cocktail party

Hosting a cocktail party out of your home is intimate and charming but can sometimes be a source of great stress. The truth is that a little bit of planning and preparation can go a long way. Who wants to spend the party worrying about things like running to get more ice or salvaging burnt hors d'oeuvres? We've got five tips to help you host a smooth soiree.

Make sure to have enough ice.
The last thing you'll want to do is run to the store for more ice while your guests' drinks run dry. Make sure to get enough ice ahead of time for the number of guests you're inviting. Also fill your ice trays earlier in the day for backup.

Stock a variety of mixers and garnishes.
You may be set on serving a signature cocktail for the evening, but just in case it's not everybody's style, keep a variety of drink mixers on hand. We recommend tonic water, cranberry and orange juice, a variety of sodas, and margarita mix. Set out basic garnishes like lemon peels, lime wedges, and maraschino cherries, but don't be afraid to get creative as well: fresh herbs and berries would be fun and pretty. You may want to have a few bottles of wine and a six-pack of beer in the refrigerator just in case your guests don't drink hard liquor.

Don't forget about music.
Sometimes it can take a while for lively conversation to develop, and nothing is more awkward than a silent room. This is where background music comes in very handy. Spend a little bit of time developing a playlist for the evening that matches the mood you're trying to set. Choose calmer songs for the beginning of the evening, and as people start to warm, the music can, too!

For more tips, keep reading.

Guests attending a holiday cocktail party will expect cocktails, but to ensure that the hostess isn't tending bar all night, serve a pitcher drink or punch or set up a small bar and invite friends to pour their own beverage. Here's how you do it: Select an easy drink recipe, like this one for a bourbon and blood orange blast that's featured here. Write out the directions for the cocktail and set out an ice bucket, cocktail shaker, jigger, and the ingredients. Alternatively, place the blood orange juice alongside vodka, gin, and bourbon. Fill a small pitcher with simple syrup and one can make a blood orange martini or the blast. Remember to place plenty of napkins and fresh towels on the bar.

To get the proportions of the suggested libation, keep reading.

Never underestimate the power of the Christmas cookie! They're the perfect dessert around the holidays because they can be made in advance and are easy to enjoy without a plate and silverware. When hosting a holiday happy hour, offer homemade white chocolate cherry cookies and ask guests to bring chocolate truffles. Or if you have time, whip up a batch of your own. To get the choco-cherry chunk cookie recipe, please read more

I think you should stop whatever it is you're doing right now and call up some friends. We're in the middle of Hanukkah, it's almost Christmas, and the Winter solstice is Saturday night. There's no better time to host a holiday happy hour! Invite your loved ones over for some savory bites by the tree.

I've got the perfect party menu for you — it covers the meat, cheese, veggie, and seafood basics. Serve classic spinach-and-feta-filled spanakopita, soy-glazed chicken yakitori, spicy cheese fondue with bacon for dipping, and crab salad canapes. For these delectable recipes, keep reading.