How to throw a Cocktail Party
We love a good cocktail party. They're an easy way to entertain and give people a chance to mingle with each other. But planning one can be stressful if you don't have any experience. So we crafted this guide to help you plan a fantastic gathering your guests will remember for years.
Make it personal.
To make your cocktail party truly yours, it's important to choose a theme that reflects you. Think about what interests you and what you know well. Then, do some research on topics that might be interesting to your friends and family members—for example, the history of cocktails or the geography of wine regions around the globe.
Once you have narrowed down some possible themes, think about which one would be the most fun for everyone involved in the planning process:
Does this theme fit with who I am as an individual?
Is this theme something I can pull off? Will it require too much time or money? For example, if you're hosting a party based on a favorite book or movie but don't own any props from those things (like costumes), are there ways around them? Perhaps everyone could dress up as their favorite characters instead of buying expensive costumes! Or maybe all they need is a costume wig!
Is there enough time between now and then for me to create whatever special touches will be necessary for this event (e.g., decorations, food)?
Plan with the food and drinks in mind.
Plan with the food and drinks in mind.
Make sure that your food and drink are complimentary. For example, if you have a lot of vegetarians at the party, make sure to include vegetarian options on your menu. Also, ensure that these options are easy to eat without making a mess or requiring utensils (think finger foods). Even better: make them finger foods that can be eaten with one hand!
Keep it simple and fun. If you're having a cocktail party, keep your food simple and easy so guests can enjoy their drinks while they mingle without feeling like they need to sit down at the table every time they want another bite of something tasty (or even take a sip!).
Consider catering! We have amazing starters and bites, or we can help you plan your menu.
Put your signature on it.
Get creative! Let your light shine bright. It's important to make your cocktail party your own by adding some personal touches:
Choose dishes that reflect your tastes, not just the latest trend. An excellent way to do this is by choosing dishes where the ingredients are easily recognizable and ones that aren't too complicated (or else your guests will be too busy trying to figure out what they're eating.) So, for example, instead of serving cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and chive butter (which is so last month), choose something more classic like grilled cheese bites or Caprese salad skewers.
Decorate in an unexpected way—the bar should stand out visually from the rest of the room where guests hang out most often during parties!
Make at least one thing from scratch.
It's essential to have at least one item on the menu that you made from scratch yourself. This will impress your guests and give them something to talk about, which is great for when they're trying to decide who should be their next party host!
Also, make sure it's something easy to share. For example, a classic cocktail party staple like a new twist on deviled eggs are perfect because they can be passed around easily. And keep cleanup as simple as possible by using disposable items like plates and napkins (if you're throwing an outdoor event).
Conclusion
Don't be afraid of planning! Think about what you like to drink or eat and then put your creativity behind it. The best part about throwing your cocktail party is that it doesn't have to be anything other than fun. The point is just to spend time with people you love and enjoy yourself.
The Leaf, located in downtown Wooster offers a vast menu that will make your breakfast through dinner a delightful experience! Open Tuesday through Sunday, our team creates delicious dishes for you. Bring a friend or dine solo for a relaxing meal away from home.
Follow us Facebook for the latest specials and new menu items. Reservations can be made at OpenTable or by calling 330-804-0126. Interested in holding your next event at The Leaf? We are happy to accommodate larger parties or planned gatherings.