During the holidays, people tend to entertain family and friends at home more than at other times of the year.
While it’s always great to host a get-together, it can be difficult – and expensive – to set up menus.
Another way to keep costs down is to limit the supply of drinks.
Holiday Drink Recipe ‘REALLY EASY,’ ‘LOOKS REALLY REAL,’ SAYS CHIEF WINEMAKER
Fox News Digital asked hospitality experts for their tips, tricks and hacks to manage their spending while keeping the holiday spirit high.
Here is what they shared.
Don’t let the stress of serving drinks get in the way of a fun and relaxing holiday party. (Stock)
1. Know that less is more
Throwing a holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive – and part of the fun is creating your own food and drink menus for your guests.
When it comes to drinks, less is more.
DANA PERINO’S NUMBER. 1 LAW IF YOU GO HOME FOR OFFICE HOLIDAYS
“By keeping your beverage options simple and focusing on festive pairings, you can host a fun and memorable event without breaking the bank,” Peter Brattander, vice president of food and beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in New Jersey, told Fox. Digital News.
“You want to keep things simple and focus on your guests rather than playing bartender all night.”
By limiting your drink options, you can spend more time focusing on family and friends. (Stock)
2. Reduce your stress as a recipient
When you’re planning a cocktail party at home, it’s all about making thoughtful decisions that cater to everyone, Brattander says.
“Limiting your drinks to a few wines, beers and a small selection of spirits is a thoughtful and practical way to host a holiday gathering,” he said.
8 GREAT GIFTS FOR FOOD LOVERS THIS SEASON
“It ends up focusing on family, communication and food rather than making the event a cocktail-centric party.”
“By simplifying the beverage menu, you reduce the stress as a host and can allocate your time and resources to creating a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food.”
Keep things simple by pairing the wine with your different courses or hors d’oeuvres. (Stock)
3. Create a specific list of drinks
Plan your drink menu to pair with what you’re serving.
If you are doing multiple courses, such as appetizers, mains and then dessert, you have to serve a dry wine first, then a dry wine and a sweet wine last, Sharon Fenchak, wine manager at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
He said that simplifying the choice of holiday gathering is a good step.
A signature cocktail can be a fun addition to your menu.
“For a holiday gathering, I say three wines, a dry white, a dry rose and a medium rosé; two beers – a light beer and a craft beer such as an India Pale Ale or lager; a clear spirit (such as a gin or -vodka) and a dark spirit (like whiskey) should please any crowd,” Fenchak told Fox News Digital.
HOW TO STOCK A HOME BAR AND OTHER COCKTAIL TIPS
Plus, a blended signature cocktail can be a fun addition to your menu, says Fenchak.
“A pre-made, mixed signature cocktail or mocktail is a great idea to make an event feel special while keeping it simple at the same time,” says Fenchak.
4. Keep things simple
The philosophy behind the cocktail selection is less of a strategy here.
HEARTLESS COWGIRL IS A ‘YELLOWSTONE’-INSPIRED COCKTAIL ‘WORTH THE HEARTBREAK’
“I like the idea of keeping things simple but thoughtful, so start with a cocktail or two — something simple and refreshing like a margarita is always a good choice,” Olivia Pollock, Los Angeles-based Evite hosting expert, told Fox News Digital. .
Add a holiday twist to your usual drinks by making special cocktails with seasonal flavors. (Stock)
Another suggestion is a holiday margarita, such as a cranberry margarita.
Fresh, simple and colorful, it’s the perfect holiday cocktail, noted Pollock.
Then, offer a few basic spirits like vodka, whiskey and rum, as well as simple mixers like tonic, soda or juice.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFE NEWSLETTER
“I also keep a big bucket of ice nearby in case someone wants to make champagne on ice or add ice cubes to their wine,” he continued.
“This way, guests can mix their own drinks, but you don’t overwhelm them with too many choices.”
Offering guests a special after-dinner drink like a dessert wine can be a great way to end a festive night. (Stock)
Brattander said offering a small after-dinner digestif or dessert wine can be a thoughtful finishing touch to make the evening feel complete.
5. Offer non-alcoholic options
Beyond alcohol, give your guests options, says Brattander.
For more lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle
“Don’t forget about designated drivers or those who don’t drink. A non-alcoholic punch or mocktail as a welcome drink can make them feel included and set a warm, inclusive tone for the evening,” Brattander told Fox News Digital. .
Cider is also a great holiday addition to your holiday drink list.
Avoid the added stress of hosting the holidays by limiting the beverage options for your guests. (Stock)
Bonus: Save money on your party
When it comes to buying drinks for your party, Pollock said, a little planning can go a long way in keeping things on budget.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
“Buying in bulk – such as large bottles or cases of wine, beer and spirits – can save you a bit, especially for large gatherings,” she said.
“Also, keep an eye out for sales and promotions. Many stores offer great discounts, especially around holidays or seasonal events.”
Source link
