If you ever feel like it’s been ages since you’ve attended a really good party, the best option might be to host it yourself. Parties do take some planning to get right, but the first thing you need to get into your mind is the theme.
Sometimes the best kind of party is a casual girl’s night in, where you can relax with your friends and catch up. But if you want something a bit more special and upmarket, why not consider a cocktail party? A cocktail party can involve a mixed group of people, and it’s a great excuse to dress up, have a few tasty drinks, and enjoy some good music and even better vibes.
So, here are a few tips to make sure your party goes smoothly.
Creating a Budget
The first thing we have to navigate is the price. Hosting a party costs money, even if you try to keep it casual and low-key. While a cocktail party doesn’t have to mean you go all out, it’s nice to make sure that it’s an event people will enjoy and remember. If nothing else, you’re likely providing at least most of the food and drinks for the evening.
So, you need to work out what you can afford before you start planning in earnest. You can absolutely have a low-budget cocktail party, but this will come with some sacrifices. If you want a bigger party with lots of guests, great food, and fab decor, then it’s going to cost money.
Once you know what you can afford to spend, you can figure out where to put your money.
The Guest List
If you have a general idea of what you can spend, you can move on to one of the most important parts of planning, which is the guest list. As a general rule, smaller groups are cheaper to host and far easier to manage than a large crowd of people. But it mostly depends on the vibe you want.
An intimate cocktail party with some of your closest friends can be a wonderful event, but there’s also something to be said for a larger party, which can be a celebration.
But as well as working out how many to invite, you should decide who you want to invite. The guest list you put together can make the party unforgettable for the right reasons or the wrong reasons. When you’re planning a small event, you might need to be very specific about who you pick, while with larger events, you could include plus-ones.
While an open invitation may sound like a good idea, it can be very risky. You can either have the night of your life, or you could end up with a nightmare.
The Venue
Again, depending on your budget and your guest list, the venue can have a massive impact on the type of cocktail party you host.
If you’re only inviting a few people and you have a smaller budget, there is absolutely no problem with hosting the party at your home. The trick is to decorate it to make it look more like an event. If you can get color-changing lights, get some. While you don’t necessarily need strobe lighting, the lighting can add a massive amount to the venue.
Other than that, make sure there’s plenty of seating and, if you can, get some decorative items to make it look more special.
If you’re planning a larger event, then you could find a venue. Hotels can work really well for functions, because they already look very classy. The downside is that you may have to pay for catering and drinks rather than providing your own. Otherwise, consider hiring an empty space as a venue and decorating it the day of the cocktail party so it looks truly special.
Cocktail Service
You can’t have a cocktail party without cocktails. Depending on the venue, you may be providing drinks yourself, or you might have to pay a service to do so. You can even hire a bartender for the evening if you want to go all out.
If you want to do drinks yourself, it’s best to avoid a completely open bar service. Making lots of different drinks for different people can be exhausting. Instead, come up with a cocktail menu in advance of a few drinks, including wine and beer for those who prefer them to cocktails. Be sure to include soft drinks or mocktails for those who aren’t drinking alcohol.
One thing that can make this easier is pitcher drinks. You can make these drinks in advance, then add ice and serve during the evening. This gives you more time to mingle and enjoy your event.
Snacks and Bites
As a general rule, cocktail parties don't have to involve a big meal. This isn't to say that you can't host a dinner party with a cocktail theme, this can be a great idea to elevate a meal with friends. But often, you don't need to provide a meal.
What people often provide would be cocktail snacks and small bites. These are elegant forms of party food that people can eat, ideally with one hand, while holding a drink. You can buy premade bites like this or, if you have the inclination, you can make them in advance.
Putting Your Outfit Together
Finally, it's time to get ready for the party. One of the massive appeals of a cocktail party has to be the dress code.
This means putting some effort in. So, you should consider browsing some cocktail dresses in advance so you can look at your options and dress to the nines. Pair them with heels, jewelry, and if you're going to a venue outside of your home, a bag that brings everything together.
Another option could be to wear smart trousers, a blouse (or a shirt for the gentlemen), and a waistcoat or blazer. You can dress this up or down to really match the vibe you want to create.
