Cocktail party on a budget...suggestions welcome

[missy]

I am throwing a cocktail party at my apt for my work colleagues. I have invited 28 people and they have all accepted which was more than I was planning for LOL. But I am looking forward to it and want to make it a good one even though I am on a budget.

We already have lots of beer and last week my husband and I bought 14 bottles of wine (red and white) from Costco liquors. We are not wine drinkers but got some good recommendations that didn't break the bank and hopefully are enjoyable wines!

We don't have time to do (nor want to do) any cooking for this party as it is on a workday (friday evening) and plan on buying all the hor d'ourves and finger foods. We checked out what Costco (love Costco!) has to offer and it seems like a good selection. We are not buying this till the day of the party so it is fresh. We are aware that the selection may differ that day but hope it is still will be a good selection.

We also bought 16 more wine glasses (since we are not wine drinkers we only had 4) and plan on borrowing from neighbors or if we run out of glasses just serving in clear plastic cups which I hope we don't have to do.

Anyway, my questions are this:

How much food and wine (we have plenty of beer) do you think we need for a cocktail party with 28 people? And do you think we can do this on a budget? We already spent about $140 for the wine (got a great deal on the glasses- only $20 for 16 wine glasses!!).
Is this enough wine and how many hor d'ourves do we need to buy?


Also, if anyone has any other suggestions on what we should do to make it a fun party that would be great. We already have a good stereo system and good music though the crowd will be very diverse in tastes, ages etc. They range from early 20's and a bit wild to 80's and very distinguished. So, that is a bit tough regarding the musical selection. My husband says that we should play the music we find appealing as it is our home and our party but I am not sure on this one. The young crowd is into music I don't even know and they are from all over the world also so it makes it tough.


I just want a good time to be had by all and any suggestions would be most welcome! In the past we have thrown cocktail parties at our home but for less people and for a more homogeneous group (ie similar to us) so this is my first foray into a less known and comfortable area.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

 

[purselover]

It sounds like you should have enough wine a half a bottle per person should be good, but if you''re worried then 2 or 3 more bottles couldn''t hurt -you can always drink it later or give it away. Are you also offering actual cocktails? If so I would stock up on the basics - vodka, gin, rum, with some tonic and soda/juice for mixers.

For food I would probably do 8-14 options. Veggie platters with 1 or 2 dips are easy to find and won''t be too expensive. I would also buy a cheese platter with crackers. Other more affordable/easy options include hummus with pita, hot spinich/artichoke dip, mini quiches, fruit kebobs, chicken satay and mozzarella and tomato salad.

As for music that''s tough -I would try to set up a playlist with an eclectic range so everyone will recognize something, include some top 40 as well as some older classics, maybe google some songs from where people are from?

Good luck - hosting''s fun but it''s a lot of work!

 

[CasaBlanca]

We don't have a cosco, but at our Sams they have those disposable clear plastic plates with a pattern. About 8 1/2 inches...just perfect for snacking foods. A large 50 count or more bag of the the plates is cheap...like $12. They look a little more elegant than plastic or paper wear. I would attempt to find those if I were you.

We have lots of outlet type stores in our city...many have wine or goblet shaped stem ware fairly cheap...about a dollar a stem! Garden Ridge, Old Time Pottery and sometimes craft stores like hobby lobby. Remember to check Tuesday Morning, Ross, TJMAX, Marshalls, I would call all of them and see what you can come up with if you think you are short. Also, don't forget second hand stores...or Salvation Army stores...glass ware is often pennies to a quarter a piece there. TJMax had those non stem ware shaped glasses for malt drinks...I think they were 4 count for $6.00. (EDITED: Everything for a dollar stores has them for eh...a DOLLAR! Forgot...I picked up a pair for shrimp cocktail servers for Valentines day!))

Since you are limited on glass count, I would attempt to attach something to each glass so the person can identify their "personal" glass, should they set it down...there are stem ware charms that are similar to earrings...with colorful beads. But they can be expensive. At a coffee tea serving, I attached colored ribbons on the handles and it worked like a charm on the cheap, and looked festive as well. A gf used those metal ringed paper key fobs and provided a marker to personalize. And you can use gift tags too.

