Artistic Lifestyling - Mingle Blog

Cocktail Parties!!!

Cocktail Parties are a fabulous way to entertain. Whether it is a formal occasion for your business associates; a causal affair for your neighbors; or a sophisticated night out for your friends; it is the perfect idea for a busy host. A typical cocktail party can last for a few hours, but does not have to be complicated to plan. My favorite part of hosting a cocktail party is the wide variety of interesting food and drinks you can choose for your menu. For me, the most important part of the party is the COCKTAILS, so when choosing your drinks, select colors, glasses and garnishes that reflect your personality or go along with your theme.

TIPS:

1. Have an assortment of glass styles to compliment the drinks you plan on serving. Your serving collection should include assorted red and white wine glasses, juice and water; highball for tall drinks; tumblers for mixed drinks; and martini glasses.

2. Plan to serve about eight or nine types of hor d'oeuvres making sure you have plenty to go around, since this will be the only food being served. Have at least one vegetarian choice. I like to stagger the times to serve the food so that it's always fresh.

3. Set up your bar at one end of the room and food at the other. This will give your guests a chance to mingle and move around.

4. Have red and white wine on hand, and your basic liquor choices. But also provide one or two 'signature' cocktails mixed to serve, giving your guests a wide variety.

5. Make sure there are non-alcoholic choices for drinks and mixers.

6. Have plenty of ice on hand.

7. Play some music for a for a chic and sophisticated backdrop.

Enjoy!!!