Don't Be Tardy for the Party

Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean the festivities have to stop! Cocktail parties are the perfect way to have some fun with your friends without breaking the bank after all of that holiday spending. We're all about hosting a January get-together in order to bypass the mid-winter blues, and have created a list of helpful tips to help you host your own.

1. Prepare an assortment of tasty hors d'oeuvres:

Make a small selection hors d’oeuvres that you know your guests will like. Not sure what to make? Epicurious.com has a huge selection to choose from to match everyone’s individual tastes and preferences. Here are a few recipes we love:

Caviar Blinis

French Fries with Three Dips

Quiche in Prosciutto Cups

Crostini with Beef Tartare & White Truffle Oil

2. Pick a few signature cocktails:

Pick a few signature cocktails made with different spirits for your party. We really like the expansive list at cocktailtimes.com. In addition to signature cocktails, be sure to have beer or other cocktail alternatives for those who would prefer something non-alcoholic.

3. Play up the season when decorating:

Your party doesn’t need to have a theme. A simple color scheme will work just fine. Decorate your home with tea candles, white floral arrangements or glittered branches to create a “winter wonderland” effect.

4. Make a playlist ahead of time that creates a social atmosphere:

The 5s team compiled some of our favorite artists, along with suggestions from Bon Appetit & Apartment Therapy for your go-to cocktail party playlist. Crossing many genres and eras, this eclectic list ensures your ranking as the domestic goddess.

FRANK SINATRA
FEIST
TALKING HEADS (staff favorite: "This Must Be the Place")
MGMT
MICHAEL JACKSON (Thriller is a sure-shot dance party starter)
AMY WINEHOUSE
JONI MITCHELL
THE BEATLES
THIEVERY CORPORATION
MC SOLAAR (French hip-hop artist, songs featured on Sex & the City)