Our advice for your cocktail party

All you need to know to make a success of your cocktail party

Very trendy for a few years, the cocktail party is a moment of conviviality that can be adapted to any space and any place. 
This alternative to traditional sit-down meals allows you to invite more people, in a setting that is both elegant and relaxed. 
Are you a private individual organising a large family party? Are you a professional and would like to bring your staff together in a less formal way than usual? 
With our expertise in event organisation, you will have all the advice you need to make your cocktail party a complete success.

©La Lune Rousse ©Wavestone 

Knowing the principle of the cocktail party

Unlike more formal dinners, guests at a cocktail party do not have a designated seat. They remain standing and can therefore change neighbours as the evening progresses. The main advantage of this type of reception is that it allows your guests to come and go as they please to eat, chat, have fun... 
Your buffet should be set up with a multitude of culinary creations, easy to eat. 
Sweet and savoury bites, kebabs, spoons, verrines, mini club sandwiches... There is something for everyone, divided into trays and placed on the buffet table. 
For the comfort of your friends and family and/or your staff, your partners or your clients, install a few standing tables and chairs.
Whether it is thematic or classic, a cocktail party can be adapted to all spaces and all styles of events. Calling on a professional to organise it means optimising the preparations for a turnkey evening!

How to find the right place for your cocktail party?

©La Lune Rousse ©Wavestone
Whether you want to organise a reception at your home, in a reception hall or in your company, everything is possible. 
Of course, the number of guests is crucial. The chosen venue must be able to accommodate all the guests, while keeping the traffic flowing and the space clear. The place where your event will take place must therefore meet all these criteria. 
Whether it's a business event or a private function, Atawa can help you create a tailor-made solution. Whether you need a marquee or tents, an outdoor floor, or technical equipment, Atawa can provide the solutions you need to make your project a success.

Give your guests advance notice

It may seem obvious to you, but it is always good to remember that an important event should be announced well in advance. 
The people you invite have time to organise themselves and confirm their presence. 
On your invitations, take care to specify the place, time, format of your reception and any dress code. 
In any case, the more information your guests have, the better they will be able to enjoy the event. Perhaps swap high heels for sneakers for comfort, or a suit for a more casual outfit!

How to plan the right quantities?

The aim of a cocktail party is to share a convivial moment while eating. When you leave your reception, your guests should feel full. It is therefore essential to calculate the quantities needed for the buffet and drinks. 

On average, count 12 savoury and 3 sweet bites per person. Will your cocktail party last all evening and part of the night? You can count on 20 or 25 appetizers per guest. After a certain hour, it is not uncommon to feel peckish again, and everyone will appreciate being able to continue eating. 
If you are going to provide wine, it is estimated that ½ bottle per person is sufficient. For water and soft drinks, plan for larger quantities. 
Are you afraid that you will not have enough? Thanks to our expertise in organising receptions, you can be sure that you won't run out of food or drink.

Vary the pleasures while keeping it simple

As its name suggests, an amuse-bouche should provoke an explosion of flavours on the guests' palates. To do this, there is no need for elaborate cooking. Four or five ingredients are enough to create a delicious bite. 
By mixing tastes and foods, your buffet will appeal to as many people as possible. You can offer fish, meat, vegetables, hot, cold, vegan, gluten-free ... 
Keep in mind that a beautiful buffet is as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach. Play with colours, textures and flavours, to tickle the fancy and curiosity of your guests before satiating them! 
At a cocktail party, appetizers should be easy to eat. Avoid anything that requires cutlery and provide plenty of paper napkins! 
Take care of the presentation of the buffet and the trays, add a nice decoration on the tables and the side tables, and you will see the astonishment and pleasure in your guests' eyes!

The art of surrounding yourself well

©Arnaud CAILLOU - L'OEIL TEMOIN
Aperitif dinners are naturally dynamic, warm and pleasant. They offer the possibility for the organiser to enjoy his or her guests more! You move from one group of guests to another, sharing good times with the whole assembly, throughout the cocktail party.  
But to make your reception a successful evening for you too, it is advisable to surround yourself with professionals. From the aperitif to the buffet, being able to count on impeccable service and controlled management of the meal guarantees you a certain peace of mind. Especially if you plan to invite more than 20 people! You can't do everything on your own. 
From the development of your project to its implementation, including the possible installation of infrastructure, sound and light logistics and the layout of the space, you will appreciate the support of a team of professionals.
Take advantage of our experience in event organisation. With experts at your side, no detail is overlooked. And if sometimes the unexpected happens at the reception, being surrounded by event specialists means you can deal with any situation! 

Don't hesitate any longer and ask for a tailor-made quote for the organisation of your cocktail party!