Saturday, April 9, 2011

10/07 6 Cocktail Party Secrets of the Pros

Saturday, July 10th, 2010 | Comments(54)


Throw an old-school cocktail party that’ll show you’ve evolved beyond keg stands


By Ben Engler

How to throw a cocktail partyIt’s not difficult to find a reason to throw a party. It’s summer. You just got promoted. Next week will be your dog’s 84th week of ownership. It’s Thursday. See? Not difficult.

This time around, however, why not do a little planning and entertain your friends in style?

Hosting a cocktail party might sound like something they only do on “Mad Men,” but it’s actually a lot simpler than you’d think.

With a little effort, you can host a classy party, impress the ladies, and earn yourself invites to a plethora of future soirees.

Follow our step-by-steps to ensure a memorable event.

Step 1: Location

Not sure whether to throw your party at home, a friend’s house or even a rented space? Good question. Mira Copeland, Coordinator for Milliman, Inc., gives three basic essentials her company considers before booking a party location: transportation, weather and size. First, your guests must be able to get there, and home, with ease. Is parking at your place an issue? Do you need to hire a valet?

Second, if you’re planning on having any of the party outside, make sure you have room for guests, food and drinks inside in case it rains or it’s unseasonably cold. If you’re doing it all outdoors, make sure you spend a bit of time at the site during the same hours the party is going to happen. An outdoor space can be hot during noontime but chilly at 8 p.m., so you might want to consider space heaters. Think one heater for every 10 people and arrange them about eight feet apart in one area.

That brings us to the final key: having the right-sized space. You want to fill the area with your guests. Too big can be as bad, or worse, than too small. If you have a large space, open up the invitation list, or rope off extra space to keep people mingling close. Even better, according to Diana Harlin President of The Catering Elf, make sure to place all the key elements for the party (bar, lounge chairs, food) in one main area so people will be drawn to one section of the space. “It always feels more intimate when people are given the choice to be anywhere in the space but are “seduced” into being in one area,” she says. For tight quarters, limit the number of invitees and do not encourage friends to bring friends. Let people know it is an “intimate gathering” and maybe they will feel a little special.

Step 2: Invitations

The invite sets the tone for the event. Remember: This is a classy shindig you’re putting on, so Facebook and Evites are a little cheese ball. We prefer snail mail or Paperless Post: It unfolds on your screen like an envelope. It is simple, elegant, and saves a tree. Or make a funny video wearing something that indicates how you think the party is going to go and email it to all the invitees. Doing something a little special will pump everyone up.

Also, pay attention to your guest list. Copeland says you want a fun and/or interesting group of people who don’t all know each other. Invite good friends, coworkers, business acquaintances, neighbors, clients and maybe even that hot girl you just say hi to at the gym.

The invitation is also where you lay down the law of the party. Don’t forget to include the theme (if there is one), date, time, place and multiple methods to get there. Also, let them know if they’re allowed a plus-one or plus-five.

Step 3: Food and Drink

Food and Drink. It is a cocktail party after all, so you best supply some drinks and food to go with them. What to serve? For alcohol, Harlin suggests signature drinks. “They’ll save you a bundle on your overall bar tab, and help enforce the theme of the evening.” For example: do a “Brat Pack” themed party and serve vodka martinis This saves you cash by not having to get full bottles of 10 different liquors. Plus, you can make a few pitchers of martinis and have them arranged temptingly on a table with pre-olive filled Martini glasses just waiting to be poured. If you have the cash, hiring a bartender is definitely worth it. They’ll keep the drink line moving smoothly. Plus this limits your guests from pouring themselves triples.

For food, think finger food (mini quiches, chips, spiced nuts) and skewers. If you start the party after dinner (any time after 8:30 p.m.) then people will not expect to have a meal but will appreciate the bites to balance out the liquor. And go buffet style. This frees you up to mingle or lay them out on platters throughout the space.

How much should you make/buy/serve? If you are concerned about the cost of alcohol and food, limit the size of the party, but never skimp on drinks and munchies.Epicurious.com has put together a quantity estimator to help you figure out the math.

Step 4: Host with the Most

Be a real host. If you want to be a cocktail party master, always escort your guests first thing to the bar. Not only will it loosen them up, but it gives them an initial “lay of the land” and helps them feel comfortable. It also ensures that you will make some contact with each of your guests, helping to relieve that “guilty host” syndrome in which you feel like you didn’t get a chance to talk to everyone. Get them to mingle by introducing them to someone new, especially if that someone new is attractive.

