Cocktail Party Planning 101

A great way to entertain a large number of guests with ease, simplicity and style is to hold a Cocktail party. A few favorite cocktails to mix, some taste-enhancing appetizers to go with the drinks and you are done! Your guests are sure to have a relaxing time enjoying the drinks and the Hors d’oeuvres while engaged in light conversations. Follow our guidelines for a successful cocktail party and throw the best party this New Year's Eve or for any other social or business networking.

First things first

Plan your guest list carefully. Mix people of different ages and professions if you are throwing party for social reasons. This will help keep the mood of the party cheery. Of course, if you have planned the party for your business associates, you have probably already decided on the guest list. Send out formal or informal invitations at least 2 weeks ahead of the party. Mention clearly the date and time of the party, dress code if any. Also hint upon the menu so that the guests know if they are to eat their dinners after the party or not. Ask for RSVP's.

Choosing the location

Choose a space large enough for the purpose. You are going to need space for your guests to mingle freely and lounge comfortably. And do not forget a place to set up your mixing bar!

Down to the Menu

Plan your menu at least a week ahead. The first thing is to decide how many drinks you want to serve. Two to three different types of cocktails are generally considered to be enough. If you are extremely good at mixing cocktails, you might want to add a couple more. But we suggest that you keep things simple.

Next, which type of drinks. It will be a good idea to choose drinks which have the same base liquor. For your ease, we have a collection of Cocktail recipes for you to decide upon for your party, categorized according to the base liquor in them:

• Whisky-based Cocktails

• Rum-based Cocktails

• Gin-based Cocktails

• Vodka-based Cocktails

• Brandy-based Cocktails

In addition to the cocktails, it is also advisable to have a few mocktails or non-alcoholic beverages, soft drinks etc. to cater to guests who do not prefer alcohol. You may choose from some Mocktail recipes that we have.

Once the drinks are sorted out, plan the other items on your menu. If your guests are a few selected friends, you may plan a complete dinner after the cocktail party. But if you entertaining a large number of people, it is suggested that you keep the menu down to some party snacks. Mix together hot and cold items and include some finger foods. Make 4-5 of them estimating 2 to 3 of each per guest. Include one or two completely vegetarian items. Try our recipes for Low Calorie Cocktail Meatballs, Cheese Pretzels, Spiced Nuts, Dill Stuffed Mushrooms and Swedish Cocktail Meatballs.

Shopping List and Budgeting

It will be easy to make a shopping list once your menu is decided. Alcohol, Beverages, Soft Drinks, cheese, meat, nuts, olives, fruits, ice etc. will assume place of importance. But do not forget to add other necessary items like paper napkins, toothpicks, paper plates, glasses (see next section for estimating number of glasses) and optional but recommended decorations like flowers. Check your pantry for basic necessities like flour, oil etc. and check if you have the required number of bowls and trays or serving platters for serving snacks. You might also need to rent glasses, folding chairs etc. The next section on 'stocking your bar' will also remind you of any other things that you need to add to your shopping list.

However less you decide to spend on other items, do not compromise on the quality of alcohol.

Stocking your bar

Stock your bar with the tools of the trade. You will need 1 measure of about 2-3 fl oz (70-85 ml), another of about 1-1/2 fl oz (40 ml); large glass jug for mixing and if possible, a 'cocktail shaker', long handled spoon, teaspoon, ice bucket and tongs, lemon squeezer, strainer, sharp knife, cutting board, cocktail sticks, straws and long and short glasses. he number of glasses will depend upon the number of guests and the type of your party. If you are having family and close friends, you will need only 1 glass per person and a few extra glasses to cover breakage. but if you are having a formal party, arrange for 1 glass per drink that you are going to serve. A cocktail party usually goes on for 3 hours and going by the standards one drink per hour is acceptable. You can also serve two drinks in the first hour.

Lots of ice is vital for any cocktail party so have back-up bags of ice cubes in your freezer. One pound of ice is sufficient per person for a party lasting for an average of three hours. Also stock up maraschino cherries, olives, cucumber, lemons, lime, oranges, Worcestershire sauce and bottles of bitter lemon, tomato juice etc. Do not forget soft drinks for people who prefer them over alcohol.

Prepare Ahead

Prepare snacks and appetizers a day or ahead and freeze them. Thaw as needed before the party begins.

Practice mixing cocktails. Read our Tips for Chilling, Measuring and Mixing Cocktails and Tips for Garnishing and Presenting Cocktails to gain sufficient knowledge on mixing and presenting cocktails. You can also choose to skip this and hire a bartender instead.

Need Help? Hire!

If serving a large group, it is wise to hire the services of a bartender to mix and replenish drinks and pass around bowls of spiced nuts and trays of other Hors d’oeuvres.

If you can afford, you may also hire a caterer to take care of the food so that you are not left slaving in your kitchen instead of enjoying your party. It is of utmost importance to keep practicality above everything else when hosting a party for a large group of people. You can also choose to purchase most of the food from nearby stores and keep just a few, easy recipes for yourself.

Alternatively, you can serve the first cocktail (make it a special one) yourself and then allow your guests to mix their own drinks in a 'Self-Service' fashion.

Decorating and creating the mood

Clean your house before the party and take out fresh linen for the party. The day before the party, complete decorating the space you have chosen. Set up your bar, arrange plates, glasses and napkins. Put out all chairs. Keep your kitchen as clutter-free and your dish-washer as empty as possible. You might have guests following you into the kitchen unexpectedly. Your bathroom is one place your guests are sure to visit. Clean your bathroom, keep fresh, unused soap bars and clean towels.

Then again on the morning of the party, lightly dust the rooms, arrange flowers, load the CD player with selected music. An hour before the party begins, light up the area.

Let the Party Begin!

Ice your drinks in the morning of the party. An hour before, set out bowls of nuts and platters of appetizers in various places all over the room, transfer ice into ice buckets. Ensure that you have bins and containers all over the place for dirty napkins and plates. Start the music, relax and enjoy your party!