Cocktail parties are all about low-key fun and relaxation. With the right planning, they can foster new friendships and lasting memories. Let’s explore how to create an unforgettable cocktail party.
Three Important Steps to Host a Cocktail Party
- Venue & Ambiance
Choosing the right venue sets the tone for your event. Whether utilizing a rooftop space with panoramic views in downtown Orlando or an intimate indoor setting with cozy corners in Winter Park, the venue should enhance the overall experience.
In a place like Orlando, the weather is always beautiful and a great feature to take advantage of. Mix in carefully curated music to maintain the desired mood, ensuring that every element—from lighting to sound—works harmoniously to create an idyllic ambiance.
- Drink and Food Pairing
The first thing to consider with any pairing is to allow flavors to complement, not compete. Choose matching flavors where the food and drink share similar characteristics. For example, a creamy garlic parmesan risotto would pair well with a Sauvignon Blanc and complement the risotto's richness.
Matching the intensity of the food and beverage is also essential.
Bold dishes with intense, distinctive flavors, like a beef Wellington, need equally bold drinks, like an IPA or a full-bodied red wine, to stand up to them. On the other hand, lighter dishes benefit from more delicate pairings, ensuring the drink doesn’t overpower the food.
As a rule of thumb, stick to these pairings:
- Spicy Dishes + Sweet, fruity cocktails
- Salty Foods + Full-bodied drinks, beers
- Rich, Creamy Dishes + Light lagers, dry whites
- Grilled Meats + Bold red wines, whiskey
- Seafood + White wines, light beers
These simple guidelines will help you create pairings highlighting the best food and drink, making your meal a memorable experience.
- Professional Execution
You could orchestrate every aspect of your cocktail party, but there needs to be more time in the day. To free up your time, consider hiring a professional to perform one of the essential aspects of your party. By hiring a skilled vendor, you can save time and effort by not having to perform any necessary aspects of your event yourself.
Consider an Orlando Catering Company to handle the food, a photographer to capture the evening, or a DJ to spin the best mixes. To choose which parts to outsource, consider:
- Your available time
- Your budget
- Necessity vs. Luxury
From there, research who is the best for your needs. Choosing a vendor you can trust to execute flawlessly will pay for itself when considering what you save in energy and time. Once you have selected your vendor, communicate early and often to set expectations. Early communication will steer your chosen vendor to deliver the flavors you want to serve, the type of music you want to play, and the photos you want captured. When the day of your party arrives, the only thing you need to do is unwind and connect with your guests.
Make It Your Own
Every cocktail party is a chance to bring people together and create lasting memories. By keeping things simple and planning carefully, you can throw an event that reflects your style and leaves guests raving. It’s time to turn those plans into action—cheers to your next unforgettable evening!
About Plate Above Catering
Plate Above is an expert catering service Orlando with a mission to provide memorable experiences through delicious food.
From weddings to corporate events and parties to intimate anniversaries to community-wide gatherings, Plate Above offers customizable and innovative offerings.
Led by award-winning Chef Jill Holland, Plate Above’s from-scratch cuisine and best-in-class service create an unforgettable taste experience that is a favorite among clients.