Organising a cocktail party is fun and enjoyable. But it also requires thoughtful planning. The food and beverages that you offer set the mood and tone. A tasteful menu gives your party life. If you are celebrating a birthday, corporate event or small gathering, the right menu can make it memorable.
You require a combination of delicious bites, cooling drinks and diversity to serve every guest. Don’t be afraid if you are overwhelmed. Even small party caterers in Mumbai provide quality services to enable you to design a flawless menu. Let’s discuss how you can do it yourself or seek the help of an expert.
Understand Your Guest List
Begin with knowing who’s attending. Are they friends, co-workers or relatives? Do they have special dietary habits? Keep age groups and food allergies in mind as well. Guests can be vegetarian or alcohol-averse. Make all these considerations before deciding on your menu.
Having knowledge about your guest profile allows you to pick the proper combination of food and beverages. It also assists the caterer in providing the right choices for all.
Select the Appropriate Food Type
Cocktail parties are generally casual in nature. Hosts and guests stand, converse and keep moving about. Therefore, it is best to stay clear of heavy or messy foods. Opt for finger foods, bite-sized appetisers and light food.
Some of the crowd-pleasers are:
- Mini tikkas or kebabs
- Cheese and olive skewers
- Chicken or prawn canapés
- Mushroom or paneer bites
- Nachos accompanied by salsa and guacamole
Don’t miss out on desserts, either. Mini cupcakes, brownies or Indian sweets in small bites are perfect.
If you are busy, hire professionals for catering for cocktail party. They will prepare the menu, cook the dishes and even provide service.
Serve a Variety of Drinks
Drinks are the highlight of a cocktail party. Serve a variety to cater to all tastes. Have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
For alcoholic drinks, you may have:
- Classic cocktails such as Mojito, Cosmopolitan or Whisky Sour
- Signature cocktails tailored to your occasion
- Beer and wine for an easier choice
For non-drinkers or designated drivers, have mocktails on hand:
- Virgin Mojito
- Fruit punch
- Iced tea or lemonade
Have the Right Amount
No one wants to finish up on food or beverages during a party. Assess the appropriate amount using your invitation list. For a 2–3 hour cocktail party, you can budget for around 6–8 appetisers per guest. You can also contact small party caterers in Mumbai for quantity recommendations. They generally understand what is effective depending on the number of guests.
Presentation Matters
How you present your food and beverages matters a lot. Utilise chic trays, vibrant napkins and themed decor. Place things in order and replenish frequently.
You can even have live counters such as a chaat corner or a do-it-yourself cocktail stand. These provide an engaging experience of the event.
The Concluding Note
A personalised cocktail party menu prepares the ground for a lively, entertaining night out. Regardless of whether your party is small or large, a carefully thought-out menu is always the key to a successful cocktail party. Cheers!