Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is an ideal way to entertain a large group of people in your home.  After all, a Simple Feast does not always have to involve a formal meal.  Another advantage of a cocktail party is that it mixes together a group of people who may not have known each other before the event.  Plus, it's a party that works for a wide variety of occasions:  birthdays, anniversaries, networking, holidays, or just for fun.

What exactly is a cocktail party?
A cocktail party is a party in which cocktails are the highlight, served along with assorted simple bites -- hors'doeuvres and desserts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Cocktail Party
Planning a Cocktail Party isn't as complicated as you might think.  Serving assorted hors'doeuvres and drinks will save you time, but still leave a big impression on your guests.  You can also pick a "theme" drink (i.e. the champagne cocktail, martini, margarita) and base your hors'doeuvres around that.  Follow The Simple Feast's easy steps below, and you'll have a cocktail party that will be the best time you and your guests have had in quite a while.

• Select a Date - Pick a night that you think will work the best for those you have in mind.  The type of invitation you send to your guests depends on the occasion, and how formal your cocktail 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 - The menu for your cocktail party will provide a Simple Feast.  Hors'doeuvres that are easy to buy or make will be the key.  We have the recipes you'll need.  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. Here is where your R.S.V.P list will come in handy - by using our estimators you won't be stuck with a ton of left over alcohol!
• 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 highly social with 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.

You'll have lots of fun hosting your own cocktail party. It's easy to entertain -- and impress -- a large group of people with the truly simple feast that a cocktail party provides.  You and your guests won't want the evening to end!