How to Have a Swinging Holiday Cocktail Party

The holidays are made for entertaining. Throwing a perfect Holiday Cocktail Party is easy and fun. Either spur of the moment or planned you can have an elegant party with great food and drinks. Cheers!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Liquor: The standard are Vodka, Gin, Spiced Rum and Scotch. Adding Brandy, Irish Cream, etc. is a nice touch.
• Mixers: Vermouth, Ginger Ale, Tonic, Coke & Juice (orange & cranberry)
• Beer and Wine
• Martini glasses, wine glasses (red & white), Old Fashion glasses, pints for beer.
• Toothpicks, stirrers, wine opener, cap popper
• Olives, onions, cherries
• Eggnog (see recipe) Optional
• Finger Foods (NO MESSY STUFF; Wings, etc)
• Cheese Tray
• Holiday Plates, napkins & cocktail napkins
• Holiday Music

1. If you are planning in advance, sending handmade cocktail invitations are always a plus. Mail these 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
2. Next, purchase any frozen food you plan to serve at the party. I have found that the cocktail franks are a big hit. It's always good to have extra on hand. Another nice treat is frozen mini egg rolls, quiches, potato puffs, etc. You can find a variety of appetizers at your local store or by clicking the link to Stonewall Kitchen or Appetizerstogo.com
3. Purchase the liquor, mixers, wine and beer a day or two before the party. You should have a decent selection but most people tend to stick to the standards. A nice dry martini, with three olives of course, or a cold delicious beer.
   
   When buying beer be sure to pick up a nice selection and not just the standards. You should have a nice dark porter, and a nice spicy holiday IPA as well as a light beer. There is nothing wrong with the standards per say, but I prefer to have quality beer on hand.
   
   If you are a home brewer be sure to check out Indagaraj.com. Once in the site go to their "Blog" page and view their Fat Possum - Robust Porter. Also they may have their winter brew listed so be sure to check that out too.
4. Finally, it's time to setup. You should already have your holiday decorations up so we'll stick to the bar and food setup.
   
   Be sure to use a festive colored table cloth when dressing the bar and food areas.
   
   The bar should consist of the liquor arranged by types; like Gin, Vodka and the hard stuff put together and any Irish Creams and brandy should be together. Set the mixers to the side of those and within good reach. Tall to short so they don't get knocked over. Be sure to have glasses (real glass - NO PLASTIC) close at hand. Arrange the toothpicks and stirrers with the olives, cherry's and cocktail onions in front of the mixers.
   
   The wine and wine glasses should be on the opposite side of the bar area, for convenience.
   
   Arrange the food table starting with the plates and napkins set on one side of the table to designate the beginning of the line. Then place the food by type; cheeses, meats, etc. At the end of the line arrange your desserts, cookies and such. If you have a separate table you can use for desserts that would be best.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to serve appetizers that can be eaten at room temperature. You should not have to worry about keeping the food hot or cold. If you do serve Shrimp cocktail be sure to keep a bowl of ice underneath the serving container.
• Decorating with Poinsettias on the tables creates a holiday feel without going overboard.
• If you prefer to prepare your own appetizers, be sure to do so at least a week in advance. You will not want to be cooking the day of the party.
• All decorations, flowers and party lights should also be completed the night before.
• An hour before the party be sure to heat all of the appetizers.
• Turn on the music and have FUN!!! Tis the Season!!
• If you notice any of your guest over spirited, please call them a cab or have them sleep over.