Christmas Eve Cocktail Party, ABC News Chicago
Christmas is coming…How to celebrate? A warm and wonderful Christmas Eve Cocktail Party is the perfect party theme for friends and family and those near and dear. My neighbor threw this party a few year ago and it was one of the most wonderful, festive eves I can remember.
Make sure to think through your music – festive Christmas music playlists set the tone as guests arrive my favorite lounge style music is Christmas Chill and Swingers Christmas CDs available at A Perfect Event.
Second, let’s create a feast filled with merriment.
For the cocktail menu, feature a trio of gorgeous drinks, both with and without alcohol. Guests love to try new things, and this cockail menu of three speciality options costs significantly less than having a full open bar.
1. The Snowball
1 fl oz advocaat
5 fl oz lemonade chilled
ice cubes and a slice of lemon
Directions: Place ice cubes in highball glass(es) and pour the advocaat, pour the chilled lemonade to fill the glass(es), serve garnished with slice of lemon.
2. Cranberry Margarita
1 1/2 oz tequila
1 oz Rose’s lime juice
1 1/2 oz triple sec
1 1/2 oz sweet and sour mix
2 oz cranberry juice
What makes this one fabulous is the Ninja Blender which whips it up into a creamy, dreamy drink. Add all ingredients into blender with ice. Blend until smooth.
3. White Jasmine Sparkling Tea
This amazing sparkling tea is my favorite holiday drink served like champagne but sans alcohol it is as looks pretty as it tastes. Available at Whole Foods.
The holidays are the most hectic time of year so instead of having a dinner party, serve heavy hors d’ouevres – meaning it fills you up just like a dinner party. This stretches your budget as you don’t need to rent large plates, silverware, tables and chairs, etc.
Third, instead of making everything from scratch, rely on gourmet groceries and markets for heat and eat hors’douevres. One of my favorite gourmet secrets is my neighborhood Trader Joe’s – and this entire menu of mouth watering heavy appetizers meaning it fills you up just like a dinner party. This party planning secret allows you to focus on your guests, not the kitchen.
Scallops on the half shell
Ratatouille bites
Vegetable tempura nests with soy ginger dipping sauce
Parmesan Pastry Pups
French Canapes
Fourth, you know how much I love the personalized gifts and favors. Best of allthese are homemade favors to make with your whole family.
Christmas Cookie Jars are premixed cookie mix in old fashioned jars for guests to take and bake at home. The dry ingredients get layered into these jars, which you can buy at Menards. The simple baking details are printed on a label on the back add an egg, milk, bake and enjoy! The recipe is on my blog at aperfectevent.com.
Cheers to a happy holiday and merry season to all. 
