With Stephanie Booth Shafran, author of You’re Invited: Classic Elegant Entertaining (Rizzoli, 2020)
Whether you have a designated bar, a bar cart, or use the top of a cabinet for cocktail entertaining, these ideas ensure a swoon-worthy setup, a relaxed hostess, and a memorable time for all. With knowledge honed over a lifetime of entertaining, hostess Stephanie Booth Shafran knows how to take care of and intrigue guests by paying attention to the smallest details. Learn how she pulls it off with great aplomb with her top ten tips.
- Make your bar area a destination in and of itself.
“Your bar should be an extension of your home’s existing décor with a similar palette and attitude but with elements of glamour—mirrored details, mercury votives, silver trays, a sparkling selection of glassware—that draws guests in. Make it a visual feast for guests and a place for them to connect.”
2. Decorate your bar like any other space in your home.
“ I think about creating a vignette just like I do on a side table or coffee table. I fill mine with fresh flowers, lamps, and colorful glassware. The enchantment comes in through these special accents.”
3. Let your guests know what to expect.
“Whether you use engraved invitations or Paperless Post, the more details you give guests, the more comfortable they will be. These include the occasion of the party and the style—whether it’s a cocktails-only, or cocktails followed by a sit-down dinner or buffet. An attire suggestion is key to understanding the formality of the occasion and gives guests the confidence that they will slip into the event with stylish ease. Also, if you are serving cocktails and then having dinner at a restaurant, let them know where, so they will keep that in mind when dressing.”
4. Have a mix of glassware on hand.
“Every bar should have double old-fashioned, martini glasses, champagne flutes, and an all-purpose wine glass. I like to introduce a special glass chosen to match the mood, palette, or theme for the party (see #5). I pick up sets of unique styles in my travels, at niche shops, from home stores, and from tabletop stores. A thoughtfully chosen, beautiful glass imparts a mood just like other elements of your party.”
5. Consider a dedicated palette or theme for the evening.
“Planning is one of my favorite aspects of entertaining, and here is where I let my imagination fly! I’m inspired by so many things: Fabrics, fashion, travel, and seasons. But I always have the type of occasion in mind. I pick colors, china, flowers, flatware, etc., that fit in with the atmosphere I want to create. A theme or color pairing helps you keep focus during the planning process. Once you’ve settled on an idea, then take it and run with it throughout every aspect of your party!”
- Let your creativity shine through cocktail napkins.
“I am obsessed with cocktail napkins. You can reveal a part of your personality in the selection whether it’s a witty motif, napkins that reveal a passion—I have napkins embroidered with dragonflies, topiaries, King Charles Cavalier spaniels, and monograms, for example—or those that fit in with the theme of the evening. Have fun and be whimsical, and your choice will become part of the conversation.”
7. Introduce a signature drink for the hour.
“There’s a practical side to having signature drinks—they can be premade, and guests can help themselves, but they can also fit in with the chosen palette or theme for the night or even the location; a pink-hued cosmopolitan to complement the peonies in the room; a lemon kiss cocktail for a starry night soirée. And don’t neglect the garnish—the finishing touch. Like the cocktail napkin, the signature drink is also a conversation piece. However, too many drink choices can overwhelm your guests!
8. Include some bar nibbles guests can easily pick up.
“Bar nibbles are a part of the welcoming atmosphere and are especially appreciated by guests that arrive on a weeknight after a long day. These should be simple and tasty—mixed nuts, truffle potato chips, and olives. I stock my bar with these and love to use pretty silver and crystal bowls, so they are away at the ready.”
9. Present seasonally-focused, delicious, crowd-pleasing hors d’oeuvres
“You can serve passed hors d’oeuvres for larger events or for small gatherings. Set them on tables near seating, encouraging guests to sit down and talk. I sometimes set up a self-serve area where guests are invited to create their own plates. A cold seafood array with caviar, smoked salmon, shrimp, and oysters with all the condiments at the ready is a favorite of mine. I also like to elevate the humble. Our family cheese toast is always a hit! Serve food you love yourself, and your guests will too.”
- Dress for the Occasion.
“I am also obsessed with fashion and deciding what to wear is part of the fun of hosting and attending a party. It’s important to make an effort for the hostess and guests, and it’s another opportunity to unleash your creativity and personality. On a practical note, if you are hosting, be sure your ensemble is comfortable and able to take hugs in stride! I also circle back to the theme and choose ensembles that fit in and complement the color and mood, whether it’s a long flowy dress or a more tailored look.”
