How to Plan Drinks for a Housewarming Party

A housewarming party should make hosts and guests feel at home, and the drinks you serve--and the way you serve them--can help fill the bill. Placing an ice-cold glass or a steaming mug in your guests' hands as they enter the party makes them feel instantly welcome. Creating the opportunity to meet around the punch bowl is a time-honored way to break the ice while quenching thirst.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A beverage manual, if necessary
• Guest list
• Party theme

Choose Party Drinks

1. Consider your housewarming guest roster. Plan for 3 to 5 12-ounce servings per person.
2. Choose soft drinks. Offer a selection of sparkling water, soda pop, punch or iced tea. Make a special beverage to carry out your theme, such as hot spiced cider for a harvest party or smoothies for a summertime theme.
3. Choose alcoholic beverages. Cover all the bases with wine, beer and mixed drinks, or play up your theme with sangria or margaritas. Note if you need to buy fruit or salt for garnishes and whether you need a blender or punch bowl. Decide on cube or crushed ice and be sure to have plenty on hand.
4. Plan your glass or plasticware needs. Will you have time to use the dishwasher during the party? Will there be small children present? Do you need cups for hot drinks? Choose neutral colors or thematic designs.

Serve Housewarming Drinks

5. Serve warm drinks right from the stove or from insulated carafes. Don't forget extras like cinnamon sticks or chocolate sprinkles for coffee.
6. Be a generous host and ask your guests if they would like you to freshen their glass or bring them something new to try.

Tips & Warnings

• Set up a coffee, tea and water bar to encourage safe driving.
• Designate someone to keep an eye on the ice and glassware supply throughout the party.
• If you're serving distinctive drinks, such as champagne, martinis or margaritas, use stylish glass or plasticware.
• Don't let drinkers drive home tipsy. You're the host and you're liable, so plan to ask them to wait and hit the coffee bar if they need to.
• Red wine, light-colored rug . . . need we say more?

Who Can Help:

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