Cocktail parties are decidedly grown-up events. The word "cocktail" suggests that it's going to be an adult-only evening, and the drinks and menu reflect that. That's not to say cocktail parties have to be formal--or even that they have to include cocktails. Sometimes the bar is nothing more than wine and sparkling water. But very few guests will turn down a fun drink if you're mixing.
Cocktail is the key is to keep people mixing, so don't put your all your deviled eggs in one basket. Set up tables in different parts of the room, separate from the bar, so guests can snack, sip and chat wherever they wander. For campy fun, you could even tie on a vintage apron and serve your guests treats from a tray.
But rather than overwhelming guests with all your hors d'oeuvre offerings at once, keep some culinary surprises up your sleeve (or more practically, covered in plastic wrap on top of the fridge or in a shut-off room). Bringing out three small "courses" of appetizers keeps the party feeling fresher than everything from soup shots to nuts set out from the get-go.
As for what to serve, think small and portable. Bite-size nibblies like spicy almonds, wasabi peas or Spanish peanuts are a step up from chips and pretzels and make a great complement to cocktails. If you're feeling ambitious, whip up stuffed mushrooms, crostini topped with tapenade, or anything with caviar. But please, skip the ho-hum plastic veggie-and-dip platters from the warehouse store, or at the very least transfer them to your own serving dishes.
If You have club and bar, cocktails related sites then please email us your info at: links@cocktailbarclub.com
|
