Party planner offers advice and classes on hosting a successful cocktail party
By Leigh Crank Perry
Cocktail parties can be a bit unnerving to approach—you’ve seen movies and television shows depicting over-the-top parties you could not hope to pull off or disastrous ones that would mortify any host or hostess.
But your confidence can become more concrete, if, as a prospective host or hostess, you consider the advice of these expert hosts and hostesses.
- “Either invite people who have a lot in common, or get a bunch of people you really like who have absolutely nothing in common. You need guests who are chatty and communicative and gregarious.” Deborah Harry, singer with Blondie
- “Make your invitation count. I always have a signature drink for the event and include the recipe in the invite. It’s like giving a favor before the party.” Sandra Lee, Host, Semi-Homemade Cooking
- “Have a game plan. Start a week before your party, and write a list of everything to be done; then start doing it. By the morning of the party, you’re way ahead of yourself, and the party becomes fun. Most people are nervous because they put too much pressure on themselves on that day.” Dean Fearing, chef
- “Greet your guests at the door—I know it’s a given, but it can be overlooked. Why not call it the art of seduction? A warm smile and kiss generally work.” Antony Todd, New York City party planner
- “Make sure there is something to eat as soon as people arrive. Nothing kills the energy of a party like people standing around starving.” Alyse Sobel, Los Angeles party planner
- “Everyone looks great in candlelight. But if you install inexpensive dimmers on every light in the home, it works, too—and your home will look cleaner.” Carson Kressley, Co-host, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
- “Don’t freak when people all congregate in the smallest part of your home. People move to the smallest space because humans naturally prefer cozy spaces.” Bruce Southworth, Illinois party planner
- “Always err on the side of too much. For a dinner party with passed hors d’oeuvres, plan on three small servings per person before the meal. If the party is completely in the mode of hors d’oeuvres, figure on eight to ten per person.” Cathy Whims, chef
- “Expect to have fun at your own party, and your guests will do the same. Confidence breeds confidence.” Elizabeth K. Lawrence, The Lenox Book of Home Entertaining and Etiquette
Party-planner Leigh Crank Perry of Party Themes and Schemes teaches classes on planning and hosting parties through the School of Continuing Studies. To see courses that Perry is currently offering, visit the Home & Garden page of the SCS Website. One of the classes Perry offers is Captivating Cocktail Parties, designed to help everyday hosts and hostesses build their skills and confidence so having guests over for drinks and appetizers will become an easy way to entertain.