SoRaiseYourGlasses

A cocktail party can be great fun and a real change from your ordinary everyday party. Planning is important of course, but it isn't difficult at all. First, you get all your guests to come in their dinner suits and cocktail dresses, and that sets the tone for the evening from the start. Most people love the opportunity to dress up and don't get enough of a chance these days, so give them all a treat and get them into their very best!

Next, you need to look up a few of the best-known cocktails, like Margarita, Daiquiri, Harvey Wallbanger, White Russian, Pina Colada (there are lots more) and get together the ingredients for these, and a couple of non-alcoholic cocktails as well (remeber the people who have to drive), then if you're feeling brave try making up a couple of your own recipes and give them a special name of your own.

Now, create a menu of the cocktails you have on offer - that way people can choose what you can make and not start asking for outlandish things that you haven't got!

Make sure that you have some cocktail kits - shakers, strainers, stirrers, double jigger (for measuring the spirits), ice tongs etc. and that you have some help to make the cocktails.

Provide a simple finger buffet that you can prepare in advance and have available for the evening.

You're all set - all you have to do now is invite your friends and dress in your best - the evening will be a great success.