All Things For All Parties

Summer Cocktail Party Tips

  

I love summer nights and I love summer cocktail parties even more...I thought it would be a good idea to share a few tips for throwing a summer cocktail party, regarding the food...the time of the party usually determines what type of food and how much of each dish to offer your guests. 

As a rule of thumb, the earlier the party the lighter the food can be (just keep in mind that cocktails tend to make people hungry).  So, if your hosting a cocktail party as a starter to the evening (maybe no more then 2 hours) the hors d'oeuvres should be light - on average I would suggest choosing about 6 different appies for your guests (2 - 3 servings per guest).  If the party goes through dinner time then plan to have 8 to 10 dishes (3 servings per guest) - oh and select heavier hors d'oeuvres - cheese platters, tamales, crab cakes, sliders and french fries with gourmet dips are just a few of my suggestions. Don't forget the dips - crackers, cheese, melba toast and pate...yum!!  One of the great things about these ideas is that you can easily replenish them throughout the party (and the night).  This will also leave you with lots of time to party with your guests. 

Paper Lanterns... Party!

Nothing says party quite like Paper Lanterns.  They really are the modern day version of paper streamers but so much more chic.  You can use them to decorate just about any occasion...And I do.  I have used them for baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, birthday parties, garden parties, luaus, fiestas...You get the idea.  I really could go on and on about how many occasions you can use these perfect whimsical creations but I won't.  I've included a few pictures for you to be able to get some fun ideas in hopes this would help to get the creative juices flowing. It has for me. After tonight I have decided to throw a girl's brunch and I am going to decorate with these great paper lanterns.  Too fun!  Plus I have about 6 bottles of champagne in my fridge that I am dying to crack open for mimosa's...Yum!

 

(How sexy is this table?!?!  This is one of my Martha Stewart favorites.)

Marg-e Pops

 

Chill out at your next backyard bbq with these yummy margarita pops.  They are really simple to make. Fill ice-pop molds with margarita mixture (regular or strawberry, alcholic or non-alcoholic).  Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.  To remove pops from molds, follow the manufacturer's instructions.  Serve in a chilled bucket filled with ice.  These great ice-pops make it so much more fun to share a pitcher of margaritas with friends on a hot summer day. Arriba!

Party Planner

GETTING STARTED

• Establish your budget
• Finalize your guest list
• Decide on a Theme
• Choose a location
• Choose Decorations (www.socialcouture.com)
• Find an appropriate location for your upcoming event that also may be representative of your party's theme
• Set the date and time for the occasion
• Consider hiring a photographer so that your event will be remembered by all
• Make sure to book your bartenders and caterers as well if you choose to have it catered (TIP:  you can call your local bartender schools to find a bartender...a lot of them will work just for tips in order to get some practice or for a very minimal fee)

THE GUEST LIST

• Choose Invitations (TIP: eVite can provide online invitations if most of your guest are comfortable using the internet.  Please keep in mind that the invitation is the first impression that your guests will have for your upcoming event - so if it is a casual event then feel free to send an eVite if not then send a paper invitation)
• Make sure to include the name and phone # of a local hotel for your out of town guests
• Manage RSVP's

PRE-PARTY PREPARATIONS

• Create the menu or hire a caterer to help you with the food for your big event
• Decide on the appropriate party decor and music (TIP:  Don't forget the candles...great for setting the mood for any occasion)
• Call guests who have not yet RSVP'd
• Make sure you have enough plates, silverware and glasses for your guests (TIP:  Not only can party rental stores provide you extra chairs and tables but you can also rent glasses, stemware, plates and servingware)
• Purchase all non-perishable food and drinks needed for the party unless your caterer will be taking care of all of these items. Decide in advance who will be doing what
• Confirm with all vendors as well as location if you are not a having your party at a home

DAY BEFORE THE PARTY

• Clean house.  Remove all clutter
• Buy Fresh Flowers
• Purchase meats, fish & cheese
• Refrigerate beverages
• Prepare food that can be refrigerated overnight (sauces, dips, veggie platter, fruit salad)
• Start setting the scene with the decorations
• Set Table and Bar
• Check camera to make sure you have enough film unless you have hired a photographer

DAY OF THE PARTY

• Prepare food
• Chill wine, champagne and any other cold drinks (Don't forget to make your punches)
• Pick-up any last minute items (such as, ice or balloons)
• Get Ready (wear an apron if you still have dishes to prepare)
• Heat up any food that needs to be reheated
• Set out appetizers
• Light candles
• Turn on the music
• Lights, Camera, Action....Smile!!  Places everyone!
• Don't forget to enjoy yourself and your guests
• Keep the number of your local Taxi Cab service on hand for guests who have had a little too much fun.
• Say Goodnight and Turn off the Lights! 

Book: Party Basics For New Nesters

  

Calling all newlyweds, new homeowners, new empty-nesters (or anyone with a roof over their head) - everyone needs to know how to celebrate life at home and this book is a must read!!!  One of the things I loved about this book was the way that Maria talks about feathering your nest as if you were decorating a comfortable resort...whenever I travel I love to check-out how hotels design and decorate their space...I always want everyone who comes over to feel like they have just entered a luxury resort. She says you should, "Create a haven, stocked with amenities, that make you never want to leave. Stock your home with basic supplies, utilizing the resources around you, and you’ll find it easy to celebrate life on holidays or any day."

With page after page of practical basics and style recipes, this book makes celebrating every season easy to do. I recommend stocking a party-ready pantry because creating any event from scratch is always more daunting. I define basic tools, supplies and simple skills that will help you host your next party.

Party Basics for New Nesters is a party-planning guide that shows you how to celebrate your life with practical tips and simple-to-execute decorative accents.