How to Decorate for a Cocktail Party

Depending upon the theme of your cocktail party, you can either choose simple decorations or create an elaborate atmosphere. Decorate so that guests can mingle and move around to different areas without the confines of one table for the evening. Arranging the decorations to compliment the room set up and feed the flow of the room will ensure that guests feel free to move about comfortably.

Instructions

1. Create a budget for decorations, considering expenses for other aspects of the party such as food and rentals.

2. Determine a theme for the cocktail party based the purpose or the food you plan to serve. For a sushi cocktail party, paper lanterns and Asian-style centerpieces may be a good choice. For an elegant upscale cocktail party, you might opt for floating candle bowls for ambiance and unusual flower arrangements for visual interest.

3. Visit the location for the cocktail party to get ideas for where decorations would be appropriate. For places with an ornate décor, you may want to add a few simple decorations, while for a venue that boasts little décor, you may want decorations that will really stand out within the space.

4. Choose decorations for the different food stations and the bar. If you plan to use a mixture of standing and seating options, mix up the decorations so that they do not all look identical. Perhaps all bistro and cocktail tables have small flower or candle centerpieces while large round tables with seating have larger centerpieces.

5. Arrange the decorations to suit the room layout. Large decorations such as a topiary or backdrop for pictures should be off to the side of the venue, allowing people to move about freely.

6. Consider using the food and drink as part of your decorations. Embellish attractive fruit baskets or cheese trays with floral arrangements. Place them onto themed platters to add to the atmosphere. Include miniature umbrellas for bar drinks or a luau or outdoor cocktail party while platters of speared olives may serve as decoration for an elegant martini party.

7. Map out where to place decorations so that others can assist you in the decorating process prior to the party.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorations should be attractive enhancements to the party. Even if a decoration fits in with your theme, consider if it will add to or take away from the venue and its natural atmosphere.

• For perishable decorations such as flowers, ice sculptures or even food, prepare and display them to ensure that they maintain freshness.

Resources

• Party planning web site