Cocktail Parties
From the heyday of the Rat Pack to the modern resurgence, cocktail parties have
always been (at least in theory) a great way for adults to mingle. Apart from being great fun, cocktail parties are
suitable for almost any occasion, from social gatherings to work functions. They
can be elegant or simple, depending on the host's preferences. Scroll down the page for cocktail party planning, decorating and food ideas.
Music and
Entertainment
Jazz, easy listening and classical music playing quietly in the background will
help set the tone of the party. The music should be background ambience and not overwhelm the conversation.
Cocktail Party
Outfits
Cocktail parties have traditionally had a semi-formal dress code.
Stylish clothing and accessories are a must.
For humorous cocktail outfits, see the
Adult Party Costumes page.
Cocktail Party
Products
Cocktail parties are meant to be sophisticated and the decor should
reflect this. Black, white, red and silver colour schemes suit this theme.
Choosing or 2 of these colours and using them for the decorations and
partyware is an easy way to set the mood. White or colour-coordinated tealights
are a cheap and easy way to add ambience.
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BCL
Books - step-by-step and general guides to
making
cocktails and
entertaining. These books cover every aspect of creating
cocktails and hosting a successful party. Dispatched from Sydney to
anywhere in Australia.
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Parties Online
- Sydney-based party products store in operation since 1991. They specialise in
themed and coloured tableware, balloons costumes and more.
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Party
Products Australia - choose party products by colour to create a coordinated colour scheme. Try their Hollywood theme for inspiration.
Brisbane based, with Australia-wide delivery.
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Winemakers Choice - popular and hard to find spirits
and upmarket bar
accessories. Based in Sydney, delivery throughout Australia.
Cocktail Party ideas
Invitations - These will set the tone for the party.
If you are having an additional theme (such as black and white) make sure that
the invitations reflect this. Use the invitation to specify the dress code and
give party guests an idea of what to expect from the party. Remember to provide
your details so guests can RSVP.
Decor - There is no specific decor associated with a
cocktail party, but there are certain arrangements that make for a more pleasant
experience. Having gentle lighting and appropriate music (like jazz or
classical) playing quietly in the background will help set the mood. For
the comfort of your guests make sure there is plenty of room to move and provide
adequate seating.
Food - Only light food is needed at a cocktail party. It is
best to make refreshments ahead of time and refrigerate them until they
are ready to be eaten. Some suggestions include: simple canapés, antipasto and
platters with gourmet cheese, crackers, nuts, cold meats and fruit.
Drinks - Cocktail parties require more thought and effort
being put into the drinks than other parties. Below are some hints to get you started.
- Decide ahead of time what drinks you will be
serving and have several lists drawn up for guests to look at. Restricting the
number of spirits you use will make the bartender's job easier.
- Make sure you have the
equipment you need to make specific cocktails (eg mixers and blenders) before the party starts. Don't forget the
ice, sugar, salt, mixers and garnishes.
- If you are mixing the brinks yourself, do as much as you can before
hand. Many frozen cocktails often come in premixed packs
that can be made ahead of time.
- Have plenty of glasses on hand and get someone to collect and wash
glasses periodically. Using
drink charms
helps people to keep track of their drinks and will reduce the number of
glasses used.
- Finally, have some easily accessible non-alcoholic drinks
available for those who are not drinking.
Side Note - Have a contingency plan for guests who consume a
little too much. Have designated drivers and taxis available. Be prepared to
drive or accommodate guests if they have no other way to get home.
Cocktail Party
Experiences
Want to enjoy your party without being stuck behind the bar all night, or
just not confident enough to mix cocktails yourself? These experiences
can help solve both problems.
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Team Cocktail Shake Up Event For 30 (MBB741 RedBalloon Days experience voucher)
Available across Australia in a suitable venue of your choice.
Just like the pros behind your favourite cocktail bar - learn how to mix cocktails with some of Australia's best cocktail bartenders. You'll be blending, shaking, pouring and sipping your way through a hilarious cocktail mixing extravaganza. more details from RedBalloon Days...
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Team Cocktail Shake Up & Canapes For 30 (MBB742 RedBalloon Days experience voucher)
Available across Australia in a suitable venue of your choice.
Just like the pros behind your favourite cocktail bar - learn how to mix cocktails with some of Australia's best cocktail bartenders. You'll be blending, shaking, pouring and sipping your way through a hilarious cocktail mixing extravaganza. more details from RedBalloon Days...
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Sailing Cocktail Cruise (MATC101 book online with GoDo)
Sydney, New South Wales
Enjoy the spectacular sights of Sydney as the last rays of sunshine cascade over the city skyline. Our 75 minute
cocktail cruise includes canapes and a complimentary cocktail, glass of wine, beer or champagne from our
licensed bar. more details and bookings...
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Personal Chef Cocktail Party For 10 (LCG963 RedBalloon Days experience voucher)
A venue of your choice in the Sydney metro area.
Be prepared for a deluxe cocktail party experience! Plan a special night for you and nine of your best friends as you indulge in delicious canap̩s prepared by your expert personal chef, who will tailor the menu to suit your tastes and will ensure that your special guests are equally impressed! more details from RedBalloon Days...
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Historic DC3 Cocktail Flight For 28 (SHS631 RedBalloon Days experience voucher)
Essendon, Victoria.
A Cocktail Flight on an historic DC-3 jet over Melbourne is old-world luxury at it's finest! This unique occasion is once in a lifetime and symbolic of the high life. With accomodating staff fantastic and gourmet canapes, this classic trip is an amazing glimpse into aviation's golden era! more details from RedBalloon Days...
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Ice Bar and Cocktails (CHIL100 book online with GoDo)
Melbourne, Victoria
Visit our Melbourne ice bar for a truly chilling experience. Rock up, rug up and revel in the icy diamond-like interior. Everything in this ice bar is made of...you guessed it, ice! Sip on a cocktail that's served in an ice glass and throw back a snappy shot. This is pure polar pleasure at minus 10. more details and bookings...
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minus 5 Ice Lounge - Gold Coast (MFGC100 book online with GoDo)
Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland
Literally tonnes of ice has gone into the making of this experience with everything inside from the bar to the walls and even the glasses you drink from made from it. Enjoy the amazing sculptures and cocktails and mocktails as part of this unique sub zero Gold Coast attraction. more details and bookings...