Step 5: Entertainment

Keep it simple. Copeland says many people will feel uncomfortable participating in arranged activities — like karaoke or limbo. Passive entertainment is not difficult, though. Something as simple as funny or slick decorations will suffice.

Good music is key. If you don’t have a good selection of tunes, ask your audiophile buddies to bring their iPods. Depending on the preference of your guests and type of cocktail party, we like Girl Talk for an excellent background soundtrack. Any music heavy on rhythm, beats and guitars will work well; too much vocals will drown out the crowd, distract conversations and make people leave.

Step 6: Closing time

Now that you got them to come to you party, how do you get them to leave? Turn off the music, turn up the lights and be courteous to those who linger. This is how bars and other places do it, so you can, too. Hosting gurus suggest subtle hints like starting to clean up a bit. Keep that taxi hotline nearby. Wish your guests well and save the dishes for morning — or even better, a maid.


Comments

  1. Трафик Says:

    October 9th, 2010 at 3:07 pm

    Многие из них…

    но можно было всё сделать иначе…

  2. bakersfield executive jobs Says:

    March 7th, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    Big Job Site…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  3. sent Says:

    March 9th, 2011 at 8:46 am

    Baby Bedding…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]…

  4. Potenzmittel Apcalis Says:

    March 9th, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    Pflanzliche Potenzmittel…

    [...]Power Men Viga ist ein pflanzliches und natuerliches Potenzmittel als Alternative zu Viagra[...]…

  5. Steve's blog Says:

    March 9th, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    Steve’s Blog…

    [...]directly below you’ll come across the links to some web-sites which we think you should certainly pay a visit to[...]…

  6. New Indie Films Online Says:

    March 9th, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    New Indie Films Online Says It’s An Incredible Article Cool!…

    [...] Best post, reckoned I might add some not related data, yet still worthwhile having a look… [...]…

  7. the diet pill Says:

    March 10th, 2011 at 1:05 am

    Google News…

    [...] on this page there’s the hyperlinks to a new internet sites that take into account you may want to come to [...]…

  8. naturally bigger breast Says:

    March 10th, 2011 at 4:32 am

    Yahoo news…

    [...] listed below there are plenty of the actual hyperlink towards a sites in which believe you really need to stop by [...]…

  9. Barniple Says:

    March 10th, 2011 at 6:37 am

    Double strollers…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  10. Peppermint Says:

    March 10th, 2011 at 11:05 am

    Recent results are fascinating…

    [...]comparable data leads us to believe that we should consult[...]…

  11. Customer Service Software Says:

    March 10th, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    Customer Service Software Info…

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

  12. Penis Enlargement - What You Need to Know About Penis Enhancement Says:

    March 10th, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  13. Great Wolf Lodge Coupons Says:

    March 10th, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    Travel Offers…

    [...]all these sites may possibly not be entirely related towards our site but we unquestionably feel you should really see all of them[...]…

  14. Penis Enlargement Tips - Learn From the Master Says:

    March 11th, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  15. Background Check Says:

    March 11th, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    Background Check…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  16. Student Loan Consolidation News Says:

    March 11th, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    First student loan…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  17. Flash Website Builder Says:

    March 11th, 2011 at 9:48 pm

    Flash Website Design Suggests It’s A Fantastic Article Well Done?…

    Great news reckoned I would combine a few not related info, although still worthwhile checking them out!!!…

  18. Flax Seeds Weight Loss Says:

    March 11th, 2011 at 10:51 pm

    Flax Seeds Benefit…

    [...] we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out. Posted in [...]…

  19. Video Production Says:

    March 12th, 2011 at 3:47 am

    Property for Sale…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  20. Colonic Says:

    March 12th, 2011 at 8:17 am

    Colon Cleanse Health…

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

  21. Free Games for girls Says:

    March 12th, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    Games For Girls…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  22. Strip That Fat Review Says:

    March 12th, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    Weight Loss Reviews…

    [...]I find pleasure in showing my readers other places on the web, even though they are in no way similar to this blog, by hyperlinking them. Just below are many links worth checking out[...]…

  23. Cheap Airline Tickets Says:

    March 12th, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    Discount Yankee Candles…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  24. Taylor Armstrong Says:

    March 12th, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    Taylor Armstrong Suggests It’s A Fantastic Article Well Done?…