Perhaps you can think of some theme that would be fun...

For some reason I am thinking of an romantic 40's era theme. I would make vignettes filled with WWII mementos...or Hollywood movie stills...play big band music...and just forget about attempting to please everyone...just make it an experience to remember...that is not the normals sounds of the radio, i pod or other noise everyone is used to. Get those 80 year old's really involved to share with the younger set. This era it wouldn't matter if the glasses matched...in fact miss matched mason jars could be used and sort of fun...hor d' ourves toothpicks picked up a local party supply may extend a theme for you...

Or perhaps a 50's theme (Palm Springs sort of thing)...martini bar like with Sinatra and the rat pack smooth jazz type sounds. Head to your local party supply paper goods warehouse and see if any thing suits your fancy. They offer cds with party theme music too. Just looking at those with the sound selections may help you narrow down your choices.

Oh boy this sounds fun! Can't wait to hear the details on what you choose to do!

 

[rierie26]

Since it''s a cocktail party, I don''t think you''ll need too much food. Maybe just 2-4 pieces of each hor d''ourve per person? You could do like 3 or 4 different ones and round out the selection with dips, veggies, crackers and maybe a cheese or two.

As to music, I think the majority of people will want to talk and socialize so maybe something soft and mellow? Jazz, folk, slow electronic-y stuff (like frou frou), some thing that won''t interfere with conversation.

Sounds really fun!

 

[rockzilla]

This may sound weird but...DOLLAR TREE...for party supplies! So so cheap! And lots of colors/options.

 

[Hera]

Date: 3/26/2010 6:00:01 PM
Author: rockzilla
This may sound weird but...DOLLAR TREE...for party supplies! So so cheap! And lots of colors/options.

Yes! Dollar stores are great for party supplies.

As far as hitting all those ages, I would hit up the billboard charts for the 80's and 90's and put together a music list from there.

I always have some sort of concept(or theme) which helps direct the menu/decor etc. I like to only hint at the theme instead of making it more literal in my choices.

For the budget:

Do only beer, wine, or champagne (It's so festive). Have a few soda on hand as well.

Deviled eggs
Cheeseball
Costco platters (re-plated to make it appear more classy)


I always think table scape so consider some fresh flowers, candles (nonscented preferably).

 

[missy]

Thanks for all the great ideas everyone!! I knew the Pricescope women would give me great advice

Hi Purselover,
Thanks so much for your thoughts.
I am torn on the cocktail options like rum,vodka,gin,scotch, bourbon etc because that will raise the cost significantly. That is actually all my husband drinks ie scotch and bourbon and gin so we have the good stuff but not enough for 28 people and not sure I want to buy cheaper liquor anyway because it will still add up. So I was thinking of sticking with beer and wine and soda but really am not sure if that is good enough...

Love your food suggestions! I am definitely going to use some of those recommendations.
The people I work with are from Africa, Guyana, Haiti, England, Germany, Iraq and Iran. LOL a veritable rainbow. We work at a not for profit multidisciplinary health clinic working with developmentally adults and children (I am an optometrist)and we have neurology, internal medicine, psychiatry, psychology, OT, PT,Optometry, Podiatry etc plus all the medical,assistants and staff.


Hi Casablanca,
Love the idea of clear plates. I couldn''t find that at Costco today though so I guess I have to shop around for that. There is no Sam''s club near us. I love the idea of checking Salvation Army stores and thrift shops for extra wine glasses and goblets! Thanks for that! Also great idea about the ribbons or bead marking each glass. I''ll see if I can do that.


Hi Kitcha,
Thanks for your suggestions! That would make it a lot less expensive so I am leaning towards 4-5 different types of hor d''ourves per person and about 4 pieces of each different type for each person plus extra just in case.
For music I was leaning towards a variety but mainly keeping it mellow with Bebel Gilberto, Diana Krall, Sade etc
But I love all the music recommendations from everyone here!

