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PARTY PLANNING - IDEAS & HINTS

As times change, so does the art of partying. Over the past twenty years the styles and fashions at a party or cocktail party may have changed, but the desire to host a fashionable and memorable party has not. The following hosting ideas and tips are designed to help you have a successful party by providing a friendly, comfortable and welcoming environment.

DRINKS

Use this simple guideline to gauge what you need, spirits, mixers, etc.?

	HOW MUCH WILL I NEED? Use our example party of 20 to 50 people example to help determine what you need. more » Use our BAR CALCULATOR to see how much wine, beer, and spirits you will need for 1 to 1000 people. use the calculator»
	CHOOSING THE PERFECT LIBATION If its a cocktail party serve COCKTAILS! Use premium brands if you can - your guests are worth it and they will appreciate and notice the difference. Try to choose a theme cocktail for the evening. If your throwing an elegant dinner party try a Manhattan or Martini. If things are more casual, then try a Harvey Wallbanger for your Tiki party or a spicy pitcher of Caesar's. These are just some ideas, for some other great cocktail ideas, browse through our Classic Cocktails.
	SELF SERVE BAR SETUP Often the key to you enjoying your own party is having taken the time to plan ahead and set up a self-serve bar. See our article on placement, layout and much more »
	GLASSWARE How many glasses will you need? What type? And a few tips. more »
	ICE Often overlooked but a critical part of any great party. more »

PARTY THEMES

Looking for some great seasonal party ideas, or looking for that new party theme idea to make your party even more memorable.

We have a wide range of party themes

TIKI PARTY
BLOCK PARTY
CABIN FEVER
GIRLS NIGHT IN
GREEK PARTY
INTERNATIONAL THEMED PARTY
...and many more ideas for your party »

ENTERTAINMENT

The key to a great cocktail party, the atmosphere! There are few components more important than the right music. We have put together our recommended list, including the classics and some lounge music. more »

FOOD IDEAS

Need some finger food ideas, or a full course meal Let us give you a few suggestions.

MORE HINTS

If its a cocktail party serve COCKTAILS!

Use premium brands if you can - your guests are worth it and they will appreciate and notice the difference. Try to choose a theme cocktail for the evening. If your throwing an elegant dinner party try a Manhattan or Martini. If things are more casual, then try a Harvey Wallbanger for your Tiki party or a spicy pitcher of Caesar's.

These are just some ideas, for some other great cocktail ideas, browse through our Classic Cocktails.

Offer Bottled water and a few non-alcoholic cocktail choices. Offer guests the option to enjoy their non-alcoholic drinks in the same style glassware as your other guests.

Remove many of your chairs. This encourages mingling, the essence of a good party. Keep in mind any handicapped guest and make accommodations.

Drink mixing, like cooking, is best done "by the book", so remember to have recipes on hand for the drinks you plan to serve (every recipe on this site can be easily printed).

Always measure; even professionals use the standard measures. Don't rely on your eye or feel. One friendly reminder: No friends will thank you the next day for pouring overly strong drinks.

Try and place a plastic sheet under the tablecloth to protect your bar table or dining room table.

Have a discreet garbage container just under or beside the table.

Open some of your wine bottles beforehand. Reinsert the corks part way. You guests will be ale to help themselves and can easily uncork bottles when you're busy.

Prepare your coffee maker in advance. Have a sugar bowl, a creamer, and some cups ready if your guests request coffee.

Hire a bartender or serve the drinks yourself: Guests are much more likely to serve themselves doubles if it is a self serve bar.

For all-spirits cocktails, such as Manhattans, consider mixing in advance -without the ice- and chilling them in pitchers. (not a Purist's favourite hint, but it's your party)

Serve snacks and food. It is always better to drink with food then to drink on an empty stomach. Be careful not to offer only salty and greasy snacks as that will make your guests even thirstier.

Remember that a drink, is a drink is a drink. Standard servings of beer , wine and spirits all contain the same amount of alcohol. This equivalence is based on 12 oz's of beer @ 5%, 11/2 oz's of Spirits @ 40% and 5 oz's of wine @12%.

Plan to allow guests, who want to, to stay overnight.

Aim to close down the bar before the party officially ends and continue to serve water, soft drinks etc. It is also a good time to offer more food options.