How to Host a Holiday Cocktail Party
The holiday season is almost upon us and it is hands down my favorite time of the year. There is nothing I love more than gathering family and friends together to celebrate. After all, holiday festivities are a great way to entertain and they also give everyone a perfect excuse to dress up. What better way to get in the holiday spirit?
Of course, planning the perfect holiday cocktail party isn’t something you can do overnight. It takes time and effort to make every last detail perfect and sometimes the thought of that alone can be a bit overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be so stressful, though; allow this to be your guide to hosting the perfect holiday cocktail party!
How to Host a Holiday Cocktail Party
From choosing your theme to giving your guests plenty of time to RSVP, below are some easy guidelines for starting the planning process.
Selecting Your Theme
I am all about a good cocktail party theme, and the holiday season lends itself to a lot of fun and festive options. Maybe you want to go with a twist on Apres Ski, complete with an indoor s’mores bar and a shotski. Perhaps you prefer to put a new spin on the lighthearted Ugly Christmas Sweater theme by hosting a Christmas Pajama Party. Whatever route you wish to take, once you settle on your theme you’ll be able to start thinking about all of the elements you wish to have for your Christmas Party, like invitations, decor and - my personal favorite - the food & drink menu. Here are some fun themes to consider:
Apres Ski
Christmas Pajama Party
Christmas Tea Party
Holiday Brunch
Winter Wonderland
The Invitations
Once you’ve picked your theme, you’ll want to decide on the time, date and guest list for your party. It’s best to do this with plenty of time to spare in order to allow your guests time to plan ahead. I always think it’s nice to send some type of an invite beyond just a quick text. Invitations can be simple; Evite offers free options and it is an easy way to invite your guests.
As far as timing, I would recommend getting the invitations sent at least four weeks in advance, but I would even allow for a little more time during the holiday season, as people tend to be busy this time of year.
The Perfect Decor
You’ll need the right decor to set the tone for your holiday cocktail party. Depending on what you choose, you’ll have lots of options.
If you go with Apres Ski, think snow, warm clothes and hot chocolate. Add a roaring fire (or the Netflix Fireplace for Your Home), an indoor s’mores maker and a Shotski. For the dress code, tell your guests to embrace the theme with colorful snowsuits, puffy jackets, boots, goggles and knit hats.
Christmas Pajama Parties allow for a fun, casual and somewhat silly atmosphere. You can even do a spin on the classic Ugly Sweater Party by telling your guests to find ugly pajamas. For the party itself, create a (spiked) hot chocolate bar and decorate with strings of popcorn your guests help create. Put on some Christmas movies and enjoy.
For a Christmas Tea Party, it’s the perfect time to channel Downton Abbey. Fresh winter flowers (like Phalaenopsis Orchids) in a pretty vase, decorative serving trays and pretty teacups help set the scene. Tell your guests to dress up in their best tea party attire.
I love a good brunch so I find a holiday version to be a fun and festive way to celebrate. For me, one of the central pieces for brunch is having either a good Mimosa bar or a good Bloody Mary bar - or even both! I also think it’s fun to have the food be the star. Display pastries on a pretty serving tray and add a solid cheeseboard. Add in a White Elephant gift exchange and you’ll have the perfect Christmas party.
For me, Winter Wonderland is the one where you can really pull out all of the stops for decor. I like to go with an all white theme: white Christmas trees, fake snow and white twinkling lights. Taking a big clear bowl and filling it with gold and silver Christmas ball ornaments is a simple yet pretty way to do a centerpiece. Put together mini gift bags of hot cocoa or s’mores ingredients with a snowflake ornament and your guests are sure to leave in the holiday spirit.
Curating Your Cocktails
For a holiday cocktail party, you’ll obviously want to deliver with festive drinks and there are a ton of wintry options to choose from. From hot drinks like Mulled Wine to chilled batch cocktails like Holiday Punch, you can find the perfect cocktail to fit your holiday party theme (check out the cocktail recipes below).
