topic of conversation! This will be a good way to break the ice with your guests and encourage those present to exchange with each other [15] .
Part
3
Preparing the party venue
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1
Set the start time for the party. Do not forget to indicate on your invitation the time at which you expect your guests. Cocktail parties usually only last 2 or 3 hours and take place between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
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2
Inform your guests of the dress code to be observed. There's nothing worse than arriving at a party and realizing you're dressed the wrong way. Make it clear to your guests if you are expecting them in cocktail attire or in casual attire [16] .
If the evening is held during the week, opt for a casual event. Reserve elegant outfits for weekend parties or those given for a special occasion [17] .
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3
Arrange furniture to facilitate circulation. At cocktail parties, people often stay up and move from one group to another. You'll need to make sure guests don't trip over your furniture. Place seats in small groups, for people who want to sit down. Also provide tables, a little bit everywhere, where the guests can deposit their glasses, whereas they discuss [18] .
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4
Stream music. Prepare a playlist and play it as soon as the guests arrive. This way, the environment will be more welcoming and you will avoid the awkward white noise of the early evening [19] .
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5
Decorate with small touches. No need for incredible decorations to make your party look elegant. Just add a few small elements, like bouquets of flowers in vases, to bring the decor to life [20] .
If your party is held outdoors, install string lights to create a festive atmosphere and ensure that your guests can see everywhere they go [21] .
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6
Prepare for housework. Have a table where guests can put their empty glasses or ask a friend to help you pick up empty glasses throughout the evening. This will make it much easier for you to clean up the day after the party [22] .
Make sure your dishwasher is empty, so it can accommodate all your empty glasses [23] .
Advice
If some of your guests come with their children, plan a space for them, with distractions.
As host, it will be your responsibility to ensure that your guests return home safe and sound. If one of your guests is unable to drive and no one can drive them home, call a taxi and pay the bill.
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