When we think of cocktail parties, we think of the elegant dresses, the swanky music, and the signature drinks. These high-class images can make throwing these soirees seem intimidating. But no tengan miedo, fearless future hostesses. Our tips will show you how to throw a fun and elegant cocktail party.
Create the Invites
It doesn’t matter how classy the fiesta is; every good party starts with the people. So invitations are the natural first step. Try to keep the guest list between 6 and 15 people so that there are enough people to keep the energy up without things becoming too hectic. Also, try to make sure everyone there has at least one mutual friend at the party or something in common, such as a workplace or hobby. That way, everyone will have a good time.
Craft Your Cocktails
You don’t need to hire a bartender for a great cocktail party. Your best bet is to create 1 or 2 delicious signature cocktails that you can have at the ready throughout the night. That way, you don’t have to keep track of too many recipes (or spend too much money on ingredients!).
Here are a few types of drinks you might consider making:
- Mojitos
- Margaritas
- Cosmos
- Martinis
- Negronis
- Punches
Don’t Forget Appetizers
Few people are interested in drinking on an empty stomach, so you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of little things to nosh on throughout the night. You don’t have to serve an entire three-course meal, but having appetizers is definitely a must.
There are no hard-and-fast rules about the types of appetizers you have to offer. But a few no-fail options include:
- Charcuterie boards
- Queso fundido
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Bacon-wrapped figs
- Taquitos
- Guacamole
Pump Up the Music
This kind of party doesn’t usually involve any dancing. Still, music creates the backdrop of any cocktail party, so it’s hard to imagine one without it. Before the party, take a few minutes to set up a playlist of music that’s fun to listen to without being too intrusive. Instrumental mixes of pop, jazz, or lo-fi usually work well for a traditional “lounge” feel. But any singer with a mellow sound will do the job.
Dress the Part
Now that you’ve taken care of the guests, menu, and music, the only thing left to get ready is you, chica! How you dress for your cocktail party depends on the kind of party you’re throwing. Traditionally, cocktail parties are semiformal shindigs, hence the tradition of the “cocktail party dress.” But a private party can be a little more casual, especially if you’re the one throwing it. In that case, you can do nice jeans and a cute top, a more casual dress, or even a jumpsuit.
Knowing how to throw an awesome cocktail party isn’t rocket science. With a little know-how and the right drinks and food, you can make it a night to remember.