A Holiday Party?
Feel like you would like to entertain a few friends over the holiday but are too stressed out about the work involved? Don't be! The best parties typically are due to the mix of people, not the food or beverage (well maybe the beverage).
I tend to selectively watch (DVR) all types of TV Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa fame taught me a few tricks several years ago about giving a stress free cocktail party that you can actually enjoy! One of the worst things a host or hostess can do is not attend their own function due to being the "cater waiter" all evening.
First, keep it simple. This means a small selection of beers, a few wines, a signature cocktail (not too sweet), and of course Champagne. I love the idea of a Champagne bar. It is easy to setup plus guests can mix their own combos! If it is in your means and you have over 20 people coming, please hire a bartender or find a young friend that you can press into service for a small fee. You will not believe how much this helps!
Second, plan on at least 3 to 4 appetizers per person for a cocktail party, and add something more substantial if your are doing heavy hors d'oeuvres. Head to your local gourmet grocery and buy as much of the menu as you can. Limit your cooking to a few signature items that can hold their own at room temp. Also, have multiple trays of things set and ready to go in the kitchen so you don't have to replenish...just grab and go. If you have the space, make sure the beverages and the food are NOT in the same space, and never serve out of the kitchen. Unless you live in one of those "open concept" floor plans, keep the kitchen off limits. Many a good party has been ruined by guests hanging in the kitchen too long and not mixing.
The point of having any type of gathering is to create an atmosphere of hospitality, warmth, and spending time with friends old and new. Make sure to vary your guest list to include new faces. This really is the making of a great party!
Party on and don't forget to invite DT!
As always...xx.DT
I tend to selectively watch (DVR) all types of TV Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa fame taught me a few tricks several years ago about giving a stress free cocktail party that you can actually enjoy! One of the worst things a host or hostess can do is not attend their own function due to being the "cater waiter" all evening.
First, keep it simple. This means a small selection of beers, a few wines, a signature cocktail (not too sweet), and of course Champagne. I love the idea of a Champagne bar. It is easy to setup plus guests can mix their own combos! If it is in your means and you have over 20 people coming, please hire a bartender or find a young friend that you can press into service for a small fee. You will not believe how much this helps!
Second, plan on at least 3 to 4 appetizers per person for a cocktail party, and add something more substantial if your are doing heavy hors d'oeuvres. Head to your local gourmet grocery and buy as much of the menu as you can. Limit your cooking to a few signature items that can hold their own at room temp. Also, have multiple trays of things set and ready to go in the kitchen so you don't have to replenish...just grab and go. If you have the space, make sure the beverages and the food are NOT in the same space, and never serve out of the kitchen. Unless you live in one of those "open concept" floor plans, keep the kitchen off limits. Many a good party has been ruined by guests hanging in the kitchen too long and not mixing.
The point of having any type of gathering is to create an atmosphere of hospitality, warmth, and spending time with friends old and new. Make sure to vary your guest list to include new faces. This really is the making of a great party!
Party on and don't forget to invite DT!
As always...xx.DT
Passed hors deouvres and waiters are what make a cocktail party fun for the host, in my view. That way one can enjoy one's party, rather than be enslaved by it. RD
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