The 3 E’s of Holiday Party Planning: The Cocktail Party Perfected

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It’s true. The prime holiday party season is swiftly approaching. And you are no doubt in your annual state of, “Should we?” Which is usually then quickly followed by: “Who do we invite?” “What do we serve?” “How do we make it special?” 

If these are the questions swirling around in your brain this time of year, don’t stress. We’ve done some digging and discovered answers to at least some of your most pressing party planning questions and we even provide some resources to back them up. 

And we’re getting ahead of the season, so you can approach the prospect like a pro with more thoughtful pre-planning, so you can have fun too!

So, let your rule of thumb be, divide and conquer, by splitting your pre-planning into three categories: Essentials, Entertainment, and Extras.

ESSENTIALS

Essential #1 – Create a festive DIY bubbly bar!

Just stock your bar with prosecco, some infused syrups like rosemary, spiced cranberry, or blood orange, and add fresh garnishes like pomegranate arils, orange twists, and lime wedges. Include a zero-proof version of a sparkling botanical tonic, and don’t forget to add flat tap or spring water to your bar, for those who prefer to balance their alcohol consumption with water. You can also add in self-contained beverages like beer, seltzers, and soft drinks to this mix in a large, galvanized bin with ice, and a spiked punch if you wish to offer a liquor option. Serve it all up elegantly on one of the many swanky cocktail carts on the market everywhere. We’re loving this extended Sterling beverage cart from Ballard Designs. This stylish piece is a real party pleaser and will look great all year long in your room along a wall or behind a couch. 

Essential #2 – Plan for simple seasons’ eatings

You don’t have to spend days in the kitchen beforehand cooking up various recipes for a sit-down dinner to prove you’re a great party planner. Nor do you need to have everything hyper-catered. Simply split the difference by planning a curated menu of hand-helds and grazing boards. Let’s face it, what people love about a party is noshing on great bites and being unfettered to buzz about the room and mingle. Great grazing suggestions include a winter cheese and charcuterie board of Truffle brie, aged cheddar, goat cheese with cranberries. Prosciutto, soppressata, and fig salami. Layer in pomegranate seeds, fresh figs, dried apricots, and finish with assorted nuts, crackers, and a cranberry-walnut bread. Savory suggestions include a puffed pastry variation, like a mini Beef Wellington bite, (check out your local price club) a slider variation such as mini turkey sliders on brioche rolls with cranberry mayo, and a festive version of the crowd-pleasing deviled egg made with smoked paprika, fresh chive, and garnished with crispy prosciutto. 

Essential #3 – Create luxe comfort & conversation zones

Bring on the casual, cozy conversation and provide every opportunity to create the party within a party by making sure your space offers good flow, and your furnishings are strategically placed to create “lounge pockets” for ease of conversation. If you have a focal point like a fireplace, great, but if you layer your pockets with oversized floor pillows, faux fur throws, and warm-toned décor you will enhance the cozy, convivial feeling of the setting. 

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment Tip #1 – Create an Instagram-worthy backdrop

You’re going to have more fun at your party when your guests do. And they will if you set up a clever backdrop for festive selfie taking. Creating in-the-moment photo memories turns a staid event into a “I wanna stay!” event and allows guests agency to customize their party experience. Identify a clean piece of wall and then simply attach a festive holiday-esque fabric like buffalo check, a rich, velvet, or metallic fringe throw to it. Add in a custom neon sign with a catchy holiday phrase, (we liked Home for the Holi -Yay!) and then provide a basket filled with props like faux fur wraps, stocking caps, candy canes, sequin hats, and vintage-style champagne glasses. Custom neon signs can be easily ordered online for as little as $20. A small price to pay to make things merry and bright!

Entertainment Tip #2 – Curate a playlist with a retro twist

Reflect the larger trends in throwback music from the ’80s and ’90s with remixes and jazzy holiday covers by mixing some vintage hits with modern chill holiday covers (think Lo-fi Bing Crosby, or ‘jazztronica’ Mariah Carey). If this is out of your melodical comfort zone, both Spotify and Apple Music have great curated 2025 holiday party lists that you can tap.

EXTRAS

Extra Tip #1 – Create a boutique mini experience 

Because these days basic is boring, you may wish to consider some unexpected surprises for your party guests. Consider hiring in some fun with a tarot card reader, or set-up an ornament-painting table, or DIY spice blend bar. This gives guests something to do and builds on the experiential trend that continues to dominate events in 2025.

Extra Tip #2 – Gift a take-home, take-away

Capitalize on the personalized takeaways trend by setting up a stylish self-serve favor station with items like mini candles, handwritten affirmation cards, luxe chocolate bars, or mini ornaments. Wrap them in eco-friendly materials like velvet ribbon and stamped kraft paper. Staging them festively in an area near the door will have guests easily accessing them on their way out and saying, “Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night!”