The Cool Girl’s Guide to Hosting a Luxurious Cocktail Party
Holiday season is upon us, which means party-hopping is likely in the cards during the next couple of weeks. But, sometimes, having the party come to you is one of the season’s best luxuries. Not only do you get to stay in the comfort of your own home—a huge plus in our book—but you can really show off your hosting chops with carefully curated objects that add a chic touch to even the coziest of gatherings.
Paper invites let your guests know that you’re planning something that’s been weeks in the making, and other elements, like a well-stocked bar cart or the perfect gourmet collection of salty bar snacks, can allow your personality to shine (are you more of a wasabi peanuts kind of gal, or a traditional sea salt?).
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite items that will help you put together the perfect holiday party—just add some spirits, some good friends, and some great music, and mix well.
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The holidays are a time to show off your hosting chops with carefully chosen decorations, snacks, and drinks.
Photo: Hank and Hunt
Set a festive mood with good old-fashioned paper invites. The foil stamping keeps it fancy yet fun.
Drink Clink Foil Stamped Holiday Party Invitations, 30 invites for $80.70; at Tiny Prints
Photo:
Courtesy of Tiny Prints
If you’re serving snacks like a nice Brie and a flavorful Manchego, keep them cool on a marble slab that not only regulates temperature but also makes the presentation sparkle.
Marble Pebble Platter, $315; at Skandium
Photo:
Courtesy of Skandium
Your bar is only as good as your bar cart, so make sure to display your spirit collection on a cart that offers both style and extra storage by way of two tiers.
Eichholtz Gold Trolley Townhouse Bar Cart, $1,800; at LuxDeco
Photo:
Courtesy of LuxDeco
Why not pick a drink that’s already done the heavy lifting for you? We love Lillet’s aromatic combination of Bordeaux-region wine and citrus liqueurs. Try pouring it over ice and garnishing it with an orange peel or a lime slice for a budget-friendly way to elevate your cocktail party.
Lillet Rouge, $30; at Drizly
Photo:
Courtesy of Drizly
Your guests are probably as diverse as their cocktail preferences, so plan accordingly with a set that gives you some options. We love Baccarat’s new Cocktail Party in a Box set, which comes with flutes, wine glasses, a highball, and a tumbler, so you can give each guest a personal touch—and really make the evening something special.
Cocktail Party in a Box, $1,300; at Baccarat
Photo:
Courtesy of Baccarat
All you need to freshen up your place is a colorful, fresh bouquet. Bonus points if it has seasonal accents like evergreen or pine.
Holiday Sweater Bouquet, $50; at The Bouqs
Photo:
Courtesy of The Bouqs
It’s not a cocktail party until there are salted snacks to help your guests whet their appetite. Even better? Give them some options with a party pack.
Royal Oak Trio of Nuts; $31.95; at Royal Oak Peanuts
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Courtesy of Royal Oak Peanuts
Remember to pay close attention to your garnishes and cocktail accompaniments. Sure, you could use something quickly snatched from your local grocery store, but finding imported ingredients adds an effortless jet-setter element to your soiree.
Tremiti Olives from Bitetto, $14.59; at OpenSky
Photo:
Courtesy of OpenSky
And then there’s the matter of the actual cocktails. The sky’s the limit with what you’ll make, but a fantastic Scotch whisky is always a crowd-pleaser.
Sia Scotch Whisky, $50; at Reserve Bar
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Courtesy of Reserve Bar
A tea light in a truly stunning votive is the perfect finishing touch to your holiday party.
Eye Votive in clear, $310; at Baccara
Photo:
Courtesy of Baccarat
