How Much Booze Do You Need for a Cocktail Party?

Fear that you’re not going to have enough drinks or food for your guests is a common concern.  Take a look at our handy planning guide and you’ll be on your way to hosting a successful shindig. 

Follow Sam on:

The key to a successful party begins with planning. Running out of drinks or ice for your guests can quickly take the party from dynamite to disastrous. This quick and easy planner should give you a good starting place for your party plans. Use it as a guide, but tweak it as necessary for your purposes. If you know, for example, that none of your guests will drink white wine, make the appropriate adjustments to a more popular drink among the group. Do not feel compelled to stock every type of liquor in your bar. Unless you are preparing a signature drink that requires something unusual, stick to the basics such as gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and whiskey.

More to consider:

Plan your list days in advance.

Make bottled purchase well in advance, but save the purchase of perishable condiments and ice for the day before or the day of the party.

If you will need several bags of ice be sure to have ice chests on hand.

Remember to add ‘easy to forget’ items to your list such as napkins and toothpicks.

Be sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic options available for non-drinkers and designated drivers.

Next Up

How to Make a Rosemary Gin-Ginger Cocktail

On a winter evening you need flavors that are bold enough to match the crisp outdoor temperatures. Try this easy cocktail to warm you up. 

How to Make a Herbin' Orange Cocktail

Looking for a winter cocktail that is high in vitamin C and garden goodness? This one has a complex and balanced range of flavors that give it a tasty kick. 

How to Make a Kale-Tini Cocktail

Kale is one of the healthiest foods there is. Mix it with a little vodka, lime and agave for a tasty drink that is chock full of vitamins and minerals. 

How to Make a Clementine Stocking Stuffer Cocktail

Clementines are plentiful during the holiday season. Give yourself a tropical delight with this cocktail made with clementines, rum and some zesty herbs. 

How to Make a Scandinavian Beet Cocktail

Bold in flavor and color, this drink is perfect for a holiday brunch, cocktail party or other joyful gatherings. 

Pink Peppermint Cocktail Recipe

Stuck with a slew of swirly, peppermint candy? Here's a delicious (and pretty!) cocktail guaranteed to please.

Which Beer to Put in What Glass?

Learn about the different styles of beers and the types of glasses to serve them in. 

How to Make Mini Ugly Sweater Christmas Tree Ornaments

Your Christmas tree can also wear an ugly sweater with these adorable, tiny sweaters on dollhouse coathangers. 

How to Make Sweater Christmas Tree Decorations

Use scraps of sweaters, Styrofoam cones, toilet paper rolls, sequins and pompoms to make adorable tabletop tree decorations. 

How to Make Traditional Wassail in a Slow Cooker

The flavor of this aromatic holiday drink deepens as the ingredients steep in your slow cooker. Place all the ingredients in the pot to warm as you make preparations for your party. When guests arrive, they can help themselves to a cup of Christmas cheer.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

House Hunters

6:30pm | 5:30c

House Hunters

7:30pm | 6:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight

House Hunters

8pm | 7c

House Hunters

8:30pm | 7:30c

House Hunters

9:30pm | 8:30c

House Hunters

10pm | 