Hi Rockzilla, I have to google dollar tree as I have never heard of it. Great idea.

Hi Heraanderson, Super suggestions. That will keep it more affordable and I love love your flower and candle suggestions!! I am definitely going to take those recommendations. Thanks!

I appreciate your suggestions and am going to incorporate your great ideas! I had the worst day today -got my (tooth 17 1st molar?) wisdom tooth removed as an emergency visit a few hours ago and not sure I made the right decision about doing it and I am still bleeding

so it really helps to be thinking of something fun right now!

 

[cnspotts]

I love Costco!!! Ours has a pretty nice cheese selection these days plus lots of yummy whole grain crackers. Then there is a variety of hummus and pita chips, A nice dessert pie, stuffed grape leaves, smoked salmon, the list goes on and on. It makes me want to have a get together too!

 

[missy]

Hi cnspotts,
I love Costco too. They have a great selection and the prices are amazing. They almost make you want to give parties because of all their great stuff

Love their cheese and crackers and hummus and pita chips also!

Do you think I should serve dessert at the cocktail party? I didn't even think of that. What would be best I wonder. I would want something like finger food for the dessert if I was going to have that as all the other foods will be finger foods.

 

[Hera]

Date: 3/26/2010 8:56:38 PM
Author: missy
Hi cnspotts,

I love Costco too. They have a great selection and the prices are amazing. They almost make you want to give parties because of all their great stuff

Love their cheese and crackers and hummus and pita chips also!


Do you think I should serve dessert at the cocktail party? I didn't even think of that. What would be best I wonder. I would want something like finger food for the dessert if I was going to have that as all the other foods will be finger foods.

I think it should be a finger food (coming now from experience that full desserts seem awkward).
How about cheesecake bites? You could maybe cut up that cheesecake from Costco into little bites. Put some sort of topping on top...

 

[missy]

Date: 3/26/2010 9:04:21 PM
Author: heraanderson

Date: 3/26/2010 8:56:38 PM

Author: missy

Hi cnspotts,


I love Costco too. They have a great selection and the prices are amazing. They almost make you want to give parties because of all their great stuff

Love their cheese and crackers and hummus and pita chips also!



Do you think I should serve dessert at the cocktail party? I didn''t even think of that. What would be best I wonder. I would want something like finger food for the dessert if I was going to have that as all the other foods will be finger foods.

I think it should be a finger food (coming now from experience that full desserts seem awkward).

How about cheesecake bites? You could aybe cutup that cheesecake from Costco into little bites. Put some sort of topping on top...

Wonderful idea!! Love cheesecake and cutting it up into little bites is an ingenious idea!! Thanks again heraanderson!

 

[PumpkinPie]

I love the cheesecake idea! now I''m having a huge cheesecake craving.. mmmmm : )

 

[missy]

Date: 3/26/2010 11:24:09 PM
Author: Maevie
I love the cheesecake idea! now I''m having a huge cheesecake craving.. mmmmm : )

Me too and it is 8:30 AM here LOL

So what do you guys think of this as a compromise to offering a variety of mixed drinks in addition to wine and beer. How about I offer a couple of drink options like (and these are just examples but let me know if you think of anything better) Orange rum punch as one option:

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/orange-rum-punch?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/happy-hour-cocktails#slide_6

and Thyme lemonade as another:

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/thyme-lemonade?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/gin-cocktails#slide_9

Not sure- just kicking around ideas. I do want to keep it simple as we are both working till 3 pm that day and the cocktail party begins at 5 pm. There are just so many great ideas that would make it amazing but most of them involve a lot of work. But I think if I can come up with 2 options of drink mixes in addition to beer and red and white wine that might make it a lot better. Only question is should I keep it simple ie gin as one option and vodka as the other and that could be mixed with tonic or soda or OJ...That would be easier but not as pretty as 2 pitchers full of already made drink mixes...
What do you think?

