Most people hold cocktail parties mainly to build relationships and connect with business associates, potential clients and friends. Most people find them the ideal way to network and get to know people better over drinks and finger foods. While these parties were not as popular back in the sixties through the seventies, they are the in-thing now, and understandably so. Preparations are not as complicated since there is no need to prepare full course meals and the party lasts for about three hours only. The event’s star is the drinks served, and the party fare is less complicated. There are great ideas for a cocktail party to make it unique and memorable for the guests.
The great thing about a cocktail party, apart from more minor complications with the menu, is it allows people to mingle with other guests. People are not confined to their seats, and they can move around, meet other invitees, and enjoy their company. Communicating is not a problem as they freely move around the area while enjoying the food and drinks being served. As a result, the atmosphere is more relaxed, and guests and hosts are more comfortable. It is still essential to plan ahead of time for an elegant cocktail party that your guests will enjoy and appreciate. Check out this cocktail bar with Moonshine here to make sure you’re gonna have an elegant cocktail party!
The following are some tips on how to plan an elegant cocktail party.
1. Focus on the drinks
A cocktail party is all about the drinks served. For most people, hiring a professional bartender is the best option as they are the experts in preparing cocktails and serving a variety of drinks to the guests. Having someone tending the bar allows you to mingle with your guests freely. You have a few options when it comes to serving your drinks. For instance, you may have a full bar offering various fruity punch and liquors coupled with garnishes and mixers so guests can either enjoy something new or have what they usually drink. With a full bar, you need someone knowledgeable to handle the mixing of drinks. Another option is the signature bar, which is more creative, and typically includes two types of spirits, such as rum and vodka-based. Some bar basics include vodka, rum, brandy, and gin. You may also want to include wine and beer in your list of alcoholic beverages. For an elegant cocktail party, you may want to have a cocktail menu available for guests to choose their favourite drinks.
2. Prepare delectable party nibbles
While your guests know that you are not serving a full-course dinner, it is a thoughtful gesture to include this on the invitation. Have them understand that the party consists of cocktails and canapes, so they know what to expect when they get there. An excellent addition to the party fare is the cheeseboard featuring various cheeses. Offer hors d’oeuvres to ensure your guests have a choice on what to nibble on with their cocktails. Remember that the people at your party will be moving around, so keep them engaged with appetising but straightforward finger foods. Also, consider food restrictions that some of your guests may have when planning what to serve.
3. Create a playlist
Although cocktail parties don’t last too long, it would still be nice to have music playing in the background. Music always sets the mood for an enjoyable party. For example, you can hire a DJ to play light jazz music or have a few musicians perform popular tunes. Another idea would be to have a small area for people who may enjoy dancing. Remember that music livens up the atmosphere and keeps guests entertained, even while they mingle and chat.
4. Be the perfect host, even after the party
You can expect your guests to start getting ready to leave in a few hours. While they may not expect it, you can still offer dessert before they go. It would also be good to serve coffee since your guests indulged in alcoholic drinks. Some guests could be drinking a little too much, and you can gently remind them that they still have to drive home and it may be dangerous to over-indulge. A better idea would be to arrange for drivers to have some of your guests taken home and ensure that they get there safely.
With these tips in mind, you can host an elegant cocktail party that your guests will not soon forget.
