Hosting a holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful or costly. Part of the enjoyment comes from planning your food and drinks for your guests. When it comes to beverages, simplicity is key.
Dana Perino’s top rule for office holiday parties is to keep drink options simple and focus on festive pairings. Peter Brattander, vice president of food and beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, recommends limiting drink choices to create a fun and memorable event without overspending. By focusing on a few wines, beers, and spirits, you can spend more quality time with your guests.
For a stress-free gathering, pair wines with your courses, starting with a dry wine and finishing with a sweeter one. Offering a batched signature cocktail or mocktail can also add a special touch to your menu while keeping things simple.
Keep the drink options minimal to reduce host stress and allow guests to mix their own drinks without feeling overwhelmed. Add a holiday twist with specialty cocktails featuring seasonal flavors, such as a cranberry margarita. Make sure to have basic spirits and mixers available, along with ice for guests to use as needed.
Offering guests a special post-dinner sip, such as a dessert wine, can serve as an excellent finishing touch to a festive evening. According to Brattander, providing a small pour of a digestif or dessert wine after the meal can be a considerate gesture that enhances the overall experience of the evening. In addition to alcoholic options, Brattander recommends offering a variety of choices to cater to all guests’ preferences.
“Don’t overlook the importance of accommodating designated drivers or those who choose not to consume alcohol,” Brattander advised. “Providing a delicious non-alcoholic punch or mocktail as a welcome drink can ensure that all guests feel included and help set a warm and inclusive tone for the evening.” Adding cider to your holiday beverage selection can also contribute to the festive atmosphere.
To alleviate some of the pressures associated with hosting holiday gatherings, it may be beneficial to streamline the beverage options available to your guests. By carefully planning your drink selection, you can effectively manage costs and ensure a smooth event. Pollock emphasized the advantages of purchasing drinks in bulk, such as larger bottles or cases of wine, beer, and spirits, to achieve significant savings, particularly for larger gatherings. Keeping an eye out for sales and promotions at local stores can also help you secure discounted prices, especially during holidays or seasonal events.
By implementing these strategies, you can limit your drink choices to save both time and money while still providing a delightful and inclusive experience for your guests. For more lifestyle tips and articles, please visit foxnews.com/lifestyle.
