What time for cocktail party?

Wingit

I'm desperate to host an adult party b/c we're expecting our first LO in Nov and I have a feeling it may be while before I'm up to hosting again.  ha ha!

I'm still debating between a tapas party or a cocktail party focused on fall flavors.  Either way, I didn't want to do an entire meal. Would 8:30 be a good time so that guests have an early dinner but still bring an appetite?

And should I announce it as cocktails & Hors d' oeuvres?

Ginger Le Coeur

I guess I'm old... but I would host a cocktail party around 7:00 and serve some nice Hors d' oeuvres?

I would do a bunch of things I could make ahead of time...

gougeres (stuffed with an herb goat cheese would be amazing as well...)

fresh ricotta served with good scali bread and a nice jam (raspberry or fig both work well.)

charcuterie, cudite, and cheese boards

steamed shrimp

baked brie in phyllo cups   (something like this... I usually used a sliced almonds, and I love apricot jam with this recipe.)

 

 

TarHeels&Rebels

8:30's very late to start an event, IMO.  DH and I would probably decline outright or, I'm ashamed to admit, no show when we were ready for PJs after a long Saturday.

Can I ask how old you and your friends are?  Around age 25, you stop wanting to party, but in your early 20s, 8:30 wouldn't be unreasonable.

Cocktails & hors d'oeuvres isn't the most elegant turn of phrase, but I'd have to think on it.

Wingit

We're in our 30's and while several have children, we all still go out for happy hour occasionally, have a big Halloween & NYE party, but also have family get togethers and game nights.  We just like to socialize! 

My group probably wouldn't frown at 8:30 since it still gives them a chance to get to put their kids to bed before heading out. 

Maybe I can do 8 and just stick to calling it a tapas party.  They'll know I'll mix up some sangria and will have plenty of eats but just not enough to be considered a meal. 

LittleLionC

I think 8:00 p.m. sounds more reasonable. Even though it's only 30 minutes, it sounds way earlier to me than 8:30 p.m.

I also like the idea of a tapas party over a cocktail party. Cocktail focuses on booze, and if you're abstaining since you're preggo, that sounds like a bummer party to host (I would hate to not drink at my own cocktail party!). Tapas focuses on food, so even if you serve sangria, it's more about what you can enjoy

GatorWedsNole

LittleLionC:

I think 8:00 p.m. sounds more reasonable. Even though it's only 30 minutes, it sounds way earlier to me than 8:30 p.m.

I also like the idea of a tapas party over a cocktail party. Cocktail focuses on booze, and if you're abstaining since you're preggo, that sounds like a bummer party to host (I would hate to not drink at my own cocktail party!). Tapas focuses on food, so even if you serve sangria, it's more about what you can enjoy

Totally agree!

julie5220

Cocktail parties are usually earlier and then folks go on to dinner. 

I threw a dessert and cocktails party, and it was a huge hit.  We had mixed drinks, wine, beer, sodas (as mixers or as is), and then a buffet table full of 2-bite desserts.  Nothing savory, and no coffee, much to the disappointment of Nesties-- but it was exactly as we billed it: cocktails and desserts. 

We started at 8pm (We were 34 at the time, for all those worried about age.)  If  a party starts after 7,  I will usually eat dinner beforehand and I'd assume most of your guests would as well.  I wouldn't assume that I'd be fed dinner at 8 or 8:30.   

That being said-- as long as you are clear in the invite, you can do whatever you want.  It's all about managing expectations.

whineymom

I vote 7:30 p.m.