How to Host a Mocktail Party
When I plan a mocktail party, I like to start with a theme or inspiration. It could be formal or casual. It could be a holiday or a special occasion. All of my décor, food, and beverage options will tie into this theme for the evening. I consider a color scheme or display of props that will support the theme in a memorable way.
START WITH A THEM OR INSPIRATION
My invitations will set the tone for the theme in my potential guests’ minds. I love themes that take guests back to a different historical era, such as the Great Gatsby Art Deco style or a 1930s Old Hollywood style. Decades always make a fun and nostalgic celebration. When planning a party, you can decide if guests will dress for the theme or just come along and have fun with the atmosphere. I would indicate any dress code expectations on the invitations.
Food and Drink
Like a cocktail party, a mocktail party centers around sipping elegant drinks, so these will usually be held later in the evening. Guests will have probably already eaten their evening meal, but good finger foods and appetizers are a must! Decorated signs will help guide your guests along the food offerings, so they are easily identified. Some guests may have certain food restrictions you will want to consider. Guests may have given an opportunity to indicate food restrictions on the invitation RSVP. Regardless, the host or hostess should be knowledgeable about the ingredients in the food being served, in case someone has a question.
GOOD FINGER FOODS ARE A MUST!
CREATE DECORATED SIGNS FOR THE FOOD
IDENTIFY FOOD RESTRICTIONS OF GUESTS (IN RSVP)
I love to research my themes for authentic recipes or modified authentic recipes, if needed. Strong culinary skills are not required! Did you know that stuffed celery was a popular appetizer in the 1920s? You can get really creative with your fillings and they will look great on an Art Deco table.
I will generally set up a table for savory items and another one for sweets and pastries. Guests will be sipping, nibbling, and mingling, so food items need to be easy to manage in one hand. It is great to have small nibbling snacks set up on coffee tables and end tables, such as nuts, pretzels, or gourmet flavored popcorn varieties.
Mocktails
Of course, the star of this party is the mocktail. How will these drinks be served? Will drinks be self-service or will you have someone tending bar? It is helpful for guests to have a visible menu of drink selections, so they can make satisfying choices. The same rules for food restrictions can apply to beverages. Does this drink contain caffeine, egg, or sugar? Your guests may need to know.
The theme and style of the party will require consideration about table service and glassware. For a mocktail party, silverware is not usually needed. Small plates or napkins will be carried to various areas of the venue. For a mocktail party, I will put extra effort into making sure the drinks are served in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The type of drink will determine the type of glassware. Drinks with ice may be served in a tumbler style of glass, but chilled drinks without ice may be better in a smaller, bowl or flared style of glass.
THE TYPE OF DRINK DETERMINES THE GLASSWARE
NO SILVERWARE NEEDED (usually)
DON’T FORGET THE ICE!
Don’t Forget the Ice!
Speaking of ice…Ice is one of the most forgotten aspects of party planning. Ice may be used in the preparation or the presentation of the mocktail, or a combination of both. Ice may be used for chilling a glass or bottle. Mocktails may have either large or small cubes of ice, or some will be served with crushed ice. Many enjoy a mocktail that is blended with ice for a fun frozen beverage. A mocktail may have a decoratively molded or stamped ice. A mocktail party will require a significant amount of planning for ice usage.
Don’t forget the garnish! Like cocktails, a mocktail should be beautifully garnished to excite the senses. Some garnishes are visually pleasing, but some use aromatics to enhance the experience. Common garnishes will include mint and other herbs. I have a good supply of citrus and other fruits available to use, as well.
Entertainment
Having some sort of entertainment will make a party even more memorable. You may want to have an ice breaker activity if your guests do not already know each other. Often there will be soft music, dancing, or special lighting effects. Another fun activity is to have a “make your own mocktail” bar, where guests can get creative with the ingredients. Some hosts ask guests to get creative and bring new a recipe to share at the party.
Creating decorative signs for your food or drink adds a special touch to the party
HostinG Etiquette
The host or hostess could make or break a good party. Know how to make the best impression on your guests. It is important to greet each guest as they arrive. Remember, you invited them so it is your job to make them feel welcome and comfortable. If you’re hosting in the winter, have a plan in place for managing coats and jackets. As they arrive, make sure guests know where the food and drinks are found and make introductions as needed.
It is important for the host or hostess to mingle with all of the guests throughout the evening, to make sure each guest has food and drink and good conversation as the evening progresses. Be observant and aware of your guests’ body language. Is anyone looking lost or miserable?
Be sure to greet guests as they leave to let them know you are so glad they came. They should also feel glad they came and leave with genuine smiles on their faces.
Cocktails
These same simple tips will guide you through hosting an amazing cocktail party, as well. Some people like to offer a mix of both, at a cocktail party, to accommodate guests who do not drink alcohol.
If you are incorporating cocktails into your evening, however, you will want to make sure there is plenty of food and water available to support the consumption of alcohol. You should plan on guests having an average of 1 drink per hour. Host responsibly and make sure guests have a plan to get home safely, if they have over-indulged. Again, it is the responsibility of the host or hostess to be observant and aware of how guests are enjoying the event.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Hosting any kind of party is a lot of work, to be sure.
If you would love to host a party, but you feel overwhelmed by all of this preparation, let me help you!
I can help you host an amazing mocktail or cocktail party. I can fulfill your bartending needs for an event and I have a menu of 30 mocktail options to serve to your guests. Reach out and I’ll help you host your next mocktail or cocktail party!
