Keep this sentence in mind when you are planning a party. The time that they asked you to host a goodbye party for one of your older colleagues, you were probably surprised. Why me? Well it could be because one of your colleagues remembers a party at your house a few months ago. Of course, you think by yourself that was only a small party, nothing compared to a goodbye party with so many guests. On one hand, you are right, on the other hand not. Two parties are never alike; each has its own specific purpose and direction. Just scratch away the surface of both parties and you will see that they have many elements in common.
When it comes to a cocktail party, you mostly have to keep this advice in mind: keep it small enough so everyone can sit or just large enough to make those who are standing feel comfortable.
Talking about where to host the event; well that is as specific as anyone is. Most “event planners” however will think about this very carefully and will decipher the sage advice on this matter.
For cocktail parties where people are mixed, sitting and standing around you will need about four to five square feet per person, according to professional event planners. Beware; do not count the total space in the room, only the available space. Large pieces of furniture that you cannot move do not belong to the available space of the room!
When it comes to a cocktail party, one of the things you definitely need to do is; set up a bar. For this purpose, you can use for instance a table with a nice tablecloth on top. You also need a great-varied range of liquor, wine, beer and even nonalcoholic drinks. These non-alcoholics, you have to use as a mix partner for the liquor and as a main drink for those guest who do not drink any alcohol and for the drivers amongst the guests. Be prepared and have lots of ice, glassware and essential bar tools in stock. Later on, you will find a quick and easy method for determining how much alcohol you need on your party.
No abracadabra here, I give you my word! Most cocktail parties last for about two hours and start at 5 or 6 p.m.