Hosting a Flawless Cocktail Party at Home!

Entertaining at home is one of the funnest ways to enjoy time with your friends and family. And, what's more fun than inviting everyone over for a fabulous cocktail party??! Here are a few tips on how to flawlessly host your next at-home, cocktail soiree:

1. Create a cute bar! If you don't have a built-in bar, pick up a cheap bar cart at Ikea, HomeGoods or a local antique store.  They can be transformed into a fabulous show piece that will stun your guests!

 

Picture from www.pinterest.com                                                                                    

 2. Make sure you have plenty of ice! Plan on at least a pound of ice per guest and 

    estimate about 2-3 drinks per person, as well as 3 napkins per guest.

• Don't forget an ice bucket!

 3. Stock the bar!  If you normally have a well stocked bar, then definitely go ahead and  
     offer a full bar to your party guests!  But if you are looking to create a bar on a budget,  
     just purchase a few staple items (rum, vodka, tequila, champagne, red and white wine).

• Don't forget the mixers & garnishes! (juices, club soda, lemons, limes, etc.)

4.  Create a WOW factor!  By creating a great drink menu,  your guests will get
      excited about selecting their cocktail drinks and it will also serve as a great 
      conversation piece!  Display the menu, beautifully, on the bar for guests to see.   
      Whether you set up the bar to be self-serve or hire a bartender for the evening, with 
      this fun touch guests will stray outside of their comfort zone and get to try new, fun and 
      yummy beverages!  We suggest sticking to only 3-4 specialty drinks - you certainly don't 
      want to overwhelm anyone! 

Photo from www.stylemepretty.com

Here are some recipes we LOVE:

• Mojito: 1 1/4 oz. white rum, 12 fresh mint leaves, 1 tbsp. sugar, 1/2 oz. lime juice, 2 oz. club soda...garnish with mint leaves!
• Martinis:
• Lemon drop: 1 1/2 oz. vodka, 1/2 oz. lemon juice, 1/2 oz. triple sec, and sugar...garnish with lemon wedge!
• Flirtini: 1 ounce vodka, 2 oz. pineapple juice, 2 oz. champagne..garnish with pineapple wedge!
• Margartia: 1/5 cup tequila, 1/8 cup triple sec, 1/4 cup sweet and sour mix, and a dash of lime or lemon juice..garnish with lime wedge!
• Paloma: 1 1/2 oz. tequila, 2 oz. grapefruit juice, 1 1/2 oz. lime juice, dash of sprite...garnish with lime wedge!

Here are some other fun ways to create the WOW:

• Purchase fun straws!
• Use mismatched glasses!
• Purchase wine markers, guests will enjoy being creative as they write/draw on their glasses. Try the markers from www.wineglasswriter.com.  The writing completely washes off with soap and water! 

                 

                                                      Picture found on www.grabone.co.nz

5.  Don't forget the non-alcoholic options!

   

       Try these ideas:

• Fresh orange or grapefruit juice with a splash of seltzer will always be a hit!
• Green punch: Lime juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and gingerale...yum!

6.  Food! Of course this is optional, but who doesn't love to snack on something while 
      they're enjoying cocktails?? Get some help from the store by purchasing a cheese plate 
      or a sushi platter.  Simple and minimal is the way to go here.

7. Lastly....the music!  Choose a calming playlist a few days before the party, so when the 
    time arrives, all you need to do is hit "play!"

Day of Preparation: 

• Squeeze the juices
• Chill necessary beverages
• Buy Ice
• Prep the garnishes (mint, berries, lemon wedges, lime wedges)
• Freeze berries to drop into champagne glasses
• Organize and Prett-ify the bar 
• Set up the bar sign
• Display markers and straws in tall cylinder glass
• Buy the pre-made food platter
• Turn up the music!

Follow these tips to enjoy a flawless, fun and fabulous cocktail party!

Boldly Yours,

Christine