Hosting a NYE Cocktail Party

 Ever since Austin and I moved into our house a couple years ago, we have loved hosting small get togethers and cocktail parties. There’s just something about having your friends and family over that makes our home feel even more special. With New Years Eve just around the corner, I wanted to share a few tips & decorating ideas for hosting a NYE Cocktail Party. Here are a few ideas that I have found worked for me in the past:

STOCK YOUR BAR CART

I have so much fun setting up our bar cart. Whether you want to keep it stocked with your favorite spirits or keep it simple with coffee & flavored syrups, it’s a fun piece to have in any home.

When throwing a small gathering, it’s important to stock up on party favorites. We typically know what our guests enjoy in terms of drinks, which makes it easy for shopping. But if you don’t, it’s smart to stick with a few base liquors. Tequila and Vodka are usually crowd pleasers and easy to mix in with syrups or juices. Whiskey is also a safe bet!

When decorating your bar cart, be sure to add some fun personal touches. I added a few of my favorite coffee table books, fresh flowers, fruit and some nesting bowls. A recent addition to our bar cart is my “Press For Champagne” button by Lisa Golightly. Fun, right? This looks great on a bar cart or a gallery wall.

SERVE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

When we have people over, we like to have a signature cocktail or two that we feature that evening. While it’s nice to offer a variety of mixers and liquors, sometimes simple is best (and easiest). One of my personal favorites is a French Martini (Vodka, Chambered, Pineapple Juice) or a Poinsettia (Cranberry Juice & Champagne). They are both festive and perfect to ring in the new year! During this time of year, I love to grab fresh cranberries and rosemary to add as a garnish.

SAY CHEESE (AND CRACKERS)

A cheese board is always a must for a cocktail party. And the more the merrier! Last year, we hosted a small cocktail party and underestimated the power of a good cheese board. I was shocked to see how much people enjoyed a nice spread. Now, we always buy extra. You never want to run out (like we did last year) and it’s not the worse thing to have leftovers.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Anytime we host a small get together, I always like to have some unique details. Whether it’s printed napkins or drink stirrers, it’s a fun and easy way to make a statement.

For New Years Eve, I love these “2017” Numbered Glasses from Express (I highly suggest checking out their home & travel shop for more unique home accessories). Another idea is getting one in each number and having people raise their glass as you count down from 10 to ring in the new year.

Having party favors is also a good idea, especially for New Years Eve! These Confetti Glitter Push Pops are so much fun! I’m not sure about the clean-up, but I love the idea!

DRESSING FOR THE OCCASION

If you’ve read my blog before, you know I love a good blazer. This Herringbone Blazer from Express (now on sale!) is the perfect layering piece for this event. It’s seasonally appropriate, but you won’t be too hot while inside. I kept the look very simple with black pants and a turtleneck, but went with a statement pump. These Black Cage Heels are a showstopper and a personal favorite! Pair with a bold lip (I’m wearing “Edition”)  and earrings, and you are party ready!

NYE OUTFIT DETAILS:

Herringbone Blazer (fit: true to size. I love the fit and style of this blazer. It’s a classic piece that you can wear season after season) c/o Express | Mid Rise Pintuck Leggings (fit: true to size) c/o Express | Black Cage Heels (fit: true to size. I know I am late to the game with this style, but I love these shoes. They are so flattering and perfect for year round!) | Lipstick: “Edition” (This is the lipstick brand I was talking about on snapchat a couple days ago. A must!)

MORE NYE FAVORITES