Lazy Girl's Guide: Throw a Last-Minute Cocktail Party
Dismiss amateur-hour nerves and let your inner hosting prowess shine.
So you’ve raised your hand to host your friends surprise birthday, engagement, welcome home, or [insert generic title here] party, but you haven’t given the execution a thought until now? Shake off the #adultingpressure with our nine easy tips for hosting a simple cocktail party—no fancy garnishes, full bar, or caviar invited.
Set the Scene
1. Make it work. Put your succulents and air plant terrariums to good use—cluster on the bar for a fresh, decorative touch. Repurpose old picture frames as extra serving trays and fill with grains from the kitchen (rice, quinoa, sunflower seeds, and the like) to act as a bed for your hors d'oeuvres to rest in.
2. Set the mood. Allow even your not-so-sparkly drinking glasses to shimmer under the glow of candles and sparkling string lights draped around doorways (cue bringing out the Christmas décor box).
3. Mix things up. No one likes an awkward silence. Give your favourite playlists a listen (we're loving Pandora's "Hipster Cocktail Party"). Or play to everyone’s taste by enlisting friends for help—their EDM gym mix might be just what your party needs to liven up.
Craft the Cocktails
4. Establish a bar. Clear the junk pile from the breakfast island or kitchen table and transform it into a self-serve bar (#libationstation). Set up drinks from the inside out, with the most popular in the middle and garnishes around each edge to make sure no one gets stuck waiting in line.
5. Go big or go home. If you only have time to fancify one thing, we say make it the alcohol—and it needs to be ready when guests arrive. Declare your hosting prowess by crafting a batch cocktail—which just so happens to be easier and less costly than stocking a full bar. For a finished touch, give your drink a name and list its ingredients so guests know what they're pouring.
6. Leave options open. Don't forget to have wine, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks stocked in your pop-up bar, too. Set out a pitcher of water, and place juices and other standard soda mixers in a chilling bucket to quench your guests thirst.
Serve the Food
7. Skip the silverware. Drinks and finger foods are the name of this game. Our rule: Keep it simple. If you can’t eat an app without pulling out the silverware, it’s a no-go.
8. Serve it cold. Serving food that should be hot but actually isn't is a rookie error. Opt for dishes meant to be cold or tepid so you don’t have to worry about keeping the temperature just right. If you’re "30-minutes-before-guests-arrive-haven't-gone-grocery-shopping-in-two-weeks" behind—deep breath—order apps from a local restaurant for delivery.
9. Scatter the snacks. Arrange cheese, nuts, and olives on multiple serving trays and place throughout the entire party area. Not only will this curb guests appetites while you get additional bites prepared, but it will also help avoid rooms getting congested.
