Tips for Hosting a Cocktail Party in Style

Whether you aspire to a rakish Nick and Nora Charles-type gathering, or your tastes run more towards an evening of board games and artisanal cheese boards, planning a party can be stressful, unless you have the correct tools. But with some advance planning, even a small apartment can shine as the setting for an intimate gathering or a boisterous event. The most important accessory is, of course, a savvy host and fun guests, but it can also help to invest in some items to make your entertaining life chicer.

While not everyone’s home is a perfect backdrop for a soigné soirée, you can maximize your space and make it perfect, or at least more convenient, to host your friends. Even in a small space, you can host a fabulous get-together, with a little forethought and some en pointe accessories. The primary rule of making your home party-ready? Declutter. Get rid of anything that is taking up space, and liable to be in the way. Stacks of magazines, electronic cords and chargers… the things lying around that are part of everyday life have no place at a party. Removing them is half the battle.

Since the focal point of any party is of course, the people, you can throw out the traditional decorating “rules.” Place small side tables and chairs where people can gather, even if it means placing them in front of the TV, or a window. Pull in a chair or two from other rooms if you need more seating, with an eye towards creating smaller conversation areas. At a cocktail party, guests tend to move around, chatting and forming fluid groups, but sometimes it’s nice to have a place to sit down. Ottomans, throw pillows, mismatched chairs–all are welcome at the party. But don’t overfill your space. You want mingling and wandering, not a campfire circle.

You will need places throughout your party space for food and drink service. Wheeled bar carts or drink cabinets can be just the ticket and can add a touch of elegance to the room. They also function when you aren’t entertaining. A bar cart can double as a side table, console, or nightstand, and a drinks cabinet is a great place to store glassware and bottles. The Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Spritz Bar Cart is artful and functional, and an effervescent addition to any space. The clear glass top is accented by polished stainless steel and lends itself to a light look for serving cocktails or mocktails, with a round design well-sized for small spaces. A mirrored bottom shelf with gallery rail keeps barware and bottles chicly styled and in place. If you don’t want to invest in a specific piece of furniture, convert a sideboard, dining room table, or bedroom dresser into a bar for the evening, but be sure to protect the surface first.

Of course, no drink station is complete without beautiful glassware and cocktail mixing tools. For decadent drinks, you need the right tools. A classic bar tool set from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams includes a cocktail shaker, strainer, jigger, opener, tongs and stainless-steel stand. Works well with our line of stunning bars and bar carts, as well as other pieces in our collection of modern barware. Also from MG+BW, is their Hayworth collection, with wine glasses to add a touch of glamour to dinner parties and intimate gatherings. Timeless design features a painted platinum accent. Sold in boxes of four. Makes a great gift for hosts and special occasions.

The new rule is there are no rules when it comes to what to serve and how to serve it. Highballs and lowballs are always in style, and double as water or punch glasses. Tom Dixon designer mouth-blown Tank glasses take their sculptural cue from the functional shapes and volumes of scientific glassware, acting as minimal, decorative and contemporary vessels for drinking, pouring, storing and displaying wine and cocktails. Generously proportioned barware and decorative accessories designed to create sophisticated table-top architecture. Standard sized wine glass can be fine for both red and white and can also be used for water or colorful mixed drinks. The point of any party is to have fun, not to stress over the perfect style of glass. Find something you love and use it with confidence. You be you!

Tips and Tricks:

• • Pick a party theme. (A party theme can help influence your menu choices, or you could plan on serving different cocktails at different points throughout the night.)
  • Curate your cocktail menu. (Remember that less is often more. It’s better to perfect a few cocktails than attempt too many haphazardly. Don’t forget to include some non-alcoholic choices for those who don’t drink or are the designated driver for the evening.)
  • Gather your mixes and garnishes. (Once you’ve decided on your cocktail menu, you need to make sure you have everything you need for you (or your guests) to make them. Don’t overlook garnishes like fresh fruits, olives, edible flowers, rimming salts and sugars.)
  • Have the proper tools at your fingertips. (Shaker, shot glass, spoon or stir, tongs, etc.)
  • Don’t forget the ice. (Be sure to have plenty of ice. If you’re the creative type, you can experiment with making different ice shapes.)
  • Any good cocktail party will include something tasty for guests to enjoy with their delicious drinks. Opt for nibbles that are easy to eat one handed, while the other hand holds a cocktail, and not too messy to help avoid spillages.