Summer Cocktail Party

Skylar hosted a fun summer cocktail party a few weeks ago.  She makes it look so effortless so we decided divulge some of her secrets.

  

We have put together a few of our no-fail tips for planning a party or gathering!

1.   Plan Your Menu Early

Write down every ingredient you are going to need based on the item you are serving from appetizer all the way to dessert.  Then make a list that breaks up items based on what store you are going to purchase them at. This helps cut down on repeat trips to the store.

1   2.   Choose a Menu You are Comfortable Preparing

Our book club group prepares meals based on the theme of the book if the book lends itself to that. However, if the hostess does not feel comfortable preparing exotic foods it is better to just cook what you know.  Nothing is worse than being stressed out hoping something turns out that you have never cooked or even tasted. 

1  3.   Choose Foods That Can Be Prepared Ahead of Time

Any fruit or vegetable that can be chopped and ready to go without getting brown or mushy should be done the night before or the morning of your gathering.  Also, sauces or fresh salad dressings can easily be stored overnight.  It is best to store these in glass containers because of the acidity.  Foods that can be prepared ahead and popped in the oven or on the grill allow the host to visit with guests over appetizers and cocktails rather than being stuck in the kitchen. If your menu cannot be made ahead have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go.

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     4.   Wash Your Dishes as You go Along

Or enlist a good friend! Bribe with wine if needed. 

This saves a lot, but not all, of the hassle once your guests go home.

1   5.   Make Cocktails That Can Be Made in Batches

While we love our shaken dirty martinis, big batch cocktails save a lot of time because someone always needs a refill.  Find a recipe and then double it unless your friends are not lushes like ours! We also like to have different varieties of wines on hand and Prosecco chilling.  You never know what someone is going to want.  Two things that go along with this tip are have all the glassware you are going to need out and washed. Finally, do not forget the ice!

One of the most important tasks of a successful host is to have fun and relax! Done and done!!