OK, so you’ve got some huge plans to host a cocktail party but have no idea of where you should start and how the process goes in general? No need to worry! Below, we will take a closer look at what a cocktail party is and how you can arrange it in no time.
What Is a Cocktail Party?
To cut the long story, a cocktail party is a social gathering where guests are served light finger foods together with some alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails. For a real cocktail party success, we recommend first deciding on the formality of the event. In the case of the event for college students, it’s better to go for the informal occasion. The latter will enable guests to have a chance to help themselves and get engaged in the process of fun cocktail-making. However, the choice is yours, of course.
Step 1. Choose a Theme
Probably the simplest part is to choose the cocktail party format, especially if you are celebrating some special occasion. You have the theme! If no special occasion is planned for the near future, you can come up with some theme. Or not. Keep in mind that this point is optional.
In general, having a specific theme in mind might help you and your partners in the process of arranging a party and organizing the most fantastic event ever. The most popular themes include movies, retro style, tropical fun, horror, etc. Based on the theme you choose, the guests will have to pick the most suitable cocktail dresses.
Step 2. Pick the Date
It is important to select the date when your fellow students will most likely be available. Taking into account how busy undergrads are with taking tests, writing essays, and participating in extracurriculars, you will have to do some serious thinking before settling on a particular day and time. Generally, it’s better to choose weekend evenings when there’s a free morning ahead. Besides, you should also schedule the event far enough in the future so that your friends know something is planned.
Plan 3. Select the Best Venue for Guests
One of the keys to the success of any event that you happen to organize is the properly chosen venue for it. For instance, the cocktail party classic spot is a spacious living room or a rooftop area. If you don’t have access to that kind of place, we recommend hosting the event at the roomy house of one of your college friends. Is there a local park? Perfect! Ensure to find out whether they allow that kind of celebration on the territory. Your task is to choose a space with enough seating and areas for food and beverage.
Step 4. Plan How Many People Will Attend
Now that you know how much room you have, time to think about the guests that will attend your special cocktail party. When engaged in making the guest list, ensure to invite close friends, family members, and acquaintances. This will enable you to create an atmosphere that is both lively, comfortable, and diverse. Are you done with the list? Time to send out invitations! There’s no need to be a creative writing guru to make those. Just ensure to pick some cute paper or cyber invitations (based on what you can afford) and make them personal.
Every invitation must include details like the time, the location, the date, and information on the dress code, if there are any. It is important to encourage your potential guests to let you know in advance if they come so you can build proper plans.
We strongly recommend to inform them whether there will be any food served. As a rule, cocktail parties include finger foods and some hors d’oeuvres; however, not all people know those aspects.
Step 5. Gather All Important Supplies
In addition to food and drinks, you will need to gather stuff like cocktail shakers, glassware, ice, stirring sticks, and so on. If you’re not sure whether the glassware that you have will be enough, use mason jars or plastic cups as an alternative that is pocket-friendly.
Step 6. Organize Appetizers, Snacks, and Cocktails
Together with popular cocktails, make sure to provide your guests with a great assortment of snacks and appetizers. We recommend focusing on the food that is easy to eat. Things like cheese platters, mini sliders, bite-size desserts, and bruschetta are totally fine. Take into account any dietary restrictions that your guests may have.
When you’re in the middle of planning a drink menu, include different options on the list, starting from the classy cocktails like margaritas and martinis and adding some unique mixes. Do not forget about the non-alcoholic drinks as well! What is more, you, as the party host, can create some special signature cocktail that will be somehow related to the theme of the event.
Below, we have a list of some of the most popular cocktails among college students:
- Margarita. A classy favorite, this one combines tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, usually served in a salt-rimmed glass.
- Sangria. A refreshing punch that you make using red wine, fruit juices, soda water, fruit, and sometimes a bit of brandy.
- Mojito. A minty (and very light!) cocktail including white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and soda water.
- Pina Colada. A tropical delight blending rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, usually served blended with ice.
- Beer Pong. It’s not a cocktail but a very popular drinking game. Here are some simple rules: players throw a ping pong ball across a table to land the ball in one of several cups of beer on the other end.
- Vodka Cranberry. A simple and refreshing mix of vodka and cranberry juice. Serve it with some ice.
- Jungle Juice. A large batch cocktail is generally created with a mix of different spirits, fruit juices, and fruit, served in a large container or punch bowl.
- Tequila Sunrise. An aesthetically appealing drink with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, creating a visually appealing gradient of colors in your glass.
- Long Island Iced Tea. A strong and boozy concoction that you make using vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sour mix, and a splash of cola.
- Sex on the Beach. A fruity cocktail that includes the ingredients like vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
- Blue Lagoon. A vibrant blue cocktail with some vodka, blue curaçao, and lemonade or lemon-lime soda.
- Irish Car Bomb. A shot cocktail made by dropping a shot glass of Irish cream and whiskey into a pint of stout beer.
- Fireball and Apple Cider. This is a very simple (and warming at the same time!) combination of Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and apple cider, perfect for those evening gathering in autumn.
- White Russian. A creamy cocktail including vodka and coffee liqueur together with some cream or milk.
All the cocktails listed above are delicious, yet it is strongly recommended to always encourage responsible drinking during any cocktail party.
Step 7. Set the Mood with Music
Let the music play! Create a long playlist that will serve as the tone for the whole event. Choose a mix of upbeat tunes to open up the party and some mellow tracks for the time when the night falls. Browse platforms like Apple Music and Spotify to see what pre-made playlists are offered to save some precious time.
Step 8. Be Wise with Your Budget
As a college or university student, you have to be mindful of your current budget. Consider how much money you have for things like mixers, alcohol, snacks, and mixers, and never go over it. It is totally OK to ask your guests to contribute a small sum of money to help you cover expenses. At the same time, you can use the so-called BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) approach to lighten the financial load.
Step 9. Deal with Problems When They Arise
The reality is that no matter how well your cocktail party is planned, something may go wrong. Well, life happens, after all. But that doesn’t mean that you have to give up your idea of hosting some great event. Just make sure to be prepared to handle any unexpected problems that may arise anytime. It’s good to have helpers at hand so you can be cool about any issues that happen. If you’re on your own, worry not. You can do it!
Throwing a successful cocktail party as a college or university student requires 100% attention to detail and some careful planning. From the venue and guests to the drinks and tunes, you have to keep in mind all the aspects. If you feel stuck at any point, ensure to use the tips given above. Good luck!