The holiday season is the perfect time to host a casual affair, where friends and family can drop in at will and not have to worry about conforming to the constraints of a formal dinner party.
Of course what's casual and easy for the guests, still requires a lot of planning and organization for the host.
Here are a few tips that might make pulling a party together a little bit easier.
Tips For Hosting A Casual Cocktail Party
- Keep your food choices fun and casual.
- Choose foods that have plenty of color and contrast for the best presentation.
- Don't get hung up on making hors d'oeuvres that "go together."
- Go easy on yourself ~ serve at least two or three dips with a variety of chips and crackers.
- Serve a variety of both hot and cold foods.
- Make sure the food is easy to eat without utensils.
- Place plenty of paper napkins in several easily spotted locations.
- Make sure most of what you're serving can be made a day or two in advance.
- Stock up on ice.
- Set up your wine bar with "lighter" choices ~ avoid heavily oaked chardonnays and tannic reds for easier pairing.
- Be sure to have non-alcoholic beverages on hand, including pitchers of ice water.
- Have some coffee ready to brew toward the end of the evening.
- Always encourage your guests to drink responsibly!
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