Cocktail parties are a great way to gather friends or colleagues together for a few hours of mingling and networking. This type of get-together can be casual or dressy, inexpensive or decadent. Best of all, even the most extravagant cocktail party doesn’t necessitate all the work, planning and expense that a full fledged dinner party does. The process isn’t at all complicated either; create a guest list, pick a theme, (if you choose to go with one), select a date and time, gather up some fun cocktail ideas and an easy food menu, extend your invitations and get that party started!
The key to hosting a great cocktail party is keeping the atmosphere lighthearted. A theme party can provide just the right setting for lively conversation between guests. Inspirational ideas abound on the Internet, in magazines and on TV (think FoodTV). Martini parties are the trendy thing to do right now, and recently there has been an inclination towards "tasting parties." These focus on a single theme involving liquor, such as sampling various super premium vodkas, different chocolates and complimentary wines, or even several single malt whiskeys. But no matter what type of party you throw, your budget and the time you have to invest should dictate how extravagant or simple it will be. The most important aspects are giving your guests a few great choices in the drink department and several easy to serve snacks. A full meal should not be the focus for this type of gathering. A menu of tasty finger foods, sans utensils, should be provided as before or after dinner fare (the two best times to schedule a cocktail party, by the way). Plan ahead, prepare well and keep things as simple as possible so that during the party you can relax and enjoy your guests instead of running around taking care of last minute tasks.
Want to do something different? Look to new innovations or current trends for unique party ideas. For instance, one of the greatest new drink accessories I’ve run across recently is "Cocktail Candy." These brightly colored and fantastically flavored sugars add funk to the rim of any glass and the retro graphics on the tins are a great foundation for a 70’s themed cocktail party.
To create this type of themed get together, gather up a few tempting flavors of Cocktail Candy—they come in eighteen fun flavors like "Grapes of Rap," "Bohemian Raspberry," "Lemon Twist," "Chocolate Bar," "Coffee House" and "Banana Republicans." (Check out their website at www.CocktailCandy.com to order and check out other flavors). Next, go on an Internet blitz and find drink recipes that will compliment your sugar flavors of choice. For instance, a chocolate martini would be perfect with Chocolate Bar sugar, Citron and Lemonade would work exceptionally well with Lemon Twist for the perfect pucker effect. When you’ve decided on your cocktails, pre-mix and chill them well, when ready to serve put them in a stylish pitcher and label each pitcher with small tent cards. Set a large table with a nice cloth and napkins and place the tin of cocktail candy near its complimentary drink, opened, lid facing up.
The only barware you’ll need is a large bucket of ice, several martini glasses and some highball glasses for those who prefer their drinks on the rocks. Small bowls of sliced limes, lemons, strawberries or other fruits will serve as the perfect "rim wetters" so the sugars will stick nicely to the glass. Guests can pour their own drinks at their whim throughout the evening, all you have to do is re-fill the pitchers from the cocktail reserves in the frig. Each tin of Cocktail Candy will rim 50-60 glasses, so they go a long way. Unless you’re having a huge crowd, one tin per drink type should be more than enough. If your concerned about germs from "re-dipping" in the sugars, provide disposable martini glasses; you can get them at most party store outlets and some grocery stores.
For food try fondue; perfect for a 70’s inspired Mod theme and really easy to serve besides. Set up six fondue pots around the room along with napkins and small paper plates. Fill three pots with a creamy chocolate sauce and sliced fruit for dipping, and the other three pots with a thick cheese sauce with bread for dipping. For the fruit/chocolate fondue, sliced bananas, strawberries and blueberries would do the trick and for the bread—hearty, thick loaves, such as sourdough, rye and Italian cut into large chunks could be provided for dipping. Everyone gets their own fondue stick and so utensils and washing are kept to the bare minimum. For fondue recipes, try www.FoodTV.com. Lastly, a few burned or purchased CD’s with 70’s tunes will provide great background music; (keep the volume low to inspire conversation between guests).
Whether you choose to go with a theme like the one I’ve described above or not, the following tips will help make your party a success: If your budget allows and you have a larger bash in mind, consider paying for the services of a party consultant, or, at the very least, hiring a caterer, a server, and a bartender. If these amenities are not in your budget, ask friends to help with serving and drink mixing. Don’t forget to provide non-alcoholic beverages for those guests who don’t or can’t drink and beer and wine for those who may not be interested in cocktails. Don’t limit your party dates to occasions or holiday’s such as Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s or Cinco de Mayo; a "non-occasion" impromptu Friday gathering can be a welcome reprieve from the long work week.
The point of your party, large or small, is to create a fun, easy atmosphere for you, your friends, colleagues, or acquaintances to spend time together or get to know one another better. Let your life be your inspiration and allow your personal interests to guide you. Plan well, keep it simple, relax and drink up! If you follow those guidelines, your party should be a hit no matter what the theme, occasion or non-occasion.
