In my 20’s I sampled the newest chic cocktails at the hippest clubs in town and flirted outrageously with the cute bartenders. Flash forward a few decades and cosmos and clubs don’t really factor into my life now that I have two young children. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t be a party mama! I love to invite my sleep deprived friends over for a night of chi-chi cocktails, adult conversation and the chance to flirt outrageously… with our hubbies. If you need some help getting your groove back, try these simple steps to hosting a cocktail party. Welcome back party mama!

1: The Invite
Send an email invitation but be sure to include some basics points such as the start and end time and the adults’ only theme. Although your first time mom friend may think it’s a great educational experience for junior, cocktail parties are not family events!

2: The Bar
There is no need to stock a full bar. Offer your guests a selection of beer, wine and a non-alcoholic option. I often provide one specialty drink to help get them in the party mood. You could offer a concoction like vodka and Red Bull which helps to keep those sleep deprived parents awake for the party! As for the amount of beverages you need, count on 1 bottle of wine (750ml) for every 2 guests. (Maybe 2 bottles per guest if there are a lot of moms in the room!)

3: Set Up
Set your bar up as a self serve area or consider hiring a bartender. This accomplishes 3 things:
1. The bartender won’t over pour the guests,
2. They will keep the bar clean and organized allowing you to socialize more
3. If done properly, they could provide some eye candy

4: Nibbles
You’ll have to provide something for your guests to eat but don’t feel you have to make everything yourself. If budget allows, hire a caterer to prepare 2 or 3 hot hors d’oeuvres that you can heat up and then put together a selection of high impact but low effort nibbles such as premium cheeses, good olives, artisan breads, specialty pates and cured meats. Make your offerings small enough to be handled with one hand. Parents don’t often get the chance to indulge and when they have a drink in hand they won’t want to put it down!

5: Atmosphere
Dim the lights, light some candles and delete all traces of The Wiggles from the ipod. The parents with the bags under their eyes will thank you!

6: All Good Things Must Come to an End
With the promise of the 2 year old’s 6am wake up call, signal the night’s end with the offer of coffee, something sweet to nibble on and the local taxi number.