How to Give a Cocktail Party

Cocktail parties are a great way to get together with friends without the expense of giving a dinner party. It's almost as simple as just sending out invitations, but there are a few suggestions that will make your cocktail party fun and memorable without being another holiday burden.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• Cocktail Napkins (paper napkins are fine)
• Dinner (again, paper is fine)
• Small plates
• Cocktail glasses
• Ice and ice bucket
• Theme Decorations (if desired)
• Drink ingredients (vodka, rum, fruit juices, club soda, etc.)
• Drink condiments, such as olives, slices of lime, lemon, oranges, cherries
• Music

Instructions

Most important: GUESTS!

1. Over-invite! Many people make plans for New Year's Eve months before the event, so they may not be able to make your soiree. If you can comfortably entertain 20 people, invite 25-30.
   Mail or hand-deliver invitations. It's much easier for people if they can keep the information in front of them instead of being forgotten among lots of e-mails. It's an old-fashioned thing that people seem to remember.
   You can purchase invitations at your local drug or department store or be creative and make your own. Be sure to include the time and a phone number to RSVP to. If you are planning for guests to bring a hot or cold appetizer or their own beverage of choice, indicate that on the invitation. If you're planning a themed drink party, such as a martini party, make it known so that if your guest prefers something else they can plan to bring it along.

2. Decide what food you'll serve and put together a list of ingredients for the grocery store. Purchase decorations if desired, as well as napkins, plates and other items. Aim to have everything purchased a few days ahead of the party; if you find that you need something, there will still be time to get it.

3. Choose what you're wearing and make sure it is washed, pressed or cleaned well ahead of the party to lessen stress on party day. Remember that the added people in your home will bring the temperature up so you may be able to wear something short-sleeved or even strapless. Because you won't be walking, you can choose shoes for style instead of comfort, for a change.

4. Clean your home the day before. Put out extra toilet paper in the bathrooms, spruce up the entryway of your home and make sure your glasses sparkle. Put up decorations.

5. Prepare the cold appetizers in the morning so that there is plenty of time for them to thoroughly chill. Do prep work, such as chopping vegetables, to make assembly of the hot appetizers easy later in the day. Slice the lemons and other produce and put them in small bowls to chill.
   Two hours before guests are due, prepare the hot appetizers, making them ready to go into the oven. Use caution in letting uncooked food sit out too long.
   Set up your bar area with all drink ingredients, cocktail napkins, glasses and ice bucket.

6. One hour before, get yourself ready, fill the ice bucket, put on some music and get in the party mood.
   Put out the cold appetizers and put the other appetizers in the oven to cook just before the guests arrive. Introduce guests who don't know each other, direct them to the bar and make sure they know where the bathroom is.

Tips & Warnings

• To make your glasses sparkle, wash them in hot soapy water, rinse with hot water and then cold water. After the glasses dry, wipe them with a lint-free towel. Hope them up to the light to check for any smudges.

• If guests have too much to drink, offer to call a cab for them or arrange for other guests to drive them home.