Hosting Hacks

5 tips for hosting a memorable party in 2023

How good is that feeling? When you’ve got your favourite people over for dinner or a get-together, the good vibes are flowing and there’s a sense of excitement in the air. But throwing any party always comes with some sort of pressure. Making sure the cocktails are tasty, the energy is right, and everyone is vibing takes a lot of time and can be hard to pull off. That’s why we’ve put together 5 simple tips and tricks to level up your party, so you can have as much fun as everyone else. Here’s how to get the party started...

casamigos cocktails

Tip 01

Batch Your Cocktails

No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen for long, slaving over cocktails. That's why the key ingredient when hosting a party is batching. Prep all serves the night before, so you have more time to celebrate with your guests. You can multiply the quantities in most cocktail recipes to create a batch version. If in doubt, always increase your batch cocktail with more mixers. Punch is always a sippable hit for any occasion. It can be chilled in advance, served in large quantities and poured into pitchers or bowls for guests to self-serve throughout the night.

 

garnish cocktails

Tip 02

Get creative with your garnish

Sure, you want your cocktails to taste good, but they need to smell and look good too. The goal is to serve cocktails that will impress your guests and get all the likes on the 'gram. Take a classic G&T from simple to wow by infusing the gin and creating unique garnishes on the cheap. If you've got fresh mint sitting in the fridge or garden, use a wooden spoon to mash up the leaves. That leftover cucumber you know you won't use, dig out your vegetable peeler and create thin slices to use as a garnish. Or gather any flowers from your garden and make pretty ice cubes. Get creative. Experiment with it. Have fun. There really are no rules. Want to add more fun and excitement to your party? Set up a DIY garnish bar with various fresh fruits, herbs, and other ingredients for guests to customise their drinks.

 

glassware cocktails

Tip 03

Impress with glassware

Never underestimate the importance of barware and tableware when throwing a party. Going all out with the fine details will definitely get everyone talking. Plus, getting creative with glassware and tableware is so much fun. The good news is that many charity shops stock the nicest selection of vintage glassware, so you can stock up on a budget by recycling and repurposing.Try serving your cocktails in uniquely coloured glassware. You could also use kitchen ingredients to make edible cocktail glasses (yes, really!). Use hollowed-out strawberries as shot glasses, or dig out individual watermelons to make juicy punch cups.

 

Top Tip - Ice With a Twist

“Flavoured ice cubes are easy to make and add an extra dimension to a drink. Put a little bit of fruit in the ice cube tray before you freeze it, and voila! – your serve is now all anyone can talk about.”

Pippa Guy Top Tip
Pippa Guy

@pippaguy

Author of Let's Get Fizzical and Tanqueray Gin Pro

Finishing Touches Party Making

Tip 04

The finishing touches

The most memorable parties are never just about the cocktails. Think of the theme, have fun with it, and then think of those extra finishing touches such as the lighting, decorations and music. When it comes to music, you don't want to spend your whole night faffing with it. So, make sure you have a quality playlist ready to go. You can ask your guests to add to the playlist ahead of the party. Think of it as the playlist of all playlists. One that captures the night perfectly and you and your guests will want to listen to it days, weeks, and months after the party is over to remember how amazing the night was. It’s a great way to stay connected, too. And make sure you go through the playlist beforehand, as there will always be that friend who would have added a few random songs that won't go down well.

 

palate cleansers

Tip 05

Palate cleansers

A good spread goes a long way. Whether it's just a few nibbles, a bit of everything or a big feast. Serve food that complements your cocktails. Charcuterie boards were made for sharing, IRL and on Insta', and they pair well with G&T as the gin emphasises the floral notes of the cheeses, with the bitterness of the tonic cleansing the palate. Likewise, rich meats go well with Old Fashioned cocktails. When in doubt, stick to classic pairings like a shrimp cocktail with a vodka martini. Remember, you will need to ensure the vegans, gluten-free and dairy-free people in your crew are also covered.