Steve and I like to entertain and we have hosted many holiday cocktail parties over the years. There is something about hosting a party during “the most wonderful time of the year”. Let’s talk about how to Host a Casual Cocktail Party for 30 with these 5 Stylish Tips.
There is no need to hire a catering company if you serve hors d’oeuvres (small bites), and snacks and keep the cocktail menu simple. Serve finger foods that do not requite silverware (less cleanup).
Send the Invites Out Online
Develop your guest list. I am pretty particular about my invitations. Last year I created my own on Canva. Of course they coordinated with the whole theme but just added another layer of work. Send out the invitations via Paperless Post or some other online host. It is one less thing you have to worry about.
BUY PRETTY PAPER COCKTAIL NAPKINS
I love cocktail napkins. I spotted these napkins at our local gift store House of Mosley and knew they would coordinate with my colors. They didn’t have quite enough and I could not find them online anywhere so I mixed them with these inexpensive matte gold napkins from Amazon.
I made labels for the menu items on Canva to match the napkins. It is nice to label the food items in case anyone has food allergies.
Invest in Simple Glassware Plates & wine glasses
If you entertain often, I highly recommend purchasing these inexpensive salad plates. You will save money in the long run and not waste so much paper. If you have hosted a large party and see all the paper and plastic litter afterwards, you know what I mean. We also invested in these wine glasses when my son got married. People appreciate being served in a real wine glass and you avoid the plastic litter.
Choose Appetizers that can be Made in Advance
Sausages with two dips-both dips can be made the week before. We grilled the sausages early and kept them warm in the warming oven.
Lime Horseradish Sauce-Lime marmalade (or any other flavor for that matter) and horseradish to taste. This dipping sauce is always a crowd favorite. I have used raspberry, fresno chile, you name it. Almost any jam will work. We like horseradish so we often use the entire small jar (if you use the whole jar of jam). Leftover sause is great on brie or soft cheese later.
Honey Mustard Sauce– I don’t have a recipe but this recipe from Pinch of Yum is very similar. I don’t use mayonaise, but most recipes call for it.
This is a menu staple at our large cocktail parties. Steve bought six packages of Aidells chicken sausages, mango, portabella mushroom, and artichoke. Nearly all were eaten.
Brie with Mushroom Conserva– and simple crackers. This recipe is really good. The brie I purchased was very average. I didn’t warm it. In the future I would warm this up before the guests arrive, especially if the brie is inferior.
Mushroom Conserva (Food and Wine)- I used the leftover conserva and made mushroom soup. It was delicious- This can be made up to a week ahead according to the recipe.
Shrimp with Howard’s Remoulade Sauce-I used pre cooked shrimp from Trader Joes (I served it on a bowl of ice) and Howard Pickett’s Famous Remoulade sauce. It really is the best. I had been using another recipe for years and this one tops that. The next day I made shrimp salad out of the leftover shrimp and remoulade sauce and it was delicious.
Crudite Platter with Chipotle Aioli-You can select any vegetables you like for this one. I had Steve grill the eggplant. I roasted the brussel sprouts in the oven but they can be grilled as well. You can find the recipe for the chipotle aioli and brussel sprouts in the post Meal on the Grill When it is too Hot to Cook here. I par-boiled the baby carrots and the green beans the day before the party and kept them in an airtight container in the fridge. I eliminated the charcuterie board and cheese board. I find we have too much left over and we don’t need to be eating the leftovers!
Crostini with Roasted Tomatoes and fresh Mozarella. The tomatoes can be roasted the day before and stored in the fridge. Spread crostini with fresh mozarella and top with tomatoes and fresh basil.
Crostini with Creme Fraiche and Salmon-Spread crostini with creme fraiche top with smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill.
The crostini can be made days ahead but unfortunately needs to be assembled right before the guests arrive. It’s quite simple but cannot be made ahead.
Assorted Cookies-My friend Karen made brownies. I made blondies (recipe here) and View from the Great Islands sprinkle sugar cookies here. I filled in with a few cookies from Trader Joes.