Speaking of themes, you have to have an on theme signature cocktail for your event! For Apres Ski, consider something like Spiked Hot Chocolate or Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots. For your Christmas Tea Party, think Mulled Wine. A Hot Toddy would work well with the Christmas Pajama Party and Cranberry Mimosas are an obvious choice for a Holiday Brunch. Finally, for Winter Wonderland consider a Chocolate Martini or White Christmas Margarita Punch (and throw in some sparkling wine for good measure!).
Additionally, it’s always nice to offer non-alcoholic options for those not wanting to imbibe. There are a ton of fun options and even some zero alcohol gins, whiskeys and tequilas available to sub in for some of the recipes below. My personal favorite is the Sparkling Ginger Cranberry Mocktail.
Choosing Your Menu
Food is another essential part of throwing a great cocktail party. There are a few items to keep in mind when planning your menu.
Are the food items easy to eat (not messy)? Can they be kept at room temperature? I find that bite size items tend to be best for people socializing so they don’t have to worry about carrying around a knife for cutting. A cheese and charcuterie board is always a nice option, as well as bacon wrapped dates and bruschetta. Another item I love? Olives in warm oil - unexpected and delicious!
These are all safe bets to keep out during the food portion of the party, but it’s also nice to use the crockpot for something like mini meatballs or a warm dip. These can help make the food feel a bit more substantial and less like snack items.
I also like to consider dietary restrictions for my guests to ensure I have something safe for everyone to enjoy. This is something you can request when you send out the RSVPs and the consideration will go a long way to helping them have a good time.
Finally, I like to think about how the food I’m choosing pairs with the cocktails I’m having. I wouldn’t want to have chicken wings with Eggnog, for example. A good rule of thumb is to look at your menu and, through process of elimination, determine what won’t go and what will match nicely.
Your Holiday Playlist
When it comes to curating my perfect holiday playlist, I like to go with classics or something a bit more mellow (like She & Him Christmas). You want music to add to the magic of the holiday without being so loud it makes guests feel like they are frantically shopping at a mall on Christmas Eve.
With that being said, sometimes it will depend on what your theme is. While my music preferences work well for things like a tea party or a brunch, if you go with an Apres Ski theme you’ll likely want to go with a much more upbeat mix.
Holiday Party Essentials
Vase
A vase is perfect for displaying decorative centerpieces. While a pretty decorative vase can be lovely for winter flowers, I actually prefer a glass vase similar to this one from Target because I think filling it with glass ornaments is a beautiful and festive touch.
Lights
Stringing lights around helps add to the holiday feel. I prefer going with white lights for most events, unless I’m doing a Christmas Pajama Party - then I feel like you can add a little fun with colors.
Ornaments
As I mentioned, I love using ornaments for decor. I’m personally a big fan of going with gold or silver balls and then adding a pop of color - red always works nicely, especially when covered in glitter.
Table Runner/Cloth
A good table runner is nice not only for adding another decorative touch, but also for protecting your table! World Market is a great spot for finding festive options.
Beverage Tubs
A beverage tub is a perfect way to house your bottled drinks for guests. You can find really nice ones for an affordable price at World Market, like this one, and they’re so cute - way better than a boring plastic tub!
Ice Buckets
Just like you’ll need a beverage tub, you’ll also want an ice bucket, especially if you are serving punch. It’s a cute way to store the ice and allows your guests to have control over how much they add to their glass.
Decorative Ice Cubes
I actually love a good decorative ice cube. I think they can look so cute and fun to add into the mix of standard ice cubes and you can easily find options for holiday shapes on Amazon. I personally love the rose molds and think, while they aren’t necessarily holiday themed, they can look pretty for a tea party cocktail.
Drink Dispenser
A glass drink dispenser is a great option to have onhand. I think it’s really nice to have infused water at a cocktail party to encourage your guests to also hydrate - I feel like they are more likely to do so if they see water with berries on display in front of them. Plus, the spout makes it easy for pouring. It adds a nice touch!
