How to Host a Cocktail Party

Subtly sophisticated, short and sweet, cocktail parties are a great way to entertain your friends with a minimum of hassle.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• Floral Arrangements
• Scented Candles
• Ice
• Liquor
• Nonalcoholic Drinks
• Cocktail Glasses
• Cocktail Sets
• Cocktail Shaker
• Table Linens
• Folding Chairs

1. Send out written invitations for large and formal affairs, telephone or e-mail for smaller ones. Include the nature of the party (cocktails); the occasion, if any; the date, and the beginning and ending times of the party ' cocktail parties are generally between 6 and 8 p.m.

2. Make arrangements for a caterer and bartender if your party will be large (over 25 people), and your budget permits. Otherwise, prepare a cocktail menu and plan out how you will prepare everything ahead of time. (See Related eHows for appetizer ideas.)

3. For drinks, plan to have wine and beer, as well as supplies for several kinds of cocktails. Have nonalcoholic alternatives on hand as well, and be sure you'll have enough ice.

4. Remove large pieces of furniture or clutter from the room you plan to hold the party in. Set up two large tables - one for drinks, the other for hors d'oeuvres - a good distance from each other or at opposite ends of the room, to cut down on traffic around them.

5. Set up chairs and smaller tables around the room. Comfortable folding chairs and tables are adequate and easy to move around.

6. Decorate with table linens, candles and simple floral arrangements. The complexity of the arrangements and quality of the linens should reflect the formality of the event.

7. Ask your guests for their coats as soon as they enter and hang the coats on a coat rack, in a coat closet or lay coats across a bed in an unused bedroom.

8. Tell your guests to help themselves to hors d'oeuvres. If there is no bartender, ask your guests what they would like to drink and serve them yourself.

9. Have a few party games up your sleeve to break the ice and encourage your guests to mingle.

Tips & Warnings

• Indoors, scented candles can clear the air of stuffiness and odors.

• Be prepared to serve each guest 10-12 snacks and 3-4 drinks.

• Some easy, no-cook snacks include different types of cheeses, with crackers and breads; good olives; pâtés ; cured meats, such as imported hams and salamis; and toasted nuts. An antipasto platter, with roasted peppers, marinated artichoke hearts and mushrooms, pepperoncinis, and cheese and meats, is also easiness itself. You can also pick up frozen prepared bites, such as potstickers.