Maybe it’s me. I was born with an old soul. I just think
today’s world could use a little “old school.” Not the kind of “old school” when
people had to walk up hills – both ways – in armageddon style weather to get to
school. I’m not talking “old school”
where women stayed home to cook, clean, and raise children (although that
certainly sounds good some days).
Instead, I think we need a regular dose of “old school” glamour and an
element of being social.
Sure, we’re social now. We’re digitally social. I think we’re missing the element of being
social in front of another person. I’d
love it if people start planning parties, gatherings, and events that require
us to get dressed in clothes other than khakis, jeans, and sweater sets. We need more home based luncheons, dinner
parties, and cocktail parties. The
cocktail hour is a lost social practice.
That was the time of day when you met someone for “cocktails and a
catch-up.” In most cases, people dressed
especially for the occasion. That in
itself was glamorous!
I know I may be the only one who feels this way so I’ll have
to live vicariously through one of my favorite tv shows, Mad Men (if you haven’t
watched it, you should!!). And, although
I may be the only one who yearns for the cocktail parties of yester-year, I
know I’m not the only one who enjoys a good theme event. One of the best ways to marry the two is by
having a themed cocktail party. In this
case, a Fallelujah Cocktail Party.
Having a cocktail party isn’t as stressful or expensive as
you may think. However, to have a truly
memorable party, you must invest lots of brain power. Remember that events are made in the details –
and the presentation. Presentation is
everything!
Right now, a fall themed event is a no brainer. People are just dying to throw themselves
head first into chilly weather, flannel shirts, and warm beverages. I can
already see the fireplace or candles glowing with ambient lighting. I can smell the gentle scent of cinnamon and
cranberries. I see the buffet table
decorated with autumn colors and filled with seasonal snacks. See, doesn’t a fall cocktail party sound like
a good idea for an event?
To help you plan your event, we’ve pulled together a list of
fall party planning steps to consider. You
can always make adjustments to fit your event, personality, and budget.
The Details
Check a calendar and
pick your day and time. Note that a
cocktail party is usually held from 6 to 8 pm.
As for location, use your home (it saves room rental fees). Consider even having the cocktail party in
the backyard (weather permitting, of course).
Write out the guest
list. “On average, 60 percent of invited
guests will show up to a party. If you invite closer friends only, about 75
percent will come. Men tend to show up less than women, so invite more guys if
you want the sexes to be evenly represented. Always invite some new faces to
make the party more interesting. And, since there are always last-minute
cancellations and no-shows, invite one extra person for every ten who say they
are coming.” http://www.epicurious.com/archive/entertaining/partiesevents/cocktailpartyguestsinvitations).
It is perfectly acceptable in today’s world to send Invitations via email or social media. Be sure to add a RSVP date and contact info, specify
whether you’re serving light or heavy hors ‘oeuvres, and if there is a dress
code. You may also (tactfully) let
guests know if children are invited.
Decorations are
one of the things that absolutely makes an event. You can never have too many decorations but
don’t have enough and people notice. One
of the best party planning secrets is to get decorations from your local dollar
store. Everything costs one dollar (plus
tax). You can buy a forest of autumn
colored leaves, an army of scarecrows, ceramic statues, and more. Not to mention, this is a great place to get
napkins, and serving utensils. Check our
Pinterest board titled “Autumn” for decorating and tablescape ideas.
Don’t skimp on place
settings. It’s always best to forgo
paper and plastic and use ceramic plates and silver flatware. Think you’ll
spend a fortune on place settings? Not
at all! Shop Ikea. They have FANTASTIC prices on plates,
flatware, and stem ware. Just make sure
that before the party starts your dishwasher is empty.
Plan a most
unexpected menu. Unexpected does not
mean expensive. Serve “mini” versions of
your favorite foods. Chicken &
Waffles bites? BLT bite? Mac ‘n Cheese
bites? Spaghetti & Meatball bites? Does a soup bar interest you? Then round out the menu with veggies, cheese,
fruit, and a chicken, egg, or tuna salad.
Find more great menu ideas on our Pinterest board titled “Entertaining.”
Search jbmhhfmwr.
Planning the Cocktail
Menu is one of the best parts of having an event. Unless someone is your
circle is a bartender, I find it’s better to have a pre-made batch house
cocktail…like a FALLelujah-tini or FALLelujah sangria. A batch cocktail allows
you to pre-make as much of it as you want.
Naming it the “house cocktail” means more people will try it and refill
their cups with it cutting down on the expense of having a completely stocked
bar. You can choose to offer the house
cocktail by itself or as part of a wider cocktail menu. Either way, be sure to
have one or two non-alcoholic beverages available.
Music is a great
way to set the tone for your event. Play
music your guests grew up listening to, current hits or if there’s time – get creative. Create a playlist with fall themed titles or
lyrics. Another unusual idea to play an original song followed by the remake of
the song. Play contemporary versions of
old jazz favorites. You can’t really go
wrong with music.
The most important thing to remember is having a party is
another opportunity to see close friends and become better acquainted with new
friends. It’s an opportunity to make
memories and take great pictures. And,
in this case, it’s the perfect way to bring back in person socialization while
celebrating the long awaited return of fall.
Visit our Pinterest page (search jbmhhfmwr) for ideas and inspiration
on entertaining and fall decorating.
