Expert Tips to Make Your Holiday Cocktail Party Unforgettable

The holidays are all about food, drink, and celebration. But months of nonstop hustle preparing countless dinners, cocktail parties, and get-togethers can exhaust even the most festive spirit.

To put the fun back into the entertaining season, we’ve compiled a one-stop guide to making the most out of your holiday celebrations — with the least amount of effort. From the best drinking board games to party tips from pop-up experts, snacks from celebrated chefs like Daniel Boulud and Stephanie Izard, and easy equal-parts cocktails, it’ll be easier than ever to make next gathering stress free and sure to impress.

How to Throw a Cocktail Party Like a Pro

Drinks can make or break a party, but the cost and prep involved can also make them a source of anxiety. No one wants thirsty guests, but you also shouldn’t need to feel like you’ll need to take out a second mortgage after a trip to the bottle shop.

We’ve gathered pro tips, from a professional caterer and cookbook author who has the formula to making sure you buy just enough alcohol for your guests, to tips on making large-batch cocktails, and simple cocktail snack tips from Stephanie Izard that come together quickly and will perfectly match your drinks.

Multiple hands holding beverages around a bright pink ellipse.

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Four Easy Equal-Part Drink Recipes

Cocktails are essential to any gathering, but no one wants to play bartender when they’d rather be enjoying the fun. Rather than stocking dozens of types of liquor and being forced to look up complicated recipes, stick to simple, equal-parts cocktails, many of which can be made in advance.

Here are four classic cocktails, beloved around the world, that are based on equal measurements and use a minimum of ingredients. With a few staples — gin, vermouth, lemon and lime juice, and a few additions like Campari and maraschino liqueur — you can have a top-tier cocktail program at home without the headache.

Tips to Be a Better Host

Celebrations are about celebrating, and that goes beyond just food and drinks. A few quick tricks can bring the magic and leave lasting memories. We’ve talked to the pros of the famous Miracle holiday cocktail popups for their tips to create a visually striking and interactive event at home, as well as gathered drinking board games to help get guests in the mood and relieve the pressure on small talk. Also, discover easy hors d’oeuvres tips and recipes from star chef Daniel Boulud, and a quick lesson on why a simple notebook can create a lasting impression.