| People love going to a cocktail party. These get | | | | Cocktail parties first became popular in the 1960's |
| togethers are fun not only for the guests but for | | | | and, at that time, invitations were sent out by |
| the host as well. This type of party creates a | | | | mail. If you would like to continue this tradition, go |
| relaxed atmosphere that encourages different | | | | out and purchase cute invitation cards or make |
| groups of your friends to meet one another in a | | | | them yourself! An email invite is acceptable as well |
| fun setting. If you are a first time cocktail party | | | | because cocktail parties are usually informal |
| host, make sure you follow these tips so that | | | | affairs. People are much better at responding to |
| your party goes off without a hitch! | | | | emails these days anyway! |
| It is important to make sure that you have a | | | | Once you have your RSVPs, it is time to buy |
| large enough space to accommodate the number | | | | your refreshments. Decide what types of drinks |
| of people you are planning to invite. Cocktail | | | | you plan to have and stock your bar accordingly. |
| parties are usually held later in the evening so it is | | | | As a rule, party planners recommend that if you |
| best to have an indoor and outdoor space open | | | | serve wine, you should have about one bottle of |
| for your guests. Ideally, you would have a living | | | | wine for every two guests. A few appetizers |
| room that opens out onto an outdoor porch so | | | | should be on hand as well and be prepared to |
| that people can move inside if they get chilly. If | | | | make coffee at the end of the night for anyone |
| you have a view, an outside bar area is the | | | | who made need it. One essential item that often |
| perfect entertaining setting. Purchasing and | | | | is forgotten is ice. Estimate about one pound of |
| installing a tall bar counter that faces the view is | | | | ice per guest. |
| not difficult to do, but you want to make sure | | | | If you are uncomfortable making mixed drinks or |
| that you find indoor extra tall bar stools our | | | | you want time to socialize with your guests, |
| outdoor bar stools that fit your décor. | | | | consider hiring a bartender. They can do all the |
| There are so many great designs for barstools | | | | work while you have fun! Hosting a cocktail party |
| out there that you are sure to find something | | | | is a great idea. Just make sure you have your |
| that you love! | | | | extra tall bar stools, your mixers, and lots of ice |
| If you have set up a perfect area for | | | | and your guests will have a great time! |
| entertaining, it is time to send the invitations. | | | | |