Cocktail Shaker
If you’re serving cocktails, you’ll need a good cocktail shaker. I personally like having a set with a strainer, stirrer and measurer but as long as you have the shaker itself you can usually make do. Plus, shaking a cocktail is always a fun thing to do.
Copper Mugs
Copper mugs are a must if you are serving Mules. While you don’t have to have them to make a Mule, they really do add a special element to the cocktail. I’m honestly surprised how often my husband and I break our mugs out.
Glasses
Appropriate glasses for cocktails are always good to have an assortment of. From martini glasses to highballs, it just helps it feel more special when you are hosting. However, I will say if you are only going to have one type of cocktail glass my personal preference would be a coupe. I feel like it works for so many things, from champagne to martinis.
Fun mugs
Fun mugs are essential for holiday cocktails, especially if you’re serving something like mulled wine or spiked hot chocolate. Cost Plus World Market is one of my favorite places to look for adorable and affordable mugs, like this cute enamel steel mug.
Silverware Caddy
A silverware caddy is a nice touch to have with the food, rather than just throwing the silverware in a pile. It helps keep everything nice and organized.
Serving Tray
I love a good serving tray! I think it can take a simple appetizer and make it look so pretty. World Market has some really cute options that fit a Christmas Party theme, like this one.
Serving Plates
Dessert plates tend to be perfect for holiday cocktail parties, are they aren’t too cumbersome. You can find pretty versions at places like Target, but I personally love this cute Twelve Days of Christmas set from Anthropologie.
Cheeseboards
A cheeseboard is great to have for any party, but especially a holiday cocktail party. I like the chalkboard versions, as I think it’s great being able to write out what the item is for your guests.
Cheese Knives
With a cheeseboard, it’s always good to have cheese knives. A set can provide the right knives depending on the type of cheese, whether it is a soft brie or a hard cheddar.
Cake Stand
Cake stands can serve many purposes. From displaying an actual cake to holding tea sandwiches for your tea party, you can make creative use of them. Surround the base with fake snow and ornaments and it will be party theme perfect.
S’mores Maker
As I mentioned earlier, a s’mores maker is fantastic for a holiday cocktail party, especially if you are opting for the Apres Ski theme. Indoor s’mores makers make it so you don’t even have to worry about building a fire - you can stay in your warm house!
Raclette Maker
If s’mores aren’t your thing but you like the idea of something similar, why not try a raclette maker? It’s like your own personal Melting Pot but better! It also adds a lovely touch to a holiday party.
Best Holiday Cocktails
Hot Toddy
A Hot Toddy is a classic cold evening drink. In addition to warming you right up, this slow sipping cocktail is also super easy to make. You just boil the hot water and then add the whiskey and honey & lemon juice to taste. If you prefer it sweet, go heavier on the honey. Garnish with a lemon round and a cinnamon stick and gather round the fire.
¾ cup water
1 ½ ounces whiskey
2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste
2 to 3 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste
1 lemon round
1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Irish Coffee
Nothing beats a great cup of coffee…unless you kick it up a notch by making it Irish. After prepping your strong coffee, set the brown sugar in a warm mug or heat proof glass. From there, add in the coffee and the whiskey. Stir all three ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and then top with whipped cream.
2 teaspoons packed brown sugar, to taste
4 ounces strong, hot coffee
1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey
1 ounce heavy cream, lightly whipped
Mulled Wine
Mulled Wine is a holiday classic and one of my absolute favorites. In fact, it’s what my husband and I make every year to enjoy while we decorate our Christmas tree. I love how it’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it also makes the house smell wonderful. Simply bring all of the ingredients to a simmer over low heat in a large pot. After about 10 minutes, serve the wine in mugs with the orange peel garnish and a cinnamon stick. Even the most Grinch-like person will find the holiday spirit with this.
