Sip Into a Glamorous Cocktail Party

By Lindsey Ellis Beatty
November 07, 2012
Jim Franco
Crowd-pleasing small bites and sparkling drinks make for a festive-yet-relaxed holiday féte. (We'll clink to that.)
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Perfect Party Host

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Sparkling Rum Punch

Does hosting a sit-down dinner tend to send you into a tizzy? Try this tapas-inspired menu, defined by small bites and fizzy cocktails.

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Festive Details

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Here's another reason to bubble over with excitement: We partnered with Minted to create custom paper goods for each of our parties, all designed by Southerners. In addition to invitations, you'll find banners, centerpieces, stickers, and more at minted.com/el/southernliving

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Set the Table

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Add instant whimsy with a dash of confetti at each place setting, sprinkled atop a mix of gold-trimmed china. Create a slit in the top of a Champagne cork for an instant, clever place-card holder.

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A Bit About Bubbly

Credit: Jim Franco

This time of year, wine aficionados reach for Crémant, a typically high-quality sparkling white wine made in several French wine regions. Expect to pay $15 to $30, about half that of Champagne. Now that's what we call bang for the bottle.

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Crispy Goat Cheese-Topped Arugula Salad

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Crispy Goat Cheese-Topped Arugula Salad

The Panko-coated goat cheese slices lend a nice and crisp bite to this salad, which we've topped with a fruity pomegranate vinaigrette.

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Salt-Roasted Beef Tenderloin Sliders

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Salt-Roasted Beef Tenderloin Sliders

You can serve these hearty bites between biscuits, brioche, or artisan dinner rolls for an elegant presentation.

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Mini Crab Cakes with Pineapple-Cucumber Salsa

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Mini Crab Cakes with Pineapple-Cucumber Salsa

These crowd-pleasing Mini Crab Cakes with Pineapple-Cucumber Salsa make impressive small bites for your hoilday féte.

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Fingerling Potatoes with Avocado and Smoked Salmon

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Fingerling Potatoes with Avocado and Smoked Salmon

You'll love the unexpected flavor combination of creamy avocado and fresh dill atop roasted potatoes. This makes a great handheld appetizer when entertaining—just be sure there are plenty to go around.

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Shop the Party

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

1. Updated bamboo rod chandelier, $849; shadesoflight.com

2. Quartz cluster necklace, $42; leifshop.com

3. Vera Wang Wedgwood Orient flute, $42.50; wedgwood.com

4. Corial Gold by Medard De Noblat dinnerware, $34 and up; michaelcfina.com

5. Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Pale Pink, $28; sephora.com

6. Gold party eyelashes, $5; amazon.com

7. Pink Marc de Champagne truffles, $25; neimanmarcus.com

8. Deborah minaudière, $285; ingechristopher.com

9. Shattered Pink Diamond Glitz nail color, $8; essie.com

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Set the Mood

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Get your party started on the right note with our playlist:

  • Little Brown Jug, Glenn Miller Orchestra
  • I've Got the World on a String, Frank Sinatra
  • Holly Jolly Christmas, Michael Bublé
  • My Favorite Things, Diana Ross and The Supremes
  • Sing, Sing, Sing, Anita O'Day
  • Come Fly With Me, Frank Sinatra
  • Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt
  • Baby, It's Cold Outside, Louis Armstrong
  • The Nutcracker Suite, Baz Kuts Breaks Mix
  • Auld Lang Syne, Pink Martini

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By Lindsey Ellis Beatty