Enjoy a FALLelujah Cocktail Party

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.