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.

• Deals Direct - create the right atmosphere with classical music. Deals Direct sell genuine products at 30-80% off the retail price. Sydney based, delivery Australia-wide.
   
• DVD Orchard - Jazz/Blues and Classical CDs to set the mood. Many of these are in stock and ready to ship. Based in Sydney, delivery to anywhere in Australia.
   
• Quikshop Australia & NZ -  ambient Easy Listening and Jazz and Blues music at near wholesale prices. Delivery Australia & NZ wide.

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.

• Madaboochoo - upmarket formal clothing, race-wear and accessories. Based in Brisbane, delivery world-wide.
  • Cocktail and Black Tie Dresses
  • Coats, Jackets and Boleros
  • Accessories - Bags, gloves, stockings, belts and scarves
  • Jewellery - Bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces and rings
  • Shoes - Flats, low heels, high heels and wedges
  
  
• Royal Tag - discounted genuine designer clothing including dresses and Men's jackets and ties. Free delivery within Australia.
   
• Ties and Cuffs - upmarket and designer cufflinks and ties. Choose from their existing stock or design your own. Based in Sydney, free delivery within Australia. Also ships to international locations.
   
• Bird Motel - funky and stylish boutique store with trendy Dresses. Delivery throughout Australia and some international countries.
   
• YesStyle - unusual pieces from Asian designers at affordable prices. Dresses for Women and Jackets & Blazers for Men. Hong-Kong based, express delivery to Australia with flat delivery fee. All prices are in $US.
   
  
• eBay Australia - Sellers are in Australia. Prices are in Australian dollars.
  • Formal Wear
  • Jewellery

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.

• 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.
   
• 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.
   
  
• Vivid Room - stylish party goods including freezable cocktail mixes, drink charms, invitations and unusual party decorations. Based in Adelaide, delivers Australia-wide.
   
• 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.

• Cocktail Making Essentials Kit + Bonus Liqueur (BNV911 RedBalloon Days experience voucher)
  Delivered to your door anywhere in Australia.
  Brush up on your cocktail mixing techniques, while building the basis of your home bar. The world of cocktails is yours to discover with this essential cocktail kit. Youll get more than 3000 cocktail recipes, 10 cocktail spirits and various implements to help you make a perfect cocktail every time! more details from RedBalloon Days...

• 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 Australias best cocktail bartenders. Youll be blending, shaking, pouring and sipping your way through a hilarious cocktail mixing extravaganza. more details from RedBalloon Days...

• 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 Australias best cocktail bartenders. Youll be blending, shaking, pouring and sipping your way through a hilarious cocktail mixing extravaganza. more details from RedBalloon Days...

• 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...

• Cocktail & Canap Event For 10 (CHB121 RedBalloon Days 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, youll be hard pressed finding a better venue to have your nine friends or colleagues for a two hour cocktail and canap experience in Sydney! more details from RedBalloon Days...

• 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 canaps 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...

• Historic DC3 Cocktail Flight For 28 (SHS631 RedBalloon Days experience voucher)
  Essendon, Victoria.
  Step back in time and celebrate your special occasion by doing something a little different. Ideal for companies to treat their clients or staff to an event with elegant food, beverages and a beautiful 30 minute scenic flight in the famous DC-3 airliner along the picturesque Melbourne skyline! more details from RedBalloon Days...

• 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...

• 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...