4 cups apple cider
1 (750-ml) bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
1/4 cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
1 orange, zested and juiced
4 whole cloves
3 star anise
4 oranges, peeled, for garnish
Wassail
I love Apple Cider, but it even when it is spiked it feels a bit too much like fall to me. That’s why I like Wassail - it gives a fall drink a holiday flair! It also makes for a nice - albeit sweeter - alternative to Mulled Wine if you aren’t a wine fan.
To make your Wassail, combine all of the non-alcoholic ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for an hour to get the most out of the flavors. Then pour the bourbon into a mug before adding your cider. Add a cinnamon stick for a garnish and you’ll be ready to go wassailing…or curl up and watch a movie.
4 cups apple cider (or unfiltered apple juice, doctored up with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice)
½ inch nub of fresh ginger, peeled and grated or finely minced
2 lemons, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
3 star anise
¼ ounce vanilla extract
Bourbon (plan on about 1 ½ ounces per drink.)
Hot Buttered Rum
Hot Buttered Rum just sounds like winter to me. The very thought of it makes me want to spend the afternoon ice skating just so I can go home and warm up with this cocktail. To make Hot Buttered Rum, you’ll first mix butter, brown sugar, vanilla, the spices and the salt in a bowl. Put the rum in a heatproof glass and then add 1 oz of the butter mixture to the rum. Next you’ll top the mixture with hot water and stir until everything is well mixed. Garnish with a cinnamon stick - and don’t forget you can store any of the butter mixture in an airtight container in the fridge.
1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter
½ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of salt
2 ounces dark or aged rum
6 ounces hot water
Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
Spiked Hot Chocolate
Who doesn’t love taking a childhood classic and putting an adult spin on it? Spiked Hot Chocolate is a great wintertime treat and a crowd pleaser - especially if you add some toasted marshmallows!
To make, bring the milk and cinnamon to a simmer in a saucepan. Very important: don’t boil the milk! Keep the heat at medium low and whisk occassionally for 10 minutes. Then you’ll add in chocolate, sugar and salt. Whisk until the texture is creamy and the chocolate is melted (5 minutes). Use a strainer to pour into a separate large measuring cup and remove the cinnamon. Add the bourbon into the mix and stir. You’ll pour into mugs before adding the toasted marshmallows on top.
3 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons crushed cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon)
8 ounces semisweet chocolate (preferably Scharffen Berger), finely chopped
3 tablespoons demerara or granulated sugar
Pinch of kosher salt
2 ounces bourbon
Toasted marshmallows (for serving)
Hot Cocoa Pudding Shots
While this isn’t the kind of hot cocoa to warm you from the cold, it will bring a different kind of heat to a chilly night. Also - it’s super easy! You’ll first mix the chocolate pudding, hot cocoa and milk in a bowl with a whisk until it’s nice and smooth. Next add the baileys and vanilla extract and mix again. Then you’re going to fold the whipped cream into the mixture. After it’s all combined, you’ll place in small cups and place in the fridge for at least two hours. Before serving, add the whipped cream topping and get creative with anything additional. You can add mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings or even crushed candy cane pieces.
1 (3.9) ounce package instant chocolate pudding mix like Jell-O
1 packet hot cocoa mix like Swiss Miss with mini marshmallows
⅔ cup milk whole or 2%
⅔ cup Baileys Irish Cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped cream homemade or Cool-Whip, plus more for topping
Mini marshmallows
Cocoa powder
Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
The Blizzard
This is another cocktail you won’t want to have if you’re looking to warm up, but the name will make you think of being in front of a warm fire. It’s also incredible easy to make - you’ll place all of the ingredients into an ice filled shaker and then shake really well. Once the outside of the shaker is frosted, strain and pour into a glass with ice and add your garnishes.
2¼ ounces Bourbon.
