Summer cocktail parties are a great way to spend an evening with friends. Cocktail parties are incredibly customizable and host-friendly. They don’t have to be expensive or elaborate to be memorable. Keep reading to explore tips for hosting an elegant summer cocktail party.
Simple Equals Less Stress
One of the best tips you can follow is to keep the décor and recipes simple. Don’t try to make an appetizer you’ve never made before or serve a cocktail you’re unfamiliar with mixing. Simple is best to keep the stress low and make you a relaxed host.
Guests love a delicious cheese board. Make small-bite appetizers allowing attendees to keep drinks in their hands. It is a cocktail party, after all, so you don’t have to go over the top with decorations. Decorate with small vases of fresh flowers and string lighting to create an elegant ambiance. Cocktail parties are all about conversation and drinks, so focus on them.
Don’t Forget the Playlist
Music is an essential part of every cocktail party. Create a mixture of songs that are specifically curated for your evening. Light jazz is always welcome. Alternative tunes are another fabulous option. Many streaming services have fantastic playlists already set to go if you don’t feel like concocting your own mix.
Create a Signature Cocktail
Create a signature cocktail that all your guests will enjoy. Make it a spiked lemonade that features a particular seasonal fruit, such as blueberry, peach, or pomegranate. Another excellent cocktail to serve is a French 75, which combines gin, lemon juice, champagne, and simple syrup. It’s a simple, delicious drink perfect for an elegant summer cocktail party. Serve a few beer and wine choices on the side of the cocktail to provide a nice variety for guests.
Mail Out Invites
Who doesn’t love receiving a beautiful cocktail party invitation in the mail? People enjoy hanging them on their fridges or onto the calendar as a friendly reminder that they have an upcoming event. You will need to plan to allow adequate time for the invitations to arrive and receive RSVPs.
The tips above show it’s easier to host a summer cocktail party than you think. Don’t forget to plan the perfect outfit. Prepare something to wear over the cocktail dress as the sun sets. Temperatures tend to drop, and the evening air becomes chilly. Relax and enjoy a night of good food, great drinks, and incredible company!
