Throwing the Perfect Party

A successful soirée is equal parts simplicity, timing, and scandal.

One of my favourite things to do is to take a picture of my house before everyone comes over: close-ups of the glistening freshly-washed blackberries for garnish; the champagne flutes perfectly in line like soldiers ready to slake the thirst of my guests; the canapés all aligned on pristine white platters; the napkins swirled in a tall pile; and, of course, the floors so shiny I can see a hair out of place on my head by looking down. And then when I walk down my stairs blurry eyed the next morning I snap another picture: a picture that is the bizarro world equivalent of the setup.

Yes, we have all had cocktail parties to celebrate a million different occasions and we have all heard nightmare stories of a dog running out of the kitchen with the tenderloin, or the ice machine breaking down, or the absolute worst – ”I was stuck running around the entire evening and didn’t even get to enjoy myself!”

After all, we have a party to have fun, not to add to the stress of our everyday lives. So, here is a short list of what you can do to stay in front of the eight ball instead of behind it all night:

1. Glasses are a very important part of any party. Not only do they discourage guests from drinking directly out of the bottle and slurping from their hands, but they also enhance cocktail creations. Champagne flutes that are clean will enhance and help to keep the bubbles bubbling. Any and all chemicals ruin the carbonation of all liquid, including beer. If you are serving champagne cocktails use champagne saucers. The saucer allows for all of the ingredients to be tasted at once since the bowl is shallow. As you tip the glass to sip the cocktail, the champagne float touches your lips and then slides back allowing the rest of the ingredients to move forward across your tongue. As your sip is concluding, the champagne glides back across the other liquids, refreshing your palate. A flute will not do this. You will only be able to taste the cocktail in layers as individual segments instead of as a blend. Who knew there was so much going on in your glass! Also, consider renting your glasses; the price is justified by the time saved not cleaning up.
2. Feel free to pre-mix your cocktails. I often will select two complex cocktails as pre-mixed offerings kept in carafes within ice buckets for the self-service lane at the party. Margaritas and sangrias are fabulous for this. Not only will the flavour intensify the longer the fruit soaks in the drink but they also look beautiful and vibrant in the container – art meets cocktail! You can make these drinks the day before or morning of. Find a stainless steel container that can hold four carafes and ice, and you are golden. This will keep you having fun with your guests while they top up their own libations. Be sure, however, to have long stir sticks to keep the cocktails from separating.
3. Keep it simple! You only need to offer four cocktails and two wines. When choosing your liquids make sure they complement your food offerings. Your guests will appreciate this and you will look like an entertaining superstar!
4. Clean, clean, and clean! Don’t allow your trays of canapés to look picked over. The best way to do this is to limit the number of food offerings to seven. You can make larger batches and keep them in reserve. Refresh the plates as you clean the crumbs and sauces from the sides of the platters.
5. Do as much as possible before the party starts. This seems obvious but so many people forget to have an empty dishwasher so they can load as they clean. Keep an ice bin out so your icemaker is full until really needed later in the party. Have as many glasses out and a good stock of mix and garnishes easily accessible so as not to waste any time while mixing drinks.
6. Keep a bottle of white or champagne, a bottle of red or port, and a bottle of vodka locked up in your closet, and do not bring them out until you reach that golden number of desired people near the close of the evening. This is the best time to keep the party going by pulling out some choice bottles and enjoying with friends – unwinding while telling the sordid stories of the evening with an intimate group. Keep these suggestions in mind and you will be able to enjoy your party instead of being beaten by it!

For our Toronto readers: You can taste Jeremy Parsons's exotic creations at the tenth anniversary party of Cocktails: The Fluid Experience at Ame tonight from 10 p.m. -2 a.m. (19 Mercer Street, Toronto).