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.  BCL Books has 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.

Cocktail Party Outfits

Cocktail parties have traditionally had a semi-formal dress code. Stylish clothing and accessories are a must.

• Fashionably Yours has everything you need in one place for school formals, a day at the races, a night out,  special occasions... and cocktail parties. As well as maxi dresses, cocktail dresses and  evening dresses, they have dressy shoes, accessories for women, they have some mens suits in dashing colours.
   
• 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.

• Party Supplies NOW is a specialised party supply online shop with two warehouses in Queensland and deliver Australia-wide. They have lots of products for impressive cocktail parties like...
  • Ice Wine Coolers where you can add colours and items related to your theme to the water before you freeze it
  • Cocktail / Punch Fountains not only will it impress, your guests can serve themselves
  • Paper Lanterns - add to the mood with your choice from their range of Chinese paper lanterns, candle bag lanterns, star lanterns and more
     
• Parties Online - Sydney-based party products store in operation since 1991. They specialise in themed and coloured tableware, balloons costumes and more.
   
• 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.
   
  
• 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.
• 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.

• Evening Sydney Harbour Cocktail Cruise (MATC101 book online with GoDo)
  Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales
  This activity takes place in Sydney Harbour.
  This relaxing and scenic 90 minute cruise aboard MV Sydney 2000 includes Main Harbour sights & one cocktail. Our licensed bar onboard is open for the purchase of other beverages. see more details and select your date to book online...

• Cocktail and Canape Event for 10 (CHB121 RedBalloon experience voucher)
  Darling Harbour, Sydney.
  Imagine sipping on your cocktail of choice in one of the best locations in Sydney. With views overlooking the harbour and city skyline, you'll be hard pressed finding a better venue to have your nine friends or colleagues for a two hour cocktail and canapé experience in Sydney! from RedBalloon

• Personal Chef Cocktail Party For 10 (LCG963 RedBalloon 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 canapés 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! from RedBalloon

• Historic DC3 Cocktail Flight For 28 (SHS631 RedBalloon 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! from RedBalloon

• Chill On - Ice Lounge & Ski Lodge (CHIL100 book online with GoDo)
  Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria
  This experience takes place in Melbourne's CBD.
  Visit Melbourne's Chill On - Ice Lounge for a truly chilling experience. Rock up, rug up and revel in the icy diamond-like interior. Everything in the Ice Lounge is made of 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. see more details and select your date to book online...