Cocktail parties are an excellent meeting opportunity because they allow you to invite guests of various types, from neighbors to business associates. Whatever kind of people you want to invite, if you want it to be a fabulous cocktail party there are a few things to keep in mind …
Steps
Step 1. Choose the right time
The traditional time for a cocktail party is between 18:00 and 20:30, with a duration of two to three hours
Step 2. Buy lots of ice
Remember that you will not only use it for drinks but also to keep bottles and cans cool. In general, half a kilo each should suffice.
Step 3. Make sure you have various types of glasses, depending on what you intend to offer
You need wine glasses, juice and water; highballs for long drinks; tumbler for spirits and juices; Martini glasses. As for the quantity, about two glasses will be needed per person.
Step 4. Stock up on drinks
- For those who drink wine, calculate one bottle for every two people (about five glasses per bottle).
- For beer drinkers, six cans will be needed for every two people, calculating doses of 355 ml.
- Buy a liqueur or two suitable for various cocktails (choose from vodka, rum, gin, scotch, bourbon, blended whiskey, or tequila).
- Don't forget the soft drinks and toppings, such as orange juice, soda, tonic water, ginger ale, Coke, grenadine, tomato juice, Tabasco, lemons, limes, horseradish and Worcestershire sauce. However, the most important non-alcoholic ingredient is seltzer.
Step 5. Prepare the menu
Aim for variety (with meat, hot, cold, spicy, and sweet vegetarian). If you will not be serving dinner, allow 6 bites per person, but remember that it is better to have more food than to run out.
Step 6. Offer coffee towards the end of the party, but remember that coffee does not solve the problems of those who have drunk too much
Have the taxi service number handy for guests who haven't thought about choosing who would be the driver for the evening.
Advice
- If you expect guests to mostly drink wine, you can uncork a few bottles in advance and put the caps back on. However, remember that red wine must be left to "breathe".
- If you have guests who do not know the other people present, perhaps think about organizing a corner where you will prepare cocktails and entertain people who may not be able to socialize with strangers.
- Ask guests to dress elegantly. Formal attire will make the experience more important, and well-dressed guests will be less likely to overindulge and behave inappropriately.
- If there are also children, make sure they have a room with books and films, and if you have a swimming pool let the guests know so that they can organize and bring the necessary.
- If dinner is planned, it is a good rule to have 1 seat for every two guests, in this way people move more and have more fun.
- For a party of about 2 hours where you plan to serve only wine and / or sparkling wine (or champagne) you will need one bottle for every two guests. Offer both whites and reds.
- A cocktail party makes it easier to mix guests who may not feel comfortable sitting at the table in front of others.
- If you notice that a guest is unable to drive, offer to pay for the taxi or take it home yourself. As a host, you need to ensure that not only everyone has a good time at the party, but that they get home safe and sound.