Also, am having difficulty deciding about the music. I love the idea of having a subtle theme party as was suggested here (thanks!) ie all 70''s and 80''s music but soft sophisticated cocktail music that you can easily talk over (my first idea) is also appealing.

An informal poll perhaps would help me make up my mind...

 

[Rachel9]

Another Costco Lover

For 28, 2-3 croissant trays [sliced @ in half] should be sufficient if you add a cheese tray, grape tray [one of @ color from costco] and a bowl of seasoned olives or marinated mushrooms. Spinach/artichoke dips are yummy, eggrolls aren't bad either. DH likes to make BBQ [masterpiece] meatballs [from S&F] in the crockpot for the guys. I always get two smallish trays of sushi for the gals. As for dessert I've been making cheesecake pops for almost two years, they can be made 24 hours in advance and leftovers can be frozen for 2 weeks. I like to roll mine in chopped walnuts, coconut, chopped pistachio or simply crushed oreos. A cheesecake from costco makes about 80, depending on your scoop size: http://www.bakerella.com/cheesecake-pops/ I like to display mine in a wide vase half filled with jelly beans or glass beads.
Wine: Funny, 9 out of 10 go for red, If beer is going to be avail then I usually get 10-12 bottles and a case of chilled water for 30 [depending on the group] plus, I often prep a Cosmo punch bowl as a starter [Kirkland's brand is as good as Gray Goose]

 

[Hera]

I like the idea of a mixed drink but I would steer closer towards a fruit punch (just because an orange punch sounds more brunch-y). I made a Sangria for my housewarming party and put it in a huge glass beverage container fro Costco. It was a huge hit.

Here's pics from my housewarming cocktail party and the Sangria container is there.

my housewarming

 

[missy]

Date: 3/28/2010 1:26:36 AM
Author: heraanderson
I like the idea of a mixed drink but I would steer closer towards a fruit punch (just because an orange punch sounds more brunch-y). I made a Sangria for my housewarming party and put it in a huge glass beverage container fro Costco. It was a huge hit.


Here''s pics from my housewarming cocktail party and the Sangria container is there.


my housewarming

Lovely home heraanderson!

Thanks that is a good point...I don''t want it to feel brunchy.

I discussed this with my dh and he likes the idea of our lemonade vodka drink that we made for our last party. Everyone loved it so I am going to put that in a big glass jug as an option. We might do another mixed drink and I like your Sangria suggestion. Thanks!

 

[missy]

Date: 3/27/2010 9:30:35 PM
Author: Rachel9
Another Costco Lover

For 28, 2-3 croissant trays [sliced @ in half] should be sufficient if you add a cheese tray, grape tray [one of @ color from costco] and a bowl of seasoned olives or marinated mushrooms. Spinach/artichoke dips are yummy, eggrolls aren't bad either. DH likes to make BBQ [masterpiece] meatballs [from S&F] in the crockpot for the guys. I always get two smallish trays of sushi for the gals. As for dessert I've been making cheesecake pops for almost two years, they can be made 24 hours in advance and leftovers can be frozen for 2 weeks. I like to roll mine in chopped walnuts, coconut, chopped pistachio or simply crushed oreos. A cheesecake from costco makes about 80, depending on your scoop size: http://www.bakerella.com/cheesecake-pops/ I like to display mine in a wide vase half filled with jelly beans or glass beads.

Wine: Funny, 9 out of 10 go for red, If beer is going to be avail then I usually get 10-12 bottles and a case of chilled water for 30 [depending on the group] plus, I often prep a Cosmo punch bowl as a starter [Kirkland's brand is as good as Gray Goose]

Thanks for the suggestions Rachel! I love your cheesecake pop recipe! Hope I didn't screw up with only getting 7 bottles of red wine...I might have to get some more. We might get stuck with 7 bottles of white if no one drinks that LOL.

Thanks again. I am really excited about your cheesecake pops! I just hope there is enough time to make them the day of as we aren't going to be shopping for the food until that day...I see the recipe says you only need to leave them in the freezer for about 20 min or so.

