Melbourne Function Venue: Throwing a Cocktail Party Part A
January 31, 2018
Melbourne Function Venue: How to Planning a Proper Party Venue
February 8, 2018
Melbourne Function Venue: Throwing a Cocktail Party Part B
Cocktail parties have been a popular social gathering for decades. They were very popular during the first few decades of the 1900’s but died off a bit during the last part of the century, but they are now back. Melbourne Function Venue: Throwing a Cocktail Party Part B
Cocktail parties are great for entertaining personal friends or business associates, or a combination of the two. They are good for open houses or receptions, both business and personal as well.
The average cocktail party takes 2-3 hours during which guests have a simple spread of food and drink great cocktails while chatting with other guests at the same time. It is in fact quite an easy event to plan and there are so many choices available.
Melbourne Function Venue: Throwing a Cocktail Party Part B
The Drinks:
The drinks are the most critical part of a cocktail party and there are two options to choose from.
- Full Bar- If you choose this you give guests the chance to choose their favorite party drink. This seems perfect if you have a well-stocked bar or otherwise if you are willing to purchase the essential spirits and can mix up a variety of drinks.
- Drink Menu- This encourages your guests to step out of their normal drinking routine. You would also save money because you do not need a fully stocked bar. Set up a list of the drinks (as well as ingredients) and set it on the bar for people to peruse.
Melbourne Function Venue: Throwing a Cocktail Party Part B
Get Some Assistance:
Only the ultimate host or hostess could do everything by themselves and still be able to socialize with guests. Most of us need some assistance.
Ask friends or family if they would like to handle the party food or bar tend for the function event and if that does not work hire out the work. Many catering companies at Melbourne also offer bar-tending services so this is logical if you are already hiring the caterer or you can ask an aspiring or young bartender if they would like the experience.
It’s always good to provide your bartender (pro or amateur) a tip jar for guests to contribute to.
Melbourne Function Venue: Throwing a Cocktail Party Part B
Useful Hints:
- Ensure that you have all of the essential bar tools.
- Send invitations to guests early, but not too early, in fact 2-3 weeks should be sufficient unless it is the busy time of year like November and December where people have a lot of plans.
- Seek food pairing advice from What to Drink with What You Eat.
- Prepare plenty of cocktail napkins, plates and glasses available so that it would not run out before the party finishes.
- Plan on 50-75% of invited guests to show up to estimate the number of drinks you will be offering and how many bottlesyou will need.
- Estimate 2-3 drinks per person.
- Add in a “WOW” factor. This can be a drink, garnish, food dish, activity, display or whatever suits your party.
