Setting the Scene
The best cocktail parties go beyond the basics to beguile all of the senses. Concentrate on smell (scented candles), sight (lighting, flowers, the color and shape of finger food, plates, and serveware), sound (great tunes), touch (tactile elements like velvet accent pillows, crisp linen cocktail napkins, and the feel of holding a beautiful wine glass), and taste (delicious nibbles), of course. Here are four themes for inspiration.
1. Martini Madness
Today's martini parties are all about contempo chic. The mood should be edgy and soothing; think swanky cocktail lounge. Toss pillows around the room. Play a compilation CD of sexy tunes. Lower the lights and go wild with votive candles. Serve little dishes of nuts and party mix, plus easy treats like asparagus wrapped in prosciutto and assorted cheeses. Post a sign on your bar (you can set one up on a desk or table) touting the house signature cocktail.
2. '80s Redux
Ask guests to come decked out in their '80s best -- you know, legwarmers, V-neck sweaters worn backwards, parachute pants, hot-pink earrings, big hair. Make a mix of '80s hits (hello, Cyndi Lauper) and serve Doritos, mini-pizzas, and whatever childhood candy faves (pixie sticks, pop rocks) you can hunt down. For decor, hang up a white sheet that you've spatter-painted in neon hues. Rent flicks like Karate Kid or Pretty in Pink to play on the TV with the sound turned down.
3. Wine & Cheese
In nice weather, host a wine tasting in your backyard Tuscan-style. Cover tables with pretty cotton cloths (batik bedspreads work well) and set up a bountiful serve-yourself station. Present a variety of red and white wines -- use a wine cooler to keep the whites crisp and cold. A wooden cutting board can serve as a rustic serving board for an assortment of cheeses. Layer on fresh fruit such as grapes and strawberries; set up baskets of crackers and baguettes. Use those special cheese knives you got as wedding gifts.
4. South of the Border
Everything Latin reverberates with fun-loving sensuality. It's easy to bring that allure home with food and music: Make up pitchers of sangria and serve one specialty drink such as a mojito. Cook up (or order in from a local Spanish restaurant) a huge batch of paella and let guests dig in. Include tasty tapas like empanadas and set out bowls of olives, nuts, and cheese straws. A collection of sultry Spanish tunes will keep the party vibe going. Just be sure to leave plenty of space for your samba dance moves.
by Hollee Actman Becker
6/25/08
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bar & cocktails,
Dinner