    Fantastic news reckoned I would include some unrelated posts, although really worth checking them out!!!…

  25. locksmith Park Slope Says:

    March 12th, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    1.) Protecting your home…

    2.) [...]every so often I come across a site that I actually like to read and this is one[...]…

  26. locksmith in Boston Says:

    March 12th, 2011 at 10:41 pm

    1.) Home Security…

    2.) [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]…

  27. הכרויות בטלפון Says:

    March 13th, 2011 at 6:42 am

    הכרויות בטלפון…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  28. Anti Wrinkle Cream Reviews Says:

    March 13th, 2011 at 10:29 am

    Learn About Wrinkle Cream…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  29. Rob Rasner Says:

    March 13th, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Rob Rasner Tells You This Is A Fantastic Article Congratulations?…

    [...] Great news, thought I want to track-back to it… FYI did anyone hear on Japan has now got a lot more troubles too :-) [...]…

  30. Download Movies Says:

    March 13th, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Favorite Links…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  31. Smoked Salmon Says:

    March 13th, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    Smoked Salmon Gift Baskets…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  32. Skin Lightening Treatment Says:

    March 13th, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    You Might Like This Site…

    [...]is another great resource you should check out. One of my favorites[...]…

  33. Wedding Supplies Says:

    March 14th, 2011 at 1:20 am

    Wedding Invitations…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  34. P90X Workouts Says:

    March 14th, 2011 at 8:57 am

    P90X Reviews and Workouts…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  35. Slicer Says:

    March 14th, 2011 at 11:54 am

    Your Friend & Partner…

    I really think your blog is great! I’ve added a link back here; I hope that’s alright as I’d like my readers to check your site & articles out. It’s on my site’s blog @ repek.org/blog. Always like to honor high quality content. Great job!…

  36. margarita machines Says:

    March 14th, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    margaritaville maker…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  37. six-week body makeover Says:

    March 14th, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    six-week body makeover reviews…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  38. cash in gold usa Says:

    March 14th, 2011 at 7:15 pm

    Why the Gold Market?…

    [...]here are some awesome links to the top sites that we link to, we think they are worth check them out[...]…

  39. Sensa Scam Says:

    March 14th, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    Sensa Reviews and Information…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  40. online degree in psychology Says:

    March 15th, 2011 at 3:42 am

    diapers…

    [...]here are some links to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  41. CieAura Helped Me Says:

    March 15th, 2011 at 6:02 am

    Cieaura Tells You This Is A Fantastic Article Congratulations?…

    [...] Best story, so we would like to track-back to it whoa did you learn about Japan has now got a lot more problerms too … [...]…

  42. Healthy Trim Reviews Says:

    March 15th, 2011 at 8:53 am

    Healthy Trim Reviews…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  43. Colon Cleanse Weight Loss Says:

    March 15th, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    Learn About Colon Cleanse…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  44. SEO Services Says:

    March 15th, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    SEOXP SEO Service…

    [...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]…

  45. portable air conditioning units prices Says:

    March 15th, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    portable air conditioning units walmart…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

  46. silver coins for sale Says:

    March 15th, 2011 at 10:43 pm

    Links……

    [...]we recommend to read the following article and it surely going to interest you[...]……

  47. Download The Adjustment Bureau Here Says:

    March 16th, 2011 at 8:19 am

    Free Movie Downloads…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  48. acne treatment men Says:

    March 16th, 2011 at 8:57 am

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth a read, so have a look[...]…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  49. how to install drupal Says:

    March 16th, 2011 at 4:11 pm

    Blog Fan…

    [...]just below, are some totally unrelated sites to ours, however, they are definitely worth checking out[...]…

  50. profollica Says:

    March 16th, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    [...]we like to honor other sites on the web, even if they aren’t related to us, by linking to them. Below are some sites worth checking out[...]…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  51. effective cellulite reduction Says:

    March 16th, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    Amazing site…

    [...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]…

  52. Echo of the Dreamer Says:

    March 17th, 2011 at 3:04 am

    credit card processing…

    [...]while the sites we link to below are completely unrelated to ours, we think they are worth visiting[...]…

  53. online mlm training Says:

    March 17th, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    mlm training online…

    [...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]…

  54. Jetblue Promo Code Says:

    March 17th, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    Travel Offers…

    [...]These subsequent web sites are some sites that attracted our own administrator, consequently be sure to visit them[...]…

No comments:

Post a Comment