Engagement Party Drink Ideas
When shopping for the dinner party, the hardest part for me is always the wine. It's not the wine-food pairings that get me down, it's the decision between saving and splurging. How much do I like my guests? Will they appreciate it? What will they think of me if I serve a dud? With the engagement part, it's even worse because you'll be with your future-in-laws and you want them to like you.
I love a good glass of wine, but it can often be pricy. A bottle usually contains five to six glasses depending on how much you pour, and the average adult can go through two over the course of a dinner. Rather than breaking out the two buck chuck, here are some tips to stretch out your drink budget without leaving your guests feeling thirsty and dry.
Rule #1: Provide Alternatives
Provide appealing non-alcoholic beverages such as juice, soda, and coffee. I also like leaving out a pitcher of ice cold water with some lemon slices or leaves of basil and cucumber. Blood oranges also add a nice touch. It tastes and does the body good.
Rule #2: Elegant Atmosphere
Create a busy ambience with great music and activities! Instead of having a roomful of adults stand in a room and nurse their drinks, encourage your guests to mingle. This can be through a game of human scavenger hunt or another ice breaker game.
Rule #3: Hide the Supply
Keep the alcohol in the kitchen. Bring out more wine and beer as your guests finish it. Not only will it leave your table looking tidier, but guests are likely to be less generous with the pour if they're afraid that not everyone will get a drink.
Rule #4: Dilute the alcohol and keep servings small
Some couples serve one or two signature cocktails in order to keep the cost down. Stocking up on a few types of alcohol is convenient. Make sure it's something that you like or you may be stuck with a lifetime supply of bitters that you'll never touch.
Cocktails also spreads out the alcohol over more people, especially when you add sparkling water or soda. The bubbles make everyone feel celebratory and its a lot more affordable than champagne. As an added bonus, they're memorable as well.
Beverages like sangria often made with a bottle of wine and equal parts juice or soda water.
Rule #5: Don't Rule Out BYOB
If your friends and family believe that a good party means that the wine and beer should flow freely ask them to help out with the cost. Budget out two drinks per person, but encourage them to bring more if they would like.
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Posted by Natalie T.
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