Ultimate Cocktail Party Ideas & Inspiration!

With the arrival of spring and summer on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about seasonal cocktail parties!  Spring is such a wonderful time for celebrating…the warm temperatures, fresh new colors, and frankly, the mere idea of being outside after a long winter are all reasons that this season causes so much excitement about entertaining!  I was recently asked by Wayfair to share some inspiration AND some of my favorite things to help host the ultimate, springtime cocktail party!  I’m sure you can imagine that not only was I beyond thrilled but jumped at the opportunity to fantasize a bit…scrolling through the gazillion choices of products perfect for entertaining in spring & summer style!  So today I’m offering up some cocktail party inspiration, favorite finds, decorating ideas, tips, and even a tutorial to get you ready and excited to host your next event!  A cocktail party can be over-the-top or simple & sweet…but the main reason for hosting is to gather our most favorite people around us!  So today I’d like to begin by sharing a drink table fit for toasting the arrival of spring!  The theme is simple…but one you can build on to create your ultimate party or just a simple celebration of the new season!  So let’s raise a glass…

and celebrate spring with a cocktail party!

if you’re thinking of hosting a cocktail party you’ll need to have a place to serve up the sips!  it’s still cold where i live so my table is inside…but a spring & summer color palette makes it seem like we could be beach-side!

wicker place mats hung on the wall make an inexpensive and textural backdrop…but you could use paper plates to achieve the same look!  check out these bamboo-lookalike cuties…

flower power!

fresh fruits, and simple flowers make the table bright & cheerful…

i filled a bowl with fruit and merely tucked in some fresh daisies!

since flowers are always welcome at a cocktail party, an extra votive holder becomes a vase for a few more blooms and berries…

i love using unexpected vessels for flowers or greens…it can be a unique addition to the party table!  try a sweet terrarium for a fun twist!

and if you’re feeling like creating a more substantial arrangement, my friend Katie is full of floral inspiration!  see this darling arrangement she created incorporating oranges & champagne corks!  how perfect for a cocktail party or mimosa bar!  you can see her tutorial for creating this yourself HERE

photo & tutorial courtesy of tulsadetails.com

simple tips & details…

one of my favorite entertaining tips is adding little details!  whether it’s a fancy spread or drinks with a friend or two, the little things pack a big punch!  try adding cute straws…

or even some paper shapes tucked into the glasses!

i added a simple message with stickers…a really fun surprise for guests!

i LOVE using paper decorations when i entertain!  crepe paper garland is easy to tape to the outside edge of a tray to create a festive pedestal for the beverages…

and a sheet of craft paper covers the wine bottle…an inexpensive way to coordinate drinks whether you have one bottle or 20!  some sea grass twine adds a pretty detail on the top…

part of hosting a party is also enjoying it yourself!  so if you’re thinking of offering signature cocktails i suggest serving them in a dispenser so guests can help themselves!  i adore this darling acrylic dispenser that sits on ice AND holds extra cups & goodies for adding to your drink!

and speaking of cups…whether you’re hosting inside or out, i really prefer acrylic so that there’s no worry about breakage!  how beautiful are these goblets?  as pretty as crystal!

and it’s so helpful to have a serving tray at any party…for carrying beverages or serving food!  i suggest keeping trays neutral to blend with any party theme…neutral can be beautiful!

sweets & nibbles!

food is essential at a cocktail party!  i love including something sweet and something savory at any soiree, big or small!  a board filled with cheese and crackers is always an easy choice…

and a good sugar fix is definitely fun…it is a party after all!  a purchased cake is easy to dress up with fruit and candies!

little rows of marzipan fruit look and taste so sweet!  you could use any colorful candy to transform a plain cake!

serving stations!

serving up cocktails and goodies can happen almost anywhere!  a table or counter top will work just fine and look great when you add your own personal touches!

but if you’re thinking of adding a piece of furniture to your entertaining spaces, a bar cart is not only trendy but it’s an attractive AND portable serving station!  this one is certainly sweet for spring & summer entertaining…

a cooler is also a fabulous addition for warm-weather parties…and you can have some colorful fun with it too!

and since i’m sharing my picks for the ultimate party goods…i have some more fun from Wayfair up my sleeve!

let’s splurge!

my favorite outdoor item for entertaining has to be a fire pit!  whether i’m hosting a gathering of friends or just spending an evening outside with my family, there’s something so inviting about a warm fire!  i’m loving the sleek and simple design of this one that would blend with any style!

and if we’re going all out…how about some stylish patio furniture for guests to mingle on?  i love this set for it’s simplicity…just like party decor, good neutral bones are a great for building on!

accessories…

keeping guests comfortable is just as important as what you serve!  even if you can’t splurge on a new patio set, some outdoor throw pillows can add extra charm to any chair!  the best thing about pillows is that you can have fun with color & pattern without the commitment!

and don’t forget the power of lighting!  candles and lanterns are key in creating an enchanting mood!

fun & games!

i don’t know about you, but i love a good backyard game at a party…and springtime is the perfect season to bring on the fun!  this cornhole game has the prettiest finish…and will blend with ANY party decor!  so let your guests kick off their shoes and have a friendly competition!

and my ultimate pick for a fancy soiree…something on the dreamy side!  imagine mingling under the soft, draping fabric of this gazebo…sounds heavenly doesn’t it?

i certainly hope you’ve enjoyed this ultimate cocktail party inspiration…and you found some goodies & ideas for your next celebration!  be sure to see the wonderful inspiration board that Wayfair created with my favorite picks…you might see one or two other favorites!  a huge thank you to Wayfair for giving me this opportunity to have so much springtime fun!

be sure to catch my top 10 party tips below the inspiration board!

here’s a recap of my picks all in one spot!

giggle photos by giggle living-all other photos unless noted are courtesy of Wayfair

my favorite cocktail party tips…

1  plan on serving 5-6 different appetizers during non-meal hours.  if entertaining during meal hours, plan to double that amount

2  i love to include a charcuterie board or cheese platter in my mix of nibbles.  it’s easy to prepare and is popular among guests.

3  keep extra containers of crackers, popcorn, or nuts in the pantry.  if you don’t use them, you can save them for next time!

4  purchase your flowers the day before and keep them in a bucket of water in a cool place until ready to arrange them.

5  set up your food and drink stations the day before your party.  i love to label my serving dishes and set them out so i know where everything will go!  sticky notes can be your best friend!

6  always include non alcoholic beverage choices in your mix.  infused waters are my favorite!

7  decorations that give big bang for little buck are: tissue poms, paper lanterns, and balloons.  hang them in clusters or even scatter them on the ground for a festive impact!

8  keep candles, lanterns, or battery twinkle lights on hand to create enchanting ambiance.  you can tuck battery lights into lanterns, add them to plants or shrubs, or just string them across tables.

9  being a good hostess doesn’t mean killing yourself running around!  your guests want to visit with you too…so if you’re relaxed everyone else will be!

10  wear comfortable shoes…and have fun!

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