Planning a Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is an ideal way to entertain a large group of people in your home. Serving cocktails and assorted sweet and savory bites (hors'doeuvres) will save you time, but still leave a big impression on your guests.  Plus, it's a party that works for a wide variety of occasions:  birthdays, anniversaries, networking, holidays, or just for fun.
 
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Cocktail Party

Select a Date - Pick a night that you think will work the best for those you plan to invite.  The type of invitation you send to your guests depends on the occasion, and how formal your party is.  For a less formal cocktail party, a simple call or email 7 to 10 days usually works; but if you're inviting guests with extremely busy schedules, consider sending out emails 2 -3 weeks in advance. For a more formal cocktail party that celebrates a specific occasion, mail paper invitations 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Whatever type of invitation you send, make sure you ask that everyone RSVPs so you know how many people are coming.

Pick out a Theme - One way to simplify your planning is to pick a theme for your cocktail party.  For example, if your featured cocktail for the evening is the margarita, you may wish to go with a Mexican theme.

Food - Hors'doeuvres that are easy to buy or make will be the key.  We have the recipes you'll need for planning a cocktail party. Decide whether you will set plates of hors'doeuvres on various tables throughout your home so guests can help themselves, or hire waiters to pass out hors'doeuvres to your guests.

Drinks - Choose what types of drinks you will serve:  cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer, sparkling or flat water.  Also, decide if you will set up stations with drinks that your guests can help themselves to, or if you will hire a bartender.

Decorations - The setting you create will determine the tone of your cocktail party.  Do you want the mood to be intimate and low-key, or high energy?  Then decide how you want to present your home:  as it is, by candlelight, filled with flowers - whatever works for your schedule and budget.  Again, choosing a theme will make decorating ideas easy to figure out.  Also, music will set the right mood.