Planning the Perfect Cocktail Party

The summer months, particularly the festive season, are a great time to entertain, and a cocktail party is the ideal way to cater to a crowd.

Set the Scene

• Make the house smell wonderful with fragrant candles. Don’t overdo it though, and keep them away from the food station. The entrance hall and the bathroom should suffice.
• Get the lighting right—no overhead lights. Instead, opt for a soft glow using dimmers or lamps. This instantly renders every room (and everyone) more attractive. Have votives galore—they are always festive, flattering, and inexpensive.
• Edit your playlist. Compile a music mix before the party. This is easy now with online options like Spotify.

The Drinks

A house cocktail is a great way to get your party started. Make sure everyone receives one as they walk in the door, so they get into the ‘spirit’ right away.

It could be as simple as one of the Champagne cocktail variations, a summer punch (with some punch!) like a Pimms Punch, or one of the pre-mixed cocktail varieties available (frozen) from your local liquor supplier; mostly these just need the addition of alcohol.

The most popular drinks at a party will typically be a good sparkling wine, white wine, and beer—both full strength and light. Red wine is more popular in the cooler months.

In addition, always provide plenty of mineral water and a soft drink, such as lemon lime and bitters, and to a lesser extent, orange juice. If ordering through your local liquor supplier, they can advise on quantities or refer to the guidelines below. Most suppliers offer a “sale or return” facility, meaning unused stock can be returned for a refund, provided it’s in the same condition as when it was delivered. This is fantastic if you’re unsure how much the crowd will consume.

A good supplier will deliver your beverages chilled, free of charge, at the time you nominate. They may also provide drinks tubs, ice, and in many cases, glasses.

Set up a water station for everyone to help themselves. Fill the container with water, ice, lime or lemon slices, and some mint sprigs. Have plenty of glasses available.

Quantity Guide (to the nearest whole glass)

• Sparkling Wine: 750ml bottle yields 6 x 125ml flutes

• Wine: 750ml bottle yields 5 x 150ml glasses

• Spirits: 750ml bottle yields 15 x 50ml nips

• Allow 3/4 - 1 bottle per person for up to 25 people

• Allow 2/3 bottle per person for 25 - 50 people

• Allow 1/2 bottle per person for more than 50 people

• Soft Drink (1.25L): Yields 6 x 200ml glasses

• Orange Juice (2L): Yields 8 x 250ml glasses

Ice

• 10kg (2 bags) will chill 24 bottles of wine or 48 cans of beer.

The Food

I try to divide my menu into four main categories: meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetarian, providing equal quantities of each if possible. Variety is important, so always create a good mix of textures and an interesting contrast of colors and flavors.

I like to serve a variety of hot and cold nibbles. As a general rule, serve the cold items first, as people are less likely to go back to cold morsels after several hot ones.

Quantities

For a cocktail party with food served over 2 hours, allow about 10 – 12 pieces per person. If the event is replacing lunch or dinner, allow 14-16 pieces per person unless something more substantial is provided as part of the menu.

People will generally have had enough to eat after 2 - 2 1/2 hours of food service. However, if your party runs late into the night, consider serving a late-night snack, such as a noodle box or glazed ham with crusty bread and relishes.

Party Equipment

Almost anything you need for a party can be hired: glassware, plates, cutlery, large platters, coffee and tea-making equipment, marquees, awnings, heaters, chairs, cocktail tables, and an array of ovens and other food cooking/warming equipment.

Linen is also great to hire as it inevitably gets soiled, and you can send it back for the hirer to launder!

The Staff

Never underestimate the need for extra professional help, whether you are on a tight budget or not. Even one person to assist in the kitchen will allow you time to enjoy the party. If you set up a self-serve bar, manned by one professional waiter (even for just the minimum four hours), it will ensure the party runs smoothly.