Have you reached that age where buying a couple of boxes of wine and playing your favorite dance jams on your iPod no longer cuts it as a party? Do you want to throw a more sophisticated soiree? It’s time to start planning an elegant cocktail party!

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Here are some tips to help you effortlessly throw the most elegant cocktail party ever:

 

Send Invitations

 

This is supposed to be a sophisticated affair, so inviting your besties on Facebook isn’t going to be good enough. Take the time to write out the details on pretty embossed note cards. It’ll set the right tone for the event. Remember to specify a classy dress code if you want your party to be as elegant as it can be!

 

Prepare in Advance

 

The key to a great cocktail party is a call and relaxed hostess. So, if you want to get things off on the right foot, do all of the preparation well in advance so that the food, drinks, and decorations are ready to impress at least 30 minutes before the guest show up.

 

Create Signature Cocktails

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Spending some time to create a few signature cocktails, which look impressive, and which can be whipped up in batches will make it easier for you to relax and enjoy the party, while ensuring that your guests never have to go without a drink.

 

Even if you do this, it’s a good idea to set up a cocktail making station or two, where guests can create their own concoctions.

 

Rent Glasses

 

If you don’t happen to have lots of elegant crystal cocktail glasses and shakers, rent them! Your party will feel a lot more sophisticated if you have lots of beautiful glassware to serve your cocktails in, rather than your old, cheap chipped ones, or even worse, paper cups!

 

Serve a Cheese Platter

 

All sophisticated cocktail parties serve up impressive cheese platters. So, get to know your cheeses and buy a selection of flavors. Be sure to include a blue cheese, a mature cheddar, and a good baked cheese and garnish with olives, breadsticks and deli meats for a platter that truly impresses.

 

Set the Scene

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When it comes to decoration, if you want your cocktail party to be elegant, steer clear of flamingos and Tiki decorations and fill your space with fresh cut flowers, fairy lights, and candles. They’ll help to set the mood and make the place look and smell amazing.

 

Soft Music

 

There is nothing wrong with playing yours and your guests’ favorite music during your cocktail party, but ensure that you add a few classical pieces and a smattering of soft jazz to your playlist, and keep the volume muted. This will lend a sense of sophistication to the evening, and ensure that your guests are able to converse in comfort.

 

Dress to Impress

 

Last, but perhaps most important of all, make an effort with your dress and encourage your guests to do the same. Cocktails dresses, smart suits and not having too much flesh on show should be the order of the evening.