Cocktail Parties Made Easy: Simple Tips for a Stylish Soirée
There’s something effortlessly chic about a cocktail party — the clink of ice in glasses, the hum of conversation, and the sparkle of candlelight. But hosting one doesn’t have to be complicated! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just gathering friends for a laid-back evening, here’s my guide to throwing a stylish cocktail party without the stress and too much fuss.
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1. The Guest list
If you are going for simple and easy, you don’t want a huge guest list – this will keep things relaxed and make planning a lot simpler – plus it stops you having to act like a bar tender all night. I would say 6 to 12 guest would be ideal.
2. The Party Venue
With a smaller number of people deciding on the venue is much easier. Usually you would host it at your own house, but if you know your friend’s place is the perfect option, why not convince them their place is a great venue! If you are lucky enough to have a garden or a terrace even better, – but remember that the weather isn’t always reliable, so make sure you have inside space too.
3. Cocktail party invitations
These stylish invitations can be personalised and are great a setting the scene for a stylish cocktail party.
Skip the paper invites and go digital. You can get ready made invites , like these here. Keep it casual: “Join me for cocktails and good company this Saturday night!”
This set of 20 Cocktail party invitations from Olivia Samuel would be just what you need.
4. Cocktail drinks (without the fuss)
There is no need to master mixology — stick to three signature drinks. Choose a crowd-pleaser like a classic gin and tonic, something fruity like a vodka spritz, and a non-alcoholic option like a sparkling mocktail. Set up a self-serve drink station with pre-mixed pitchers, ice, garnishes, and glassware so guests can help themselves.
Here is a Margarita cocktail recipe you can print out.
This digital download printable menu look cute, and would look great next to your drinks bar.
This book has 50 quick and easy cocktail recipes, with no special equipment needed.
5. Glassware
You will want to have an assortment of glasses, it really does add to the sophisticated cocktail feel – they just don’t taste the same out of a mug! You may not have loads of different cocktail glasses in your cupboard, so don’t be afraid to ask guests if they have any they can bring! An assortment can be quite fun.
You could get some plastic cocktail glasses, like these – I love the shape -available from the MATANA store.
Vintage glasses are great, you could scour the charity shops, or look on vintage site such as Etsy.
I love these cards, you could use them for a game, I found them on Etsy.
6. Garnishes and Ingredients
The Cocktails will look great with some garnishes, so stock up on garnishes like lemon and limes, olives, cherries, and cocktail sticks. Have a variety of mixers, spirits, and syrups.
At the bottom of this blog are some free printable flags so you can make your own cocktail sticks.
These Bar Ready slices from the Mixologist’s garden are perfect – plus they have load to choice from, take a look.
7. Snacks and nibbles
Forget complicated canapés! A beautiful grazing board with cheeses, crackers, olives, and charcuterie looks impressive but requires no cooking. Add a couple of dips with veggies and crisps, and you’re good to go.
8. Setting the Scene and Music
Creating ambiance is easier than you think. Dim the lights, light a few candles, and cue up a playlist of smooth tunes. (I think Jazz is a great choice). A simple floral arrangement or string lights add a touch of charm without overcomplicating things.
For FREE printable cocktail stick toppers take a look at my freebie section here.
9. Enjoy the party
Once the guests have arrived, relax, you’ve put everything together so the guests can make each other the cocktails and nibble on the the nibbles! – no serving at this party, just enjoy the conversation and the company of your mates.
