A simple yet festive cocktail party may just be the ticket to best celebrate the New Year winter season! Make your event a day or night to remember by following these 5 must-haves.
Cocktail parties are always fun. A time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the company of those around you – all while enjoying some delightful adult beverages. They don’t necessarily require anything formal, such as an organized itinerary or even a sit-down, plated meal. That’s what makes them so great.
And, there is no better time than winter to get your friends, family, colleagues, or whoever together to mingle over some spirits. After all, now that the holidays are over, everyone could likely use an excuse to let loose a little, don’t you think?
While it may feel like a lighter version of a party or event, it does not need to be treated as such. So, if you are throwing a winter cocktail party, then here are the must-haves you need to make sure it’s a hit!
Must-Have #1: Decide on a Theme
Take a moment to think about all the events you have been to. Which do you remember more – those with a theme or those without?
Themes are fun. They are a chance for guests to get into character, enjoy something they don’t usually get to, or just indulge themselves in their imagination in a make-believe (yet, very real) world.
So, when it comes to throwing a winter cocktail party, you need a theme. A quick internet search will yield you a ton of results, such as:
- Beach getaway theme (perfect for those who are growing tired of the dark, cold days of winter)
- Disco theme
- Casino night theme
- Hollywood theme
- Decade theme (1920s, 1970s, 1990s, etc.)
- Black and white
- Masquerade
- Winter ski chalet
Choose a theme that you think will be fun and enjoyable for those on your guest list. However, just remember to let your guests know of your chosen theme. This will enable them to partake in the theme by coming in character.
Or, at the very least, be prepared for what they will encounter. Incorporating them with the invitation is a great way to do this.
Must-Have #2: Choose the Perfect Location
You can have the best cocktail party, but if you choose a poor location, it can go downhill before it even starts! If you want the best choose for a location, choose it outdoors.
Yes, it is wintertime. But, you won’t regret your decision. Here’s why:
Renting an event tent allows you the freedom to host your party anywhere without worry – your backyard, a local park, vacant lot, parking lot, etc. The idea would be to decide on a convenient and easily accessible location that will be a breeze for your guests.
This tent is easily erected and will provide you with all the protection you need. Sidewalls to keep the cold out. Flooring to make it feel more like an indoor space. And, a wide-open, blank canvas for you to transform into the most magically-themed winter cocktail party ever.
What more could you ask for?
It is important to note that event tent rentals can also come with climate control. This means that no matter what the weather is outside, the temperature under your tent will be perfect.
Must-Have #3: Serving the Proper Food
Moving on, you will want to serve the proper food. For a cocktail party, the food is often simple and light. In other words, these are small plate items that can be easily eaten in one bite and not require a formal dining arrangement.
Here’s the idea that you must have: When it comes to serving food at your themed event, you need to ensure that it coincides with the theme itself. In fact, it is just another way to make the party seem more thought-out and planned.
Scour through recipes for tapas and appetizers online that fit with your theme.
Must-Have #4: The Right Cocktails
The cocktails you serve are just as important – if not more important – than the food. While you will likely want to have a variety of liquor and other alcohol to serve your guests (remember, everyone’s taste buds are different), it is a good idea to pick a signature drink for the event.
Selecting a particular drink of the night should also match your theme. For instance, if you are having a beach getaway them, then serving an ice-cold Bahama Mama or Hurricane may seem fit.
And, why not try serving them in coconuts! Of course, if your theme is a winter ski chalet, perhaps having a hot beverage, such as Rumchata hot cocoa or hot buttered rum will be more fitting.
Must-Have #5: Things to Do
Well, now that you have your guests there, what will they do? At cocktail parties, you don’t have to have formal entertainment as you would at other, more formal events. Remember, the evening is light. However, it is important that you have some sort of entertainment.
To bring a little extra fun to the party, you can…
- Set up a photo booth for guests to enjoy. And, you can capture memories of your event.
- Have a local live band or even play music from one of your own playlists.
- Create games or other activities that go alongside your theme, such as casino games for a casino night or maybe a dance competition for a disco theme.
Your cocktail party is supposed to be a fun and relaxing experience. Don’t complicate things with hefty entertainment and a large itinerary.
Cocktail Party Ready
As you plan your cocktail party, it is important to keep in mind that a happy guest leads to a successful party. Take steps to ensure that your guests are warm, taken care of, and enjoying themselves. With careful planning, this should be simple to do.
In fact, throwing a winter cocktail party can be one of the best things you’ve done all year – especially if you follow these tips – choose a convenient location, invest in a tent rental, embrace a stellar theme, get your good and drink in perfect order, and bring the entertainment.
Together, it is a winning competition.