Hosting a Cocktail Party

Cocktail parties are one of the most popular types of adult parties these days.  Even though their popularity had fallen off over the last few decades, cocktail parties are reappearing on the party scene and are more fashionable than they ever were before.
 
While many adults in the United States today enjoy beer and wine, the mixed drinks of the past are becoming popular again.  When you walk into a typical bar these days, you will see many more people ordering mixed drinks than they have in the last decade or two.  Some of the most popular drinks today are martinis, mojitos, cosmopolitans and margaritas.
 
Cocktail parties are easy to host because they generally last only a few hours.  In addition, your guests will be wandering around mingling and snacking rather than sitting at a table eating a full meal with each other.  This makes the cocktail party perfect for inviting people who may or may not already know each other.
 
One of the easiest things about planning a cocktail party is that you can have just about any menu you want, as long as the food complements your drink menu.  Guests who come to a cocktail party know that they are there to snack, have a drink or two, and mingle.  Because of this, you can supply a wide variety of finger foods and be confident that everyone will find something to munch on.
 
Here are a professional party planner’s tips on how to host an amazing cocktail party that all your guests will be talking about the next day.
 
Tip #1 – Stock up on ice
You will always need more ice for your cocktail party than you think you will.  The standard rule of thumb is to have about a pound of ice per guest.  To be safe, you may want to have a bit more than that on hand.
 
Tip #2 – Use different glass styles for different beverages
Make sure that you have a large assortment of the appropriate glasses for your guests.  If you will be serving wine, use wine glass charms so people will stick to the same glass throughout the night.
 
Tip #3 – Have enough supplies on hand
The most important part of your cocktail party planning is making sure you have enough supplies on hand, especially alcoholic beverages.  A good bar should be fully stocked with the ingredients for each of the drinks on your cocktail menu as well as beer and wine.
 
Tip #4 – Hire an experienced bartender
If you do not know anything about mixing drinks or you will be having a very large cocktail party then consider hiring a professional bartender for the night.  Many local catering services have bartenders who can work at your party.  The expense will definitely be worth it.  It will also give you the opportunity to mingle with your guests instead of mixing drinks all night.
 
Tip #5 – Drinking and driving don’t mix
When you are hosting a party where alcohol is consumed, you should always offer food and coffee to your guests.  Make sure they have a designated driver to get them home safely and have the number of your local taxi service on hand for guests who don’t.  Do not ever let your guests drink and drive.  It’s not safe for them and the other people on the road.  You are also liable if they get in an accident after drinking at your home.
 
If you follow the above tips then hosting a cocktail party will be easy and enjoyable.  It’s a great excuse for getting all your friends together for a night of fun.  

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