What makes a party a cocktail party different than other parties?
- dina630
- Feb 12, 2016
- 4 min read
Is it the time of day, the beverage, the attire, the state of mind?
As I mentioned I have been trying to practice minimalism. So for me what defines a cocktail party is 4 things
1) Mixed drinks 2) Appitizers 3) Snappy attire 4) Mingling Now I understand there is a resurgence of the art of the cocktail right now. This is highlighted by "The Spirited Awards" and the use of the term "mixology" to describe the art of creating great drinks. These are all efforts to raise the bar (pun intended) on the quality and variety of mixed drinks we consume. What does this mean if you want to throw you own party? It means there are a lot of resources out there giving ideas on what drinks to have and how to make them. There is also beautiful and fun bar ware for purchase. You can get caught up in the art and enjoyment of mixing the drink, but if you are throwing the party that means you spend all night behind the bar - -- not relaxing or mingling with your guests. Now when I plan a cocktail party, I pare it down. I make two types of "batch drinks", with four signature hors d’oeuvres (two cold, two hot). I set aside stations in the house 1) for drinks; 1) for cold appetizers 1) warm appetizers with a sprinkling of nuts and olives bowls throughout the space. I prepare as much as possible in advance. I leave lots of space and time to relax and talk to my guests. I always wear a little black cocktail dress, but never wear my shoes :o
If you like this approach you like the Bash in a Box Toast of the Town!
Drinks You may ask -- what are "batch drinks?" Batch drinks are pre-mixed cocktails usually in pitchers. My guests serve themselves with a simple pour and garnish topping (also pre-made and sitting beside the pitcher). There are many resources out there but my favorite resource is ”Cocktails for a Crowd." This book provides great drink ideas from Kara Newman a spirits and cocktail writer based in New York. Her blog Tipple Sheet gives great drink recipes too. I fell in love with her ideas after reading "Cocktails for a Crowd.". This book provides expert advice from bar tenders, in addition to the batch recipes from classic to creative and exotic. I especially like her guidance about “mis en place” (French for putting in place) which means have as much set up in advance as possible and have a place for everything. I can't wait to read her other book “Spice & Ice” (on order) and am looking forward to her newest work “The Easiest Cocktails in the World”, which will be published by Chronicle Books in Fall 2016.
Appetizers
There are so many great resources for food it will be a separate blog entry. But for today's blog here are my personal guidelines in making the food selection. 1) Should be easy to assemble and require no fancy equipment 2) At least half can be made in advance, so I don't have to do too much prep right before the party 3) If buying prepared or using out of the box, add a special touch and/or create a great presentation. There are great stores out there that will help with most, if not all, of the food prep. Just don' t make it obvious that it's store bought 4) Less is more - leave them wanting more -- not wanting to let out their waist line 5) Prep only 2 rounds of food (all at once). Then serve one before the party starts and one at the half way point. This cuts down on your time in the kitchen. Snappy Attire
I wear my classic little black cocktail dress and I don't think more should be said. But in several of the books I've read people combine the cocktail party with a party theme * South of the Border * Bastille Day * Fourth of July * Island Fun * Gatsby If you choose this route then the attire will change accordingly. Mingling As a reluctant hostess I am really in the mindset that the party is for me and if you don't like it -- see you around. So while I put some thought into the guest list when I send out the invitations, once the party starts I let the chips fall where they may. If you're not like me then take a look at the book “Cocktail Parties Straight Up” by some fun sisters Lauren Purcell and Anne Purcell Grissinger. Their unique conversation kick starters will have you laughing if not actually mingling. You can also find some of their witty guidance and recipes on their site The Purcell Sisters. Are you ready to throw your own cocktail party? Keep us in mind if you do. Our Cocktail Bash Toast of the Town contains a party planner, menu/recipes, play list and party supplies - can't get much easier than that. Let me know what you think and what party topics you'd like to read more about.
Cheers!
Kim@Bash-in-a-Box.com
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