Oh and thanks for the great suggestion re the kirkland vodka! That should save us some money

 

[Lulie]

Nice tips given

After reading the cheesecake link I decided to give it a try, 40 pops are currently in the freezer!
Plan on serving them for Easter brunch, THANKS for the link

I think you'll be fine with the wine since you are having beer+ happy lemonade.
Another positive vote for KVodka quite smooth, perfect for lemon drops

Two items from costco are a must for us: Lobster salad, large meaty container for $8 and Pimento cheese from Palmetto cheese Co served with bagel bites, sliced baguette etc or baked with Ritz topping for 20 minutes. I'm hungry now!

 

[missy]

Date: 3/28/2010 2:53:13 PM
Author: Lulie
Nice tips given

After reading the cheesecake link I decided to give it a try, 40 pops are currently in the freezer!

Plan on serving them for Easter brunch, THANKS for the link

I think you''ll be fine with the wine since you are having beer+ happy lemonade.

Another positive vote for KVodka quite smooth, perfect for lemon drops

Two items from costco are a must for us: Lobster salad, large meaty container for $8 and Pimento cheese from Palmetto cheese Co served with bagel bites, sliced baguette etc or baked with Ritz topping for 20 minutes. I''m hungry now!

Thanks Lulie! I am quite happy as we were at my parents today and my mom gave me lots of extra wine glasses and serving trays and ice buckets and she said she would even help with cooking if we needed her to! She gave me some more great ideas and I am very excited!

I hope your Easter brunch is a huge success!!!

 

[missy]

I just wanted to thank everyone for all your useful suggestions.
We had the party last night and it was a huge success. Everyone had a blast and it couldn''t have gone better!!


It was so much fun that I definitely want to start throwing more cocktail parties in the future...maybe for fewer people though.

Thanks again!

 

[PumpkinPie]

Date: 4/17/2010 4:52:01 PM
Author: missy
I just wanted to thank everyone for all your useful suggestions.

We had the party last night and it was a huge success. Everyone had a blast and it couldn''t have gone better!!



It was so much fun that I definitely want to start throwing more cocktail parties in the future...maybe for fewer people though.


Thanks again!

Yay! I''m glad you had such a successful party

 

[missy]

Date: 4/17/2010 5:28:42 PM
Author: Maevie

Date: 4/17/2010 4:52:01 PM

Author: missy

I just wanted to thank everyone for all your useful suggestions.


We had the party last night and it was a huge success. Everyone had a blast and it couldn't have gone better!!




It was so much fun that I definitely want to start throwing more cocktail parties in the future...maybe for fewer people though.



Thanks again!

Yay! I'm glad you had such a successful party

Thanks Maevie! I wanted to add that I did it all for under $250 so I was very pleased.

The food was great (mostly from Costco and with some help from my mom) and the liquor choices worked out well. I had red and white wine, beer and vodka lemonade (a big hit!) as well as non alcoholic drinks including iced tea, lemonade and soda. The food choices included homemade meatballs,homemade perogies, pigs in blankets, mini quiches, mini chicken tacos, assorted puff pastries, mini pizza bagels and a cheese platter with multigrain crackers. Desserts included brownies, cream puffs and cheesecake. Then we also had an assortment of potato chips and a mango salsa, veggie crisps, carrots and spinach dip and I know I am forgetting stuff but you get the idea. It was great fun. Oh and my dh did a bourbon tasting (and lesson) with some of the younger gentlemen at the party who were not familiar with bourbons.

Everyone was raving about the food (especially the meatballs, perogies and tacos) and the music which my dh chose. He did an assortment of 120 songs that were an eclectic mix from Bebel giberto, Frank Sinatra, 60's, 70's, 80's and more modern tunes as well. It was a huge hit.

I really appreciate all the tips I received from the lovely pricescope women!

 

[PumpkinPie]

Under 250$ is a huge success all by itself! Now I know who to come to for advice on throwing a party on a budget if I need it