Hosting a Cocktail Hour
I have been hosting a monthly cocktail hour since 2017. Of course we took a break for Covid but outside of the worldwide pandemic, our streak is unbroken. After playing hostess for years, I have a few tips to help your next cocktail hour run smoothly.
Music
Playlists can be handled in two ways. First, tap into a great party track on Spotify and let strangers do the work for you. Or ask a friend who likes to curate, to create a playlist for you. Plenty of people love this kind of assignment and your brother-in-law’s 80s running mix might be just the thing needed to pump up the jams. Make sure the playlist is at least an hour longer than you anticipate the party to go. That way you can start it early and know that there is plenty of music in the queue to last beyond your guests.
Welcome
Make sure guests are orientated as they arrive. If this the first time to your home, tell them where the coats and purses go, where the bathrooms are, if any spaces are off-limits and how the food and drinks work. By giving guests a heads-up on what to plan for the evening, exceptions are aligned and all are ready to have a good time.
Stocking the Bar
It is your job to have a stocked bar. It is your job to have some alcohol offerings, non-alcohol options, the mixers, and garnishes. But no need to go overboard. It is also acceptable to limit the options you are serving. Stick with the classics. And make sure to have lots of napkins at each bar and near the food. Don’t make guests search for them.
When people ask if they can bring something, it is acceptable to ask them to bring their favorite bottle. This will add variety to your bar.
Food
Keep your food offerings simple. A well stocked charcuterie board is easy to set up in advance. Hold your meats and other perishables in the fridge until last minute but crackers, cheese, nuts, most fruits and most sweets can be placed earlier in the day. If you’d rather do warm options, choose one item and produce variations of that item. For example, grilled cheese sandwiches in many forms are fun, interesting and delicious.
Make it Easy
Think like a guest. Label beer coolers and drink fridges. Identify each food item so those with dietary restrictions can make informed decisions. Provide multiple bars. Identify trash cans (if hidden in a cupboard or under the sink) and add extras in different parts of the space, including one by each bar. Line up recycle containers too, so guests can sort as they go.
Make Party Clean Up a Breeze
Make sure to have extra paper towel rolls and a broom and dust pan on hand in case there are spills. You want these items close but out of sight. Make sure a trusted friend or two knows where to find them. Add extra liners to each trashcan and recycle container. That way when one is full, it can be removed easily and another liner is already in place.
Bathrooms are Important
Start with a clean bathroom. Update your soap, put out clean towels and have extra toilet paper staged on the toilet tank so guests don’t have to hunt when it’s needed. Check on and refresh the bathrooms throughout the night and if you’re unable to do it, find a willing friend. Stock the bathroom with a variety of feminine supples.
Keep Supplies Close
Extra soda, napkins, crackers, vodka or anything else should be easy to identify and restock. If you have staff helping for the night or its a more casual affair, when items are close and ready to go, they can stay stocked through out the evening.
Call it a Night
It is okay to set limits on your party. If you are not a night owl or want boundaries for other reasons, you can include an end time in your invitation. Or talk to your close friends before the party begins. Let them know when you want the party to end and they can help you herd out the stragglers.
Throwing a cocktail hour is a great way to open your home and connect with others. Don’t let the fear of not getting it perfect keep you from trying on the title of host or hostess. By thinking about these things and preparing in advance, your cocktail party will run smoothly. But remember, very few events go off perfectly. So expect a bump or two and learn to roll with it, knowing that is part of being a great host.
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