How to Host a Lounge Lizard Cocktail Party

Call up your lounge lizard friends and invite them over for a swingin' time.

Things You'll Need

• Fluorescent Lightbulbs
• Different Types Of Liquor
• Cocktail Glasses
• Cocktail Shaker
• Martini Glasses
• Swizzle Sticks
• Lounge Music CD's

Instructions

1. Inform your guests of the party basics: appropriate attire (vintage suits, hats, swing dresses and slicked-back hair), date and time of the party, and that you'll be serving drinks and snacks. Cocktails are usually served between 6 and 8 p.m.

2. Choose an area of your home large enough to accommodate your guests.

3. Set up the party area with plenty of room to mix and mingle, both sitting and standing. Make sure the drinks and grub are easily approachable.

4. Prepare ample snacks for the party - try those '50s and '60s classics of Swedish meatballs, pigs in blankets, deviled eggs, spreads and cheeses. Get out your chafing dish (or your parents' chafing dish), if you can!

5. Get the liquor ready. An important element of the lounge lifestyle is drinks. Serve martinis, gin and tonics, and a variety of kooky, kitschy mixed drinks.

6. Be creative in decorating your party - place tiki lamps on tables and around the room, and put floating candles in martini glasses to use as centerpieces. As for furniture, plush, velvet circular sofas and Naugahyde chairs are perfect.

7. Keep the party dimly lit to re-create the lounge atmosphere. In addition to candles and lamps, install a few colored lightbulbs around the room to enhance the mood.

8. Music can make or break a lounge party, so play only the finest in lounge tunes. Modulate the volume so that your guests can converse as well. Check out the vintage tunes of Esquivel or the more modern Tiki Tones.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget the swizzle sticks when serving drinks.

• Check your local thrift store for chic and inexpensive decorating items.

• Themes like the space race or "Cold War, Hot Havana Nights" can help get your guests in the mood and into period costume.

• Excessive exposure to the lounge lifestyle can lead to super-smoothness.