1½ ounce unsweetened cranberry juice
½ ounce lemon juice
1 ounce simple syrup
Lemon slices and cranberries for garnish
1 cup crushed ice or more
White Russian
White Russians are a fun standby, as they are simple, creamy and delicious. Plus, you can dress them up! You can add things like caramel, chocolate or - to make it festive - eggnog. To go old school, simply fill a glass with ice and add in the Kahlua and Vodka. Top it off with heavy cream (to your liking).
1 part Kahlua
1 part Vodka
1 part heavy cream
Peppermint Martini
Peppermint always makes me think of Christmastime, especially since I love Candy Canes. This is basically a candy cane in a cocktail. Just fill a cocktail shaker with ice before adding in all of the ingredients and shaking until frosted. Strain into a martini glass and - to make it super festive - add a candy cane as a garnish or even a crushed candy cane rim!
5 fluid ounces vanilla vodka
2 fluid ounces white creme de menthe
½ fluid ounce peppermint schnapps
Chocolate Martini
This sweet cocktail makes for a lovely aperitif. I love making it as a little treat for friends when they are over watching holiday movies, but it would be very cute to serve at a cocktail party. To make, first dip the rim of the glass in water and roll in the either the cocoa powder (sidenote - I actually don’t rim my glass, as I like the chocolate martini without this added touch and it still looks pretty and festive).
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka and creme de cacao before giving a big shake. Pour into the glass and enjoy.
Cocoa powder, for rimming
2 ounces vodka
1 1/2 ounces crème de cacao (or other chocolate liqueur), plus extra for rim
Eggnog
While I know it can be controversial, I absolutely love Eggnog. I get so excited when I start to see containers of it in the store and I regularly use it (the non-alcoholic kind) in my coffee during the holidays. Eggnog to me is what Pumpkin Spice is for others; it just screams the start of the holidays for me.
This recipe is a simplified version, but it does require a blender. You’ll place the eggs and maple syrup in the blender and combine for 4 minutes. According to this recipe, it is essential to hit 4 minutes exactly. I’m a rule follower, so I’m not going to test the limits on this one.
After the designated 4 minutes, add in the rest of the ingredients and blend for 10 seconds. After it’s blended, pour the mixture into a container, seal it and place it in the fridge until it’s nice and chilled. Once cold, pour into festive glasses, sprinkle with cinnamon and feel the Christmas spirit wash over you.
4 large eggs
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 cups milk, dairy or dairy-free
1 cup heavy cream, or coconut cream
1/3 cup brandy or bourbon
1/3 cup rum
1 teaspoon nutmeg
ground cinnamon and/or cinnamon sticks for garnish
White Christmas Margarita Punch
This is a great option for a larger batch cocktail, but it’s extra fun because it looks like a winter wonderland in a cocktail. It’s also easy to make, as it only requires mixing all of the ingredients together in a large pitcher or bowl. You’ll want to whisk it all together really well. Serve over ice and don’t forget to have the fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs on hand for garnish, as the red and green with the white drink make it look especially festive.
10 ounces silver tequila
8 ounces grand marnier
8 ounces lime juice
8 ounces coconut water
8 ounces canned coconut milk
6 ounces coconut cream
6 ounces coconut rum
6 ounces simple syrup
1 teaspoon coconut extract, if desired
for garnish: sprigs of rosemary and fresh cranberries
Holiday Punch
One thing always good to have on hand for a cocktail party is a big batch punch. For a host, punch is incredibly easy with the added perk of being a crowd pleaser, as who wouldn’t love a punch bowl full of something delicious and festive?
To make, combine all of the ingredients in a punch bowl. Throw in the orange slices and cranberries for an added pop. Keep an ice bucket nearby so guests can fill glasses with ice and punch.
32 ounces cranberry juice
2 cups orange Juice
1 bottle sparkling apple cider (750 ml)
2 liters Ginger Ale
1 cup Everclear or Vodka
Orange slices and cranberries for garnish
Cranberry Mimosas
One of my absolute favorite things to host is a brunch and with brunch comes Mimosas. While I usually opt for the standard OJ and Champagne, for a holiday brunch I think it’s nice to give it a holiday flair with fresh cranberries.
