Throwing the Ultimate Holiday Cocktail Party
With proper planning, no need to be intimidated by the occasion
Cocktail parties are a big part of the holiday season. The name alone, cocktail party, has a sophisticated, grownup air, and throwing one can seem intimidating— especially with the pressures of the holiday season.
With a little planning,
Pamela Beckman you can put together the ultimate holiday cocktail (or mocktail) party, and still manage to enjoy it rather than work it the entire time.
Pamela Beckman has been throwing parties for a living since 1988, from over the top and extravagant, to simple and sophisticated, to laid back and let your hair down. The founder of BonSoiree in Fort Myers, Beckman has become one of Southwest Florida’s go-to party and event planners.
To help you during the holiday season, and year-round, she graciously shares some insider tips on how to plan and execute a gathering that will leave guests talking about how much fun they had, for years to come.
BUDGET
It’s not sexy, but budget is one of the first things Beckman considers, and it’s a good place for you to start. Even if the sky is the limit, the question remains: How much are you willing to spend?
“When you don’t have unlimited resources, look for ways to make that money go further,” Beckman says. She suggests finding one thing that might surprise your guests—something unique that they may not have seen before or that could leave an impression. Perhaps it’s as simple as a beautiful garnish for your cocktails.
BRAINSTORM
Creativity is the fun part of party planning, according to Beckman. She compares it to cooking: “Brainstorming ideas is like putting all of the pieces in a big stockpot and boiling them down. At first, it’s haphazard and awful. But when you boil it all down, you have something refined and focused and exciting.”
FOCUS
From here, pick a jumping-off point and build around it. Beckman asks, “What are you celebrating? Christmas? The season? Friends and fellowship? Do you want to reflect a certain style, color, or even country?”
An example she cites: If you want to decorate in gold, float a gold leaf in one of your cocktails. Or choose white for a theme, as in “Let it snow,” using snow cones as the base for cocktails, mocktails, and even desserts.
“If you’re known for making the best martinis or sangria, or a particular dish, make that the focal point and wrap everything around it, instead of trying to do a little bit of everything,” she says.
MANAGE
Look at your party like a project manager would when, say, remodeling a house. “If you tackle the party like a project, you are better off,” advises Beckman. “You are less likely to forget things.”
FORGIVENESS
Perfection is elusive, no matter how good of a project manager you are. “We put too much pressure on ourselves with social media and Martha Stewart comparisons,” Beckman says. “Forgive yourself (if things aren’t perfect or don’t go as planned) and allow yourself to be in the moment. Remember why you’re getting together. Is it for fellowship or to be in a magazine?”
SPONTANEITY
Sometimes parties spring out of a random conversation or meeting. You suddenly find yourself hosting a gathering with little notice. First thing, remember forgiveness. Next thing, “Let others pitch in. That is often overlooked,” recommends Beck
man. “There is nothing wrong with a potluck approach when parties are last minute.”
NO ALCOHOL, NO PROBLEM
If alcohol is not permitted at your soiree, or if you don’t drink, creating a mocktail or two is an easy way to elevate the experience. Tea, soda, and water are nice, and perhaps necessary, but boring. This is the holidays we’re talking about. There are some amazing mocktail recipes, many of which can please even the biggest cocktail snob.
HIRED HELP
Whether you are serving cocktails, mocktails, or perhaps some of both, if you’re going to splurge on one thing, that thing should be hired help, according to Beckman. Turn to professionals like BonSoiree, or perhaps you know a college student who needs some extra cash. The extra set of eyes and hands for the little things like filling the ice, clearing plates, and taking out the trash can make all the difference in the world.
Beckman explains, “When the doorbell rings and people walk in, if you have someone helping you, you can actually enjoy your party, and that is the best thing ever.”
With some focus, planning, and a side of realistic expectations, you are set for entertaining success this holiday season. Cheers.
Gina Birch is a regular contributor. A lover of good food, good drinks, good finds, and a fun time, she is a well-known media personality in Southwest Florida. She is the morning-show host on Sunny 106.3.