How to Host a Cocktail Party

You’re totally moved into your gorgeous new home and are ready to host your first gathering of friends in your abode. So, what comes next?

A dinner party can be a bit time-intensive for new homeowners who already have a lot on their plate.

A family holiday may seem a bit advanced, but…

A light cocktail party is sure to dazzle your guests as they enjoy mingling and experiencing your new home!

The cardinal rule of hosting an elegant and enjoyable cocktail hour is to keep it simple. If you want to get extravagant for a networking event or formal social gathering, consider hiring a catering company to assist with putting on the event.

It’s easy to host an intimate and cozy happy hour at your home with a few friends and colleagues. Follow these steps to ensure success at your next cocktail event.

Planning Considerations

First and foremost, a successful cocktail party requires planning and forethought. Take some time to answer these questions before you get any further in the planning process to help you focus on a realistic vision for your party.

• How many guests are you planning to invite? How many can your home comfortably accommodate? Consider if you want guests to sit, stand, or mix both as they mingle.
• What is your realistic budget? Can you afford to make one to two cocktails for each person invited in addition to any food being served? You might consider having each guest bring a snack to share if you are concerned about the budget.
• How much time and effort do you have to put into planning and hosting this party? Consider hiring a caterer or serving assistance for larger events.
• What is the overall vibe of this party? Will it be a casual gathering of friends and family or a professional networking event for colleagues?
• Will the event be hosted in an outdoor space or inside your home? Consider plans for inclement weather if you intend to host on your uncovered patio or if the temperature becomes uncomfortable.
• Do you plan to have a full bar, or will you serve one to two signature cocktails?

Consider a Theme

Themed cocktail events are popular in the fall and winter but may also be a spring and summertime delight, especially if hosted outdoors. Everyone loves a fun and festive theme to get into the spirit and enjoy a good time with friends and libations.

If you choose a theme, stick with it as a central guiding concept for everything party related. You can get creative with decorations, themed drinks, and coordinated appetizers. Utilizing a theme can help you to stay focused and grounded as you plan your event according to a central concept, like a holiday or season.

Decide On a Signature Cocktail

If you don’t have a fully stocked bar for your guests to choose from, consider limiting your selections to a few easy-to-make options. It’s best to go with a signature cocktail, and maybe one or two secondary cocktails that are simple to make.

Make it simple. For the signature cocktail, consider something that can be made in a large batch for easy pouring or something quick to concoct. It’s better to have six drinks prepped at once than to be spending 10 minutes making each drink for your guests as they arrive. You’ll spend more time prepping than you will be mingling with your guests.

Make it seasonal. Consider a warm cider or mulled wine for winter, and don’t forget to include all the delicious spices! A floral beverage topped with prosecco makes a lovely springtime spritzer. In the summertime, you’ll find many light and refreshing options (maybe a margarita or strawberry mojito?) that are perfect for an afternoon soiree.

Walk Through the Motions

As you think through the elements of a cocktail party, it’s helpful to physically walk through the motions as a pretend guest. See what it feels like to walk with your glass, to stand, sit, and chat with guests. Walk through the hallway and figure out where you might place your beverage on your way to the bathroom. Decide how the seating might be comfortably arranged so as not to exclude any conversations. Find the right placement for snacks and any extra activities, like a photo station or any games. Take time to check your acoustics to find the right volume level.

Send Out Your Invitations

If you are hosting a more formal gathering, consider sending an e-vite or printed invitations. Take time to customize them to fit your theme or simply display an attractive design. Multiple websites will help you plan an event, send out invites, and collect electronic RSVPs if that is something that may be helpful to your planning process.

Prepare Your Home

In the few days leading up to your gathering, take some time to do a little light cleaning in preparation.

Make It Tidy

Especially for informal gatherings of friends, there’s not a huge pressure to deep clean your home. A little bit of light tidying will do the trick. Clear any noticeable clutter from the areas that will be accessible to guests. A vacuum and light dusting will go a long way. Clear any dishes from the sink and wipe down all countertops and surfaces. Of course, a clean bathroom is also important.

Consider burning candles during your party for a little ambiance and flair, plus a nice scent will be a delightful addition to the party vibe. If you do not feel comfortable lighting candles in your house, consider placing a few plug-ins or diffusers throughout the areas where guests will be interacting. If you are going with a fall or winter theme, perhaps a little holiday spice will add just a little extra touch to make your party feel cozy and warm.

Hallways

Ensure that all high-traffic hallways are cleared. The bathroom should be easily accessible. Make sure your guests know where it is upon arrival.

Lighting

Take consideration of your lighting levels and placements. If you are hoping for a smaller evening gathering, consider dimmer lights or even twinkle lights if you’re hosting on an outdoor patio. If your book club is meeting for a happy hour, you might want brighter lights in the seating area if guests will be consulting their novels.

