Cocktail Party + New Year’s Eve Checklist
Host the perfect party.
Holiday season is party season. Whether you’re an experienced host or a novice stepping into the fashionable world of cocktail party entertaining, here’s a countdown to a holiday mixer they’ll talk about for years to come.
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Perfect Timing
Start the party at 9 P.M., so you don’t find yourself with too many hours to spare with your guests before midnight, especially on New Year’s Eve.
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The Right Glass
Cuisine Themes
Centering your party around a food theme (like Japanese) allows you to make easy choices. For example, you could pair sushi and edamame with sake.
Mood Enhancers
Make sure to pay attention to the little details that set the tone for your party: Choose your music playlists ahead of time. Start out slow and progressively build into dance music. Dim the lights and place candles where safe and appropriate. Add touches like fresh flowers and bowls of fruit for ambiance.
Elegant Platters
The way you present food adds a simple note of sophistication. Try garnish—for example, cheese platters benefit from fruit or edible flowers. Provide the right utensils, like cheese knives.
Have twice as many glasses on hand as guests. Wine-glass charms will help guests to keep track of glasses as they mill about. Be prepared with an assortment of glass styles to cover the type of drinks you plan to serve from wine glasses for wines, to tumblers for spirits and juices.
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Refreshments
For a basic bar you’ll want to stock up on vodka, whiskey, wines and beer. Rule of thumb: For a three-hour party where you only plan on serving primarily wine, you’ll need one and a half bottles for every two guests. Have both reds and whites on hand.
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The Chill Factor
More Essentials
Don’t forget the mixers, from basic soda and tonic, to tomato juice and Tabasco. If you’re hosting wine drinkers, uncork a few bottles in advance.
You’ll need ice for chilling wine or champagne, as well as serving drinks on the rocks. One pound of ice per guest is a golden rule.
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The Big Moment
Social Butterfly
Hiring a bartender to mix drinks for your party allows you more time to mingle with your guests.
It’s almost midnight. Lower the lights, and prepare to throw kisses or confetti.
Congratulations!
You celebrated the holiday season and/or the dawn of a new decade in style. One more tip: Be sure to have taxis available for those who may need a little help getting home.
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Suggested Products
Modern Round Wall Clock
Time it right.
Rustic Ranch Wood Serving Tray
Offer food or collect empty glasses. Either way, it serves you well.
Starburst Fruit Bowl
Details, details, details.
Leifheit Proline Plus Cheese Cutter
Another reason to linger at the cheese plate.
Charisma Champagne Flutes
Champagne sparkles with Charisma.
Kingston 20 Bottle Wine Cube
Plenty of room for the “bottle and a half per couple.”
Oneida 5-pc. Stainless Steel Bar Set
Have the basic tools on hand for you or your bartender.
Kraftware Americano Ice Bucket
Keep your cool.
Undressed Magnetic Wine Glass Charms
Add a charm to remember which drink is yours as you make the rounds.
Party Horn – Black
Make merry with this sleek party favor.
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