The holidays are upon us and with the long hot summer days, many of us are already thinking of quick and easy ways to entertain without having to slave all day in the kitchen. A cocktail party is an ideal idea for those lazy summer days. It does not require much preparation, as most of the food can be prepared a few days before the party, therefore you will have more time to spend with your guests.
Next, you need to decide on whether your party is a formal or informal one. Once you decide this, you can start preparing to set that perfect atmosphere.
For an informal party, you can host a fondue type party with a variety of savoury and sweet platters and a range of dips and sauces to entice your guests. Include a cheese and vegetable platter as these appeal to most guests including vegetarians. If would like to serve hot hors d'oeuvres, then you can include a range of warm mini pies and pastries. For your sweet platters you can include a range of fruit, cookies and marshmallows with chocolate sauce or ganache. If you have a bigger budget you can hire a chocolate fountain that will keep guests entertained for hours.
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If you are out to impress your guests then consider hosting a more formal party with elegant hors d'oeuvres and bite size desserts. Try a variety of canapés, pastries, cheese, crackers and breadsticks with a variety of cheese dips, spreads or pâtés. An antipasto platter is always easy and elegant and you could include a variety of cold meats, salami, marinated vegetables, roasted red peppers, cheese and olives. For an elegant dessert prepare and serve chocolate mousse, cheesecake or chocolate pots out of shot glasses. You can also serve a variety of tartlets or petit fours. For an unforgettable party end the evening off with coffee and a tray of good quality chocolates that could include a variety of chocolate mints, chocolate coated nuts, chocolate clusters, chocolate fudge or chocolate pralines.
Have enough food for your guests. As a guide cater for 6 to 8 or even more pieces of food per guest depending on the duration of the party. It is always better to over cater than to under cater.
Regardless of the type of party you are planning it is important to do some proper planning as this will guarantee the success of your party. About a week before you party you can do all your shopping and preparations so that there is no last minute running around. The day before the party prepare any food that can be made in advance and make sure that you have enough ice for drinks. A few hours before the party decorate the room, prepare your cocktail glasses and set up your “bar”. It is a good idea to put together a drinks menu so that guests know what drinks are available. Do not forget to include some non-alcoholic cocktails like virgin pina coladas, fruit coolers, smoothies or the good old faithful fruit punch. Also it is a good idea to have a designated bartender so that you can have enough time to mingle with your guests. Right before the party, finish your food preparations and lay out your platters. Remember to leave enough time to freshen up and greet guests as they arrive.
Because cocktail parties are not meant to be too long you will also be left with enough time to relax and unwind at the end of the evening.
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If you are out to impress your guests then consider hosting a more formal party with elegant hors d'oeuvres and bite size desserts. Try a variety of canapés, pastries, cheese, crackers and breadsticks with a variety of cheese dips, spreads or pâtés. An antipasto platter is always easy and elegant and you could include a variety of cold meats, salami, marinated vegetables, roasted red peppers, cheese and olives. For an elegant dessert prepare and serve chocolate mousse, cheesecake or chocolate pots out of shot glasses. You can also serve a variety of tartlets or petit fours. For an unforgettable party end the evening off with coffee and a tray of good quality chocolates that could include a variety of chocolate mints, chocolate coated nuts, chocolate clusters, chocolate fudge or chocolate pralines.
Regardless of the type of party you are planning it is important to do some proper planning as this will guarantee the success of your party. About a week before you party you can do all your shopping and preparations so that there is no last minute running around. The day before the party prepare any food that can be made in advance and make sure that you have enough ice for drinks. A few hours before the party decorate the room, prepare your cocktail glasses and set up your “bar”. It is a good idea to put together a drinks menu so that guests know what drinks are available. Do not forget to include some non-alcoholic cocktails like virgin pina coladas, fruit coolers, smoothies or the good old faithful fruit punch. Also it is a good idea to have a designated bartender so that you can have enough time to mingle with your guests. Right before the party, finish your food preparations and lay out your platters. Remember to leave enough time to freshen up and greet guests as they arrive.
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