how does one have a cocktail party?

i'm thinking that i'll start the new year with doing things i've never done before.

i'm assuming cocktails lol
and no real "meal"

anything else i should know?

Re: how does one have a cocktail party?

I think you got it covered!

I usually serve a big punch, have a few different types of wine and options for some mixed drinks and beer. I'll be honest in that I don't go NUTS with the hard stuff because I don't like things to get too out of control in my house. So I limit to maybe a bottle of vodka, some rum and a cordial of some sort.

Then apps - crudites, cheese crackers and other finger foods.


ETA: Set the 'bar' in a place where you want people to mingle and hang out. I leave a few seating options - but not a ton in that area. In my house I usually set up the bar in the living room and move the smaller portion of the seating set into the office. It encourages people to stand and move around and talk to people instead of sitting with the same person the whole time. I have little trays set up on end tables with food stuffs. I also have some food in the kitchen so people can wander in and grab a snack and chat. I leave the office open for those who want a little more intimate/quiet conversation.

We try to keep the music fairly low and innocuous - kind of like adult contemp stuff or holiday music during the season. Rob likes to set the fire pit up i the back yard so folks can wander back there too.

Good luck!

Message edited 12/31/2009 9:56:30 AM.

Re: how does one have a cocktail party?

A cocktail party normally means cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Sometimes dessert hors d'oeuvres are served as well, such as mini pastries and petit fours.

Re: how does one have a cocktail party?

I would serve:

Sparkling punch
Wine (red/white)
(Depending on the guests, maybe hard liquor and/or beer)

Cheese & crackers that will help bring the taste of the wine out

Fresh fruit to bring the taste of the wine out

Some hot hor'deurves

Some finger desserts

Call it a night!

Re: how does one have a cocktail party?

i love cocktail parties--you can focus mainly on the booze!

have great finger foods and apps....cheese & crackers, vegetable crudite, and simple apps.

Re: how does one have a cocktail party?

Heavy apps and lots of drinks
I find that I have so many apps, it's basically a dinner b/c I don't want people to get too drunk, but there is no sitting down for dinner. I also like to set up food around instead of just in a buffett. I want people to mingle and use the space, not just hang out by the food.