How to Host a Cocktail Party

Cocktail parties are not just for girls enjoying a ladies-night-in; they’re becoming one of the most popular ways to entertain anyone from neighbours to business associates. They’re a more relaxed way of entertaining, without mixing guests who may feel uncomfortable sitting at a formal setting with a stranger. Cocktail parties encourage mingling and only last a couple of hours!

Tips for the Cocktail Host:

Different cocktails require being served in different cocktail glasses. Ask your event hire company for advice once you decide on the cocktail menu!
Have twice as many glasses as you have guests; they have a tendency to put their glass down and forget all about it!
Stock up on ice - crushed ice for frozen cocktails and it will be needed to chill champagne or wine too.
Glass charms are a great idea for guests to use to remember which glass is theirs.
Don't forget to stock up on mixers including orange juice, cranberry juice, 7-Up, tonic, ginger ale, coca cola and the lemon and limes for decoration too!
Have coffee available for any guests needing an extra hand at the end of the night… having a local taxi number available for guests is a good idea too.
Cocktail parties don’t require a 3-course dinner, but having some canapés, snacks and cocktail-bites always go down well. Take a look at our disposables - perfect for canapés at cocktail parties!
When estimating food quantities, plan on serving approximately 6 bites per person, per hour for a two hour party, when no dinner will be served.
It is always better to overestimate than underestimate the amount of food you serve, although it’s recommended to serve approximately 6 bites per guest per hour.