Keep the Bar Simple
There is no need to hire a bartender if you keep the bar simple. We live in a wine area so that is our prime focus. If you add a complicated drink menu, it makes the whole affair more complicated. We have liquor and cocktail mixers available but most people here prefer wine. We offer wines from Steve’s collection, alcohol-free options, sparkling & still water and beer. You could add a signature cocktail, or champagnek but it is just more work, and most people are happy with beer and wine.
We are lucky to have this great console table at the entry to our courtyard. We usually set up the bar on the left. Everyone can grab a drink as they enter and they know where the bar is if they need a refill.
Since this was a larger party, we set up the non-alcoholic beverages on the right. We have not done this before and it worked out great. I covered a 6′ folding table with two crazy quilts that I inherited from my dad. I added greens and berries from our yard to the two galvanized beverage containers (similar here) that we have owned for years. My friend Rusty made the beautiful tray for us as a housewarming gift when we moved in (lucky us). Steve made the mirror above years ago out of old ceiling tins for our wine room in our former home. The sconces were thrifted years ago and hold battery operated candles from Pottery Barn.
I did not do a cheese board for this party because I find there is always so much cheese leftover and we don’t need it. Turn on your holiday playlist and you are ready for the party. I hope you might find some of these tips helpful if you are planning a get together. The cleanup was simple and I think the food was enjoyed by all. For more hosting tips you might enjoy these articles:
The Spruce Eats How to Host a Cocktail Party
How to Host a Cocktail Party Like you Have Been Doing it for Years-Epicurious
EDITORS NOTE:
So many of you asked about what I wore. Here is a picture of my adorable granddaugter and me Christmas day where I wore the same outfit. FYI I am never all that put together especially after a day of entertaining 7 for brunch and 10 for dinner!
Thank you for reading how to host a casual cocktail Party for 30 with these 5 stylish tips. Are you ready for the big day? I am getting there. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.
I took notes on this one, as I munch on cheese I should not be eating, leftover from our gathering for Whitten on Wednesday night!!!! I always do a giant charcuterie board, but maybe not next time! Wine and beer is so much easier. Unfortunately, most of our friends drink cocktails. Thanks for all the “food for thought”…
I love a big charcuterie tray Gray! I just don’t like all of the leftovers!! Merry Christmas pal!
Looks like a beautiful party and your attention to details is amazing! So smart to have ‘stations’ for drinks and appetizers where your guests can mingle with ease, and you can enjoy hosting! I’m saving all your recipes and can’t wait to try them out. Wishing you and yours and very merry Christmas!
Cindy! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. No one does a platter like you. Each one a work of art. Oh to be a guest at a Cindy & Steve hosted cocktail party. It’s been a while since I’ve thrown open our doors, but I do love a cocktail party versus dinner party. So much more relaxed and festive … and guests can come and go especially this time of year when there are so many events. I’m pinning every photo and noting your recipes … maybe next year I’ll get back not the cocktail party throwing wagon. You make it look so fun! xo
Cindy, the party looked like it was fantastic. You are so right, I never use paper plates, because even if I’m using mismatched small white plates, it’s better than adding to our landfill. Have such a collection of plates and glasses over the years, I just pull them out and use them ! I, too, love little cocktail napkins – in fact, I have a basket that I keep all my extras in. I have solids and printed so if I need some extras, I can usually fill in without even having to go to the store.!! You used the crazy quilt on the beverage table. I have an antique quilt that I wrap around the base of the Christmas tree. It had a lot of satin in it which unfortunately doesn’t age well so it’s gotten to be very fragile. I still love the looks though merry Christmas to you.
Hi. In a nod to the environment, I have gathered mismatched plates and glasses from relatives and the only two estate sales I have ever been to (in lieu of buying more stuff). Beautiful party!!
What non alcoholic wine do you recommend ? Neither my husband or I can do alcohol anymore and I’ve been looking for something good.
Hi Barb, I have tried several non alcohol wines and they are 100% terrible. Sorry to say that. However NA beer has really improved. We like the dark style NA beers. Death and Taxes comes to mind. Not sure if that is available nation wide. I live in Sonoma County and it is a local beer. Other successful drinks are some of the creative mocktails that have been developed. I believe even folks who do drink alcohol appreciate the NA choices at a party.
Happy Holidays.