Fill a champagne flute 1/3 of the way with cranberry juice before adding 1 tbsp of orange liqueur. Then top the rest of the glass with champagne before garnishing with fresh cranberries and rosemary.
cranberry juice
orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier)
champagne (prosecco also works)
fresh cranberries and rosemary
Sparkling Ginger Cranberry Mocktail
I really like being able to offer Mocktail versions of drinks for our guests. Whatever the reason why, not everyone is able to imbibe and that doesn’t mean they should be going without a fun and festive drink. From NA Beers to Zero Alcohol Spirits, there are lot of options but the Sparkling Ginger Cranberry Mocktail is my favorite to offer for a holiday party.
To make, you’ll first need to combine the sugar and orange zest on a small plate. Then you’ll use an orange wedge to rim your glass so the orange sugar coating will be able to stick. Dip your glass onto the plate until coated with the orange sugar and then set it aside.
Next you’ll measure out the cranberry juice and pour it before adding the ginger beer on top. Stir it all together and then garnish with your fresh cranberries for an extra festive touch.
2 tbps granulated sugar
an orange (and 1 tsp of orange zest)
2 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice (NOT cranberry cocktail)
4 ounces Ginger Beer
fresh cranberries
Whiskey Ginger
It’s always good to have a simple classic recipe at the ready. The spiciness from the ginger gives this a holiday feel and it’s so easy to make. You just need to pour the whiskey into a highball glass with ice, add the ginger ale on top, squeeze the wedge of lime into the glass and stir. Festive glasses and stirrers can give it an extra special feel.
1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey
5 ounces ginger ale
1 lime wedge
Cranberry Mules
A Mule is always fun to serve at a party, as everyone loves a good copper mug. To give it a special Christmas feel, cranberries are a great addition to this crowd pleasing cocktail. Start off by putting crushed ice in your copper mug and then add in all of the ingredients minus the garnish. Stir it all together and top with fresh cranberries and a lime wheel for a festive flair.
4 ounces ginger beer
4 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
2 ounces dark rum or vodka
1 lime, cut in half
crushed ice cubes
fresh or frozen cranberries
Holiday Sangria
Just like Holiday Punch, Holiday Sangria is a great option to make in batches. Instead of a punch bowl, you’ll just need a large pitcher that you’ll fill with the agave nectar, grand marnier, brandy, orange slices, lime slices, pear slices, pomegranate seeds and cinnamon sticks. Then add the red wine and stir.
After it’s all combined, cover the pitcher with plastic wrap before chilling in the fridge for a minimum of two hours. Prior to serving, top it with the ginger ale and stir before pouring over ice and garnishing with the limes and oranges.
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1/4 cup grand marnier
1/4 cup brandy
1 orange, halved and then sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 pear, sliced
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
2 sticks of cinnamon
1 bottle of dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
3/4 cup ginger ale
Winter Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is my favorite cocktail but I always feel a bit weird ordering it in the winter months, as I normally associate it with being a summer drink. When I found the Winterized version I was beyond thrilled - what a simple yet genius solution to my problem!
To make the Winter version, you’ll fill a glass (I like a large wine glass) with ice and combine the aperol, prosecco, cranberry and club soda. Stir it all together before garnishing with the orange wedge and twist. The final touch for winterizing this cocktail is adding the aromatic sprig of rosemary. Enjoy!
3 ounces Aperol
3 ounces Prosecco
1 ounce cranberry juice
2 ounces club soda I've also used cranberry spindrift for this!
1 orange wedge
1 orange zest twist
1 sprig of rosemary
There you have it! Here are all of the tips, tricks and recipes you’ll need to host your perfect holiday cocktail party. I hope you enjoy!
Until next time, (holiday) cheers!
