Parties

Parties and Planning

Who doesn’t love a party? There are countless occasions for holding parties and just as many different ways to hold them. Planning is a critical element of any party. Below, we look at some of the most common types of parties people plan.

Cocktail Parties

Cocktail parties can serve as the perfect way to bring a little bit of trendy sophistication into any evening. Guest lists are flexible, but while they often include family and friends, they can also incorporate co-workers or acquaintances, and can provide an ideal way to merge different social circles in one setting. One of the advantages of cocktail parties is the ability to dress up for a night and enjoy some good conversation with friends. Another advantage, of course, is the refreshments. Food and beverages are crucial to the success of a cocktail party. Don’t forget to stock up your bar in preparation for any kind of drink; have plenty of gin, tequila, vodka, brandy, rum, etc. as well as mixers. Plan on having almost twice as many clean glasses as you have invited guests so that you don’t run out. Food can include hors d’oeuvres of almost any kind- from finger foods like shrimp and cheese to dips, sauces and veggies.

Neighborhood Barbecue Parties

Barbecue parties have a reputation for being more relaxed. Held in the warm spring and summer months, barbecue parties can be a great way to get together with friends and family in a casual setting where the first item on the menu is always fun. Despite the breezy nature of these backyard barbecues, preparation can still be lengthy. Obviously, the first item necessary is a grill, whether it be propane or charcoal. It may also be a good idea to borrow or rent picnic tables, or even an awning of some sort to allow guest the option of shade. Food is perhaps the most important element of a barbecue party. The menu can be informal and relaxed and include hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and potato salad. Or barbecues can involve more upscale menu items, such as steak or kebabs.

Super Bowl Parties

Super bowl parties are a very specific type of party that only occurs once a year- on the biggest football game day of the year, to be exact. The focal point of the super bowl party is the game, so decorations can of course be minimal. Food and beverages, however, can make any super bowl party more enjoyable. Although many people choose to order delivery on Super Bowl Sunday (it is in fact on of the highest pizza-delivery days all year), there are still many fun finger-licking foods that can be provided for the sports loving fans. Foods that are easy to eat should be set out, such as chicken wings, nachos and meatballs. It may also be a good idea to provide munchies such as pretzels, Chex mix and potato chips. And don’t forget, of course, the best beverage to combat all of those salty foods- beer. To add a little extra fun to the super bowl courses, try serving them on paper plates and napkins that match the color of the football teams’ uniforms.