Annie
Your party looks seriously lovely Cindy! We have sausages at our fall party every year too, and you’re right – everyone loves them! I will go to bat for the charcuterie (or grazing) board though. Maybe it’s just that our friends have gotten used to it since I’ve done it several times over the years. But even though it is the darling of the last couple seasons, it IS really easy and fun. You can include things that are more interesting than the usual meat and cheese – I use dried fruit in ours, for instance, and folks love it. (There are pictures of this year’s board at Mantel and Table.) I’ll also go to bat for glass plates and glasses. Like your guests, ours don’t seem to be bothered by the extra heft. I think they’re just so much more elegant too. But of course if you’re not going for elegant, then there are some really adorable paper plates out there these days! So many options, and I love the comments from this group! Hope you have a wonderful holiday, and thanks so much as always for the inspiration and the comaraderie!
Hi Barbara
I love a charcuterie tray and the ease of it. I just find that people leave a lot of it and Steve and I don’t need to be munching on it for days. Unfortunately, I love cheese. I need to pop over to your blog for a visit!!
I agree with Cindy here, the boards look good but men don’t like this type of grazing..at least the ones I know, so too much is wasted. I would rather do a smaller plate with triple cream cheese and another one with a couple of hard cheeses. But you tables are gorgeous!
I would love to have seen pictures of the guests attire. Can’t get enough of the clothes! Thanks for some great ideas!
Hi Arlene
I have friends who are incredibly stylish and friends who could care less. I wish I had time to take pictures..one day!! I will throw on my outfit that I wore and add it to the blog, what a good idea. I get so tired of looking at myself I don’t think about it!
Howard will love the recipe comment. He needs to lake it for us!! Merry Christmas!
Hi Mary Ann
That remoulade sauce is the best you are right!! Merry Christmas. Send pics of that little cutie!!
Thanks for sharing your party notes and ideas. . I’ve noticed the same; tables laden with uneaten food from this past month’s gatherings. Your suggestions for left overs is spot on.
Hi Ann
I think it is our age. We don’t eat as much. When we were younger, we couldn’t keep the trays filled!
FABULOUS! I want to throw a party!!
Happy Holidays 🙂
Hi Sheila
Go for it. Keep it simple so you can enjoy it. It has taken me years to figure that out. I can hear my kids chuckling at that comment.
Cindy, all looks wonderful and of course beautifully presented. Your are 100% right regarding cheese and charcuterie boards. Always so much left over. We have found that people like to nibble on things that are more interesting than “the usual”. Great ideas here. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Hi Beth
As I said to Barbara, for us it is the leftovers. We love cheese and don’t need it lying around the house tempting us!!
I agree about a charcuterie platter. I think they have become almost a cliche with everyone doing them. The tray of vegetables was not only beautiful but also more healthy and you still had the sausages and cheese offered in other ways. There was a flavor to the blonde bars that I couldn’t pin down but I think they might have had macadamia nuts in them? On to the next holiday and gathering! You do it all with such grace and style with Steve as sous chef.
Hi Wren
I like charcuterie, I just don’t want all the leftovers. The blondies did have macademias because I didn’t have pecans!
Looks wonderfully easy! Now what was casual outfit for this casual cocktail party? :). I know I will love it because i love your style!
Hi Bet
I will throw that outfit on and take a picture tomorrow. Sorry I didn’t have time for photos of me…too busy!
This all looks fantastic! Thank you for the inspiration. I just love your blog!
Hi Julie
Thank you so much for reading!
One more question…when I host a cocktail party with glass plates and stemmed glasses I wonder if this is too cumbersome for people to stand while holding everything. My guests seem to plant themselves with plate on lap and stay there. Any tips for helping people to mingle yet still manage all their food and drink?
Hi Ruth
To be honest there wasn’t a thing that they needed a plate for. I provided large bamboo toothpicks planted near each menu item. I will add that information. I don’t think anyone sat down until most guests had departed. The party was at 3:00 p.m. I find that to be a good time. Guests can attend another engagement after, as many of mine did!
What time of day did you host this? Over the dinner hour or after dinner? Very lovely!
Looks wonderful. You’ve inspired me to have a party….or maybe come to tours😉😉
Thanks for the fabulous ideas and have a very happy Christmas🎄
Hi Mary
You are welcome anytime!!