A cocktail party is one of the easiest gatherings to host. You spend more time socializing with the guests than prepping and serving a meal, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than that of a dinner party. Cocktail gatherings are also much easier on your budget, because you can make the drink selection as big as your wallet will allow, and the appetizers don't need to be expensive, either. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Hosting a Cocktail Party on a Budget
1. Limit your drink selection. You don't need a drink menu like one you would find at Applebee's. Take stock of the liquor and wine supply you already have on hand before you buy more. As long as you have vodka, gin, tequila, triple sec, whisky and rum, you have the basic ingredients to make drinks.
2. Buy a reduced-premium alcohol instead of top-shelf liquor. Purchase wine by the gallon. Smirnoff vodka is cheaper than Grey Goose. Lindemans produces a satisfying merlot that costs less than Coppola.
3. Purchase store brands where possible for your party needs. Items like sodas, napkins, condiments and paper plates don't need to carry brand names like Coke, Sprite, French's and Bounty.
4. Ask your friends to help. Your cousin who is going to mixology classes can bartend. Your wannabe-DJ co-worker can handle the music. Call in a favor and have your sister do your housecleaning beforehand instead of hiring a maid service.
5. Stick with inexpensive hors d'oeuvres. Some suggestions are fresh vegetables and dip, crackers, sliced pepperoni and cheese, nuts and trail mix.
6. Prepare as much of the appetizers as you can, instead of buying them frozen or from a supermarket. Bacon-wrapped scallops can be made by broiling the bacon and the scallops at the same time, wrapping the bacon around the scallop and securing it with a toothpick. Rollups are easy to make by layering a slice of mozzarella cheese and tavern ham, rolling it up and slicing it in half. Cheese only needs to be sliced and spread on a plate with crackers.
7. Use your own glassware instead of renting it, or buy paper cups. Either way, you don't need fancy stemware for a Super Bowl party.
8. Make your own ice. Start a week before the party. Fill four ice cube trays in the morning, and empty and refill them when you get home from work. Store the ice in your freezer or in a cooler.
9. Borrow folding tables and chairs, TV trays and tablecloths from friends and relatives. This will also save you from having to rent them from a catering company.
Tags: Cocktail Party, drink selection