Seating

Think about where your guests will sit. It is unreasonable to think that a person will stand for an entire cocktail hour, even if they are mingling. Consider the seating placement to allow for conversation and mingling, but also create stations on your bar top for some guests to stand and chat. The key here is to have multiple options to allow your guests to choose what is most comfortable for them, and to ensure that no piece of furniture or wall is blocking or excluding individuals or groups.

Shopping List

If you decide to go with a theme, the shopping list will be a lot easier to accomplish. Either way, it’s a good idea to let your guests know what will be served at your cocktail party and invite them to bring their own beverage if they would prefer to do so.

Booze

Keep your guest list in mind and prepare for every person to have at least two cocktails. It’s not likely that everyone will have two drinks, but it’s also not likely that they will have more than two. If you are making a specialty cocktail, prepare one for each person and then keep wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options on hand. You might even ask your guests ahead of time if they have drink preferences and decide your beverage selections based on the feedback.

Popular signature cocktails for a summer party might include margaritas or mojitos, while a winter soiree may offer mulled wine or a Moscow mule. Get creative and rename your favorite beverage for the night to fit your theme. There are many guides out there for crafting a new and interesting cocktail, just be wary of the cost as you get to making more complex drinks.

Mixers, Garnishes, and Ice

Once you decide on a signature cocktail, use an online recipe or guide to plan your grocery list. Keep a supply of the garnishes, mixers, and extra ingredients for your signature cocktail on hand. And, of course, you can never have too much ice.

Barkeeping Equipment as Needed

Especially for specialty cocktails, some equipment may be necessary. Make sure that you have the required equipment for making your cocktails, like a shaker and strainer, before the day of your party. It’s also best to do a few test runs of your barkeeping skills before inviting guests to try your new recipe.

Snacks

Building off your theme, consider any snacks you would like to serve. An outdoor summer cocktail hour might include margaritas with chips, salsa, and queso (or something that is much more original, but this combination is usually a hit). A winter party with mulled wine may include fancy brie cheese or a full-on charcuterie board with a little something for everyone.

Consider whether your guests will be sitting or standing, and if they will be eating finger foods or might require a table to set down a small appetizer plate and their beverage while they snack and mingle. Remember to have plenty of cocktail napkins for setting down beverages and for guests to use with their finger foods. It’s these details that will take your cocktail hour from simple to standing out.

Non-Alcoholic Options

It is a faux pas to host a cocktail party and neglect your guests who cannot or choose not to drink alcohol. Be sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic options that are not just water. Sodas are an easy choice, but you can also get really into the theme with a specialty mocktail.

Logistics

During the event, there are several moving parts that you, as the host, must keep constantly in mind.

Keep Your Guests’ Refreshments Topped Off

If you are a solo server, this can be a full-time job. While you mingle, keep your eyes on everyone’s drinks and the snack selection. Every 15 minutes or so, do a quick scan to see who could use a top-off. Don’t wait until their glass is empty; check in when their drink is just about a quarter remaining and ask if you can get them started on a new refreshment. Stagger out your snacks as the presentation starts to look low.

Party Glasses and Serving Ware

Decide how you wish to serve the cocktails. Do you have fancy cocktail glasses and serving ware on hand? If not, you might be able to borrow some from a friend or possibly purchase second-hand if you are looking for something upscale, but you certainly do not have to do so. Your usual glasses will be just fine, or you can opt for the lightweight plastic cocktail serving glasses. For themed parties, consider your local party store for serving options that fit your needs.

If you want to get really cutesy with it, you can host a winter cocktail hour with mulled wine and ask your guests to bring their favorite mug. This is a great conversation starter for groups that are just meeting and getting to know each other. Plus, it’s very fun and festive!

Ambient Music

Consider your background noise. You might decide to go with a crackling fireplace, either in your home or an outdoor campfire. If you are hosting indoors, test your stereo and sound equipment ahead of time. Make sure that it all runs smoothly, and that the music can be set at an easy listening level. If your music is too overpowering, your guests will have a hard time hearing each other speak. If it’s too low, there may be awkward lulls in conversation.

Take time at least a week before your party to put together an awesome playlist. Think about the vibe of your party: smooth jazz, acoustic hits, upbeat dance remixes, or something totally different. You might consider sharing the Spotify playlist with your RSVP’d guests ahead of the party and ask them to add recommendations, making the playlist a true compilation of the personalities attending the party. This will give everyone something to enjoy.

Storing Guests’ Belongings

Of course, as a host, you must remember that people will bring their belongings with them. Whether it’s a winter coat or a purse, these items will need to be stored somewhere upon arrival. Decide on this spot in advance and as guests arrive, ask if you can take their coats and put them in the closet, back bedroom, or coat rack. This is also a great time to tell them where the bathroom is, when they can expect food and drinks to be served, and any other important details they need to know to enjoy themselves.

Cheers!

Now that you are settled into your new home, it is the perfect time to invite guests over to eat, drink, and be merry! Enjoy hosting your first cocktail party, and if you follow the steps above, it will surely be a hit.