How To Host A Successful Cocktail Hour
Although sources disagree on where cocktail parties originated, we can all agree that bringing friends together for a few drinks can lead to great times of socializing, networking, and relaxing…especially after a long day of work.
The beauty of cocktail parties is that they can be as intimate as a small get-together or as big as a corporate banquet. Either way, there are a few key points that should not be missed when planning your social affair:
Consider Your Space
This will determine how many guests can fit! An overcrowded space spells out disaster and one with too large of space can lead others to think that no one wants to attend. This will make guests dart out early, leaving you without a party. A great cocktail hour can even be held in the office after work or in someone’s backyard. Be prepared to rearrange the room to comfortably host invited ones. This also probes the question about offering additional tables or seats for people to relax.
Some parties are simply fine standing, given that high tables will be provided for people to lean on and to easily create conversation groups. When working with an event staffing company or agency, ask if they can provide services such as rentals not only for guests’ comfort but also for the beverage & food service. Rental companies are a great way to temporarily add any necessary items for your party.
Once you have locked in your space, there is a key point to attracting and keeping your guests entertained.
Service And Atmosphere
This is the feeling that your party gives the instant that guests or employees walk in, and as we all know …. first impressions count, so let’s make it a positive one! A great idea is to have hosts or greeters be there when guests arrive to present a warm presence on your behalf. These greeters should be knowledgeable about the facilities such as bathrooms, coat room, gift table, etc. They are there to lend a helping hand as your guests arrive and get settled in.
The recommendations are 1 host for every 50 guests. This ensures that everyone feels like they are getting a five-star treatment as soon as they walk in. If you are planning a cocktail party for a client such as a brand or company, keep in mind the image that your hosts will be presenting. Fashion brands incorporate fashion models and brand ambassadors to embody their image and may even dress them to showcase their products. The staff at the party can play into a theme if you are having one. Some examples of themed cocktail parties:
Summer Cocktails at the Pool
Why not have lifeguards hosting your guests and constantly checking to make sure they have specific needs such as sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, and of course a drink in their hand to stay hydrated?
Super Bowl Sunday
Every game needs a good set of referees. Dress the model bartenders in black and white referee uniforms, whistles, and visors. Have the serving staff dress in the colors of each team. Additional duties can be taking polls of which team will win throughout the afternoon. Fun games like encouraging people to take a shot at each touchdown keep the party spirits high.
Christmas Holiday Social Hour
It’s the happiest time of the year. Have your event catering staff, hosts, and bartenders dress up as Santa helpers. Don’t forget the main highlight of the night, Santa! Adults will love seeing him at your party.
Special touches like these are what keep your event cohesive and tied all together into one beautiful party without a lot of effort!
So your guests have arrived, they love the place, the service, and the staff. But they are thirsty! What’s for drinks?
Food And Beverages
Typically this is the first question that pops in their head after getting situated. The room is scanned for the bar and possible tray passing. Having these two items is the essence of your party. Hire a caterer that has a menu with plenty of options for all dietary restrictions. Make sure your vision of the party aligns with his so the food complements the event. Make sure to have the server tray passing as soon as guests arrive.
Early birds that arrive at the party tend to feel more at ease when there are friendly servers to strike up a casual conversation with. The bar situation can seem like a daunting task. Ask if the event staffing agency provides bar services in addition to providing bartenders. Event staffing companies can be a big help since they deal with events daily and know what will be needed. They can create a package that includes rentals, drinks, ice, and even delivery so you do not have to get in your car and lose any valuable time.
Keep The Event Simple
The biggest and most successful events have been those that keep a bar flowing, not overcrowded with long lines. The secret lies in having the bar properly equipped with the right tools, beverages, and a proper bar team. The recommendations for this are 1 bartender and busser for every 75 guests. Offer guests the simple staples that everyone enjoys: beer, wine & one or two signature cocktails. Having a full bar will cause delays and overall be more expensive. Depending on your party, this may break your budget, so it is important to keep in mind.
Conclusion
Planning a cocktail hour can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. Ultimately it is important to give yourself enough time for planning purposes. If you are an individual planning alone or a professional with many years of putting parties together, both should know that the most effective way for your event to be a success is by making sure you have all the help to host your guests. Providing a luxury feel and high-end hospitality will ensure your guests will leave a lasting impression. It can be done, with the right team!