How To Throw A Stylish Cocktail Party

Guests in elegant clothing, soothing background music, indulgent food and superb drinks – these are all the things that spring to mind when you think about a cocktail party. Read on to find out how to get this essential mix of ingredients just right.

Consult your diary

Decide on the time and date of your party. Make it an evening social event as it will be the perfect way for friends to wind down after a day at the office. Cocktail parties are normally held between 6pm and 10pm but if it is in full swing there is no need to cut it off at that time.

Little Black Dress

We all love to dress up but rarely get the opportunity. A sophisticated dress code will help to create the right mood. Make sure you stipulate on your invitations what the dress code is going to be.

Food

An eight course banquet is not required – Hors d’oeurves (canapés) and small portions of food are the order of the day. To match the occasion you will have to look beyond bowls of nuts and offer small quantities of indulgent foods.

Go for caviar on toast, sushi, fresh oysters, strawberries dipped in chocolate etc. About 5 to 10 bites per person would be ideal.

Drinks

Of course the cocktails will be the main attraction. Unless you are a confident mixologist, get an expert in to do it for you. Always make sure you have plenty of ice and suitable glasses; martini in a pint glass won’t really be appropriate. Champagne is always well received either as it is or used in cocktails.

Seating

It is important to provide some seating but don’t go mad. You want people to mix and not sit down in their set social groups. Approximately 1 seat for every 2 guests will be about right.

What else? Well, don’t forget the background music and low lighting. And remember that smiles are contagious so, as the host, smile and relax. This feeling will spread throughout the party.

That’s it, in a nutshell. Go on, have some fun and throw yourself a cocktail party!

The SaVVy Club® – an exclusive social events club always delivering events that are intimate, stylish and memorable, allowing you to quickly meet a whole variety of people whilst exploring London’s finest places and enjoying the best and exclusive events.

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Top 6 Gourmet Treats for Special Occasions

Are you fed up working all the time? Do you find that you never have the time to organise something special for those important occasions in life like anniversaries and birthdays? Perhaps you just want to spend quality time with your loved one.

Well, to help you make the most of your time we have put together a list of the top 6 must-try gourmet treats. So no more excuses – what are you waiting for?

Burns Night Dinner

Some hae meat and cannot eat,
Some cannot eat that want it:
But we hae meat and we can eat,
Sae let the Lord be thank it.

That can mean only one thing – please be upstanding for the haggis! Why not join us for an exclusive 5 star Scottish evening to remember. This wonderful evening of fine food and camaraderie has been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years.

Dinner at The Fat Duck in Bray

Join us for this fast becoming legendary sensory journey of gastronomy.

Heston Blumenthal opened The Fat Duck in 1995. By 2004 it had gained 3 Michelin Stars and had cemented Heston’s growing reputation as a ‘culinary alchemist’. Never afraid to experiment with combinations of ingredients, he has brought us such delights and intrigues as snail porridge, salmon poached in liquorice gel and nitro-scrambled eggs and bacon ice cream.

Lunch at Claridge’s

What could be better on a spring day than enjoying lunch at the hotel that has been the epitome of English style since 1898?

Indulge in a little extravagance and join us for lunch at Claridge’s. The Reading Room defines Claridge’s as a luxury art deco jewel in London. This is a superb venue for intimate dining in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

Afternoon Tea at The Wolseley

Join us for a very English afternoon tea in the stunning surroundings of The Wolseley, Piccadilly.

The building was originally commissioned in 1921 by the Wolseley Car Company as their West End showroom. Drawing on Venetian and Florentine influences, its atmospheric interior boasts grand pillars, arches and stairways.

Dinner at Restaurant Gordon Ramsey, Royal Hospital Road

Enjoy an evening of pure indulgence with our luxurious visit to Restaurant Gordon Ramsey which captures the hallmark of true excellence combining contemporary elegance, an intimate ambience and unparalleled service.

Honoured with 3 Michelin Stars, its simple French cuisine is sure to surpass your expectations.

Sunday Lunch at The Narrow

It could be a tight fit but it will be well worth it. Why not come along and try out Gordon Ramsey’s latest offering.

Set in a Grade II-listed old dock master’s house with Thames views, The Narrow is a truly British establishment offering classic British dishes created with seasonal ingredients. Indulge in the warm, relaxed atmosphere and enjoy real ales and ciders, or champagne if you prefer!

The SaVVy Club^® – where Members enjoy a unique calendar of exclusive social events organised just for them where they can relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

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Private Tours, Exclusive Tours and Director’s Tours

Here are a few events that we have on offer for your pleasure at the moment. We extend the opportunity for you to experience the magic of our bespoke social occasions.

Buckingham Palace Tour & dine at Mosimann’s
Would you like an exclusive look round Buckingham Palace after the Palace has closed to the public? This rare privilege gives you the opportunity to view the state rooms – of which there are 19 – which house some of the greatest treasurers from the Royal Collection. But what makes this event so special is that you will also be led round some parts of the Palace that are never open to the public by a Palace historian.

Champagne and Director’s Tour of Kensington Palace
Even with SaVVy standards, this event is one of the best! Set amidst the tranquillity of Kensington Gardens in the heart of West London, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for over 300 years. This is your opportunity to enjoy the Director’s tour of Kensington Palace led by Nigel Arch, the palace Director. Champagne and canapés will kick off this historic evening as you explore the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria.

Experience the Glyndebourne Opera Tour – Hänsel und Gretel
Leave the hustle and bustle of City life behind and indulge in a magical black tie evening of Opera with The SaVVy Club® at Glyndebourne. Enjoy the privilege of top seats, a world class performance and first class company.

A Gastrotour of Borough Market with Celia Brooks-Brown
Do you love your food? Do you enjoy trying something new? Well, there is nothing that TV Chef and food writer Celia Brooks-Brown doesn’t know about food. Why not join her and broaden your food horizons with a unique insider’s view of London’s vibrant culinary hotspots.

What have you got to lose?
If you are a busy, professional individual who is interested in meeting other discerning busy professional individuals, then take a look at our social events calendar. If you would like to experience one of our events, call us today on 01280 818782 or apply for a Guest Pass or Membership.

The SaVVy Club^® – an exclusive club always delivering events that are intimate, stylish and memorable, allowing you to quickly meet a whole variety of people whilst exploring London’s finest places and enjoying the best and exclusive events.

Read Full Post »