Cocktail Party Planning
Party planning for a cocktail party requires a sense of balance, style and knowledge of great drinks. Usually these affairs are small and quiet with the space being filled with casual conversation between the guests. Most cocktail parties are held in the evening, and the guests come in semi-casual to formal wear. This party gets it's name from the alcoholic drinks and the cocktail dresses that women used to wear predominantly to this event. However, times have changed and you are dressed appropriately if you come in nice pants and a blouse.
As the host, party planning for this event involves finding a nice casual, but cool space for the event and securing drinks. A little light music in the background will also help to fill any silence that may occur from time to time as the conversation ebbs and flows.
For the most basic of cocktail parties between friends and family you can get away with just serving wine, champagne, or hard liquor. The guests don't mind as long as you provide the drinks. Make sure to offer some appetizers to help soak up that alcohol before it goes to your guests heads. Also, you may want to bring out the drinks at intervals. The guests should be just relaxed enough to enjoy the party and make conversation with strangers, but not so relaxed that it starts to turn into a frat party.
For larger parties or even those that take place in a bar or restaurant, consider hiring a bartender. They'll be able to make up mixed drinks for the guests and can help keep a party going with bartender's tricks. Just remember you'll probably pay them for their time, but be required to provide the alcohol and they'll also want to put up a tip jar of some kind. If you want to recoup some of the investment consider charging guests a small fee for their drinks.
A little party planning and preparation will help turn your cocktail party into a success. |
Grandparents Day Party Planning
