How can I Prepare to Host a Cocktail Party?

If you have decided it’s time to prepare to host a cocktail party, the first thing you should establish is the tentative guest list. After determining who you would like to attend, you can select a date and time for the party that will fit others’ schedules, allowing as many of your invitees as possible to attend.

As you prepare to host a cocktail party, decide how you will handle each R.S.V.P. before selecting your invitations. Do you want to include simply your phone number, or would you prefer something a bit more formal, such as return cards or cards and envelopes. Discuss these options where you order stationary, and inquire about whether or not you can also have the return cards printed with your address to save you the effort of addressing them. You will certainly have plenty of other things to do as you prepare to host a cocktail party.

Decide whether your guests would enjoy a casual gathering or a semi formal or formal event. The occasion for which you prepare to host a cocktail party will likely play a role in the level of formality. Be sure to include the type of occasion, and the style of attire if necessary, in the invitation.

You will also need to consider the choice of available beverages as you prepare to host a cocktail party. Make sure to provide a good selection, as well as offering non-alcoholic beverages for guests who do not wish to imbibe, but don’t want to stand out. Another option to consider as you prepare to host a cocktail party is hiring a bartender who is capable of ordering liquor, wine, mixers, and everything else you will need, and is also able to set up an attractive yet functional bar. Choose someone with expertise in choosing wines, as well as in mixing and garnishing cocktails.

You will certainly want to provide something for your guests to nibble. As you prepare to host a cocktail party, you’ll need to decide what to serve, such as hot or cold hors d'oeuvres or a simple, light buffet.

Finally, when you prepare to host a cocktail party, you should contact guests who have not yet responded if the date of the party is drawing near. Calls might have been missed, or a return card, or perhaps the invitation itself, may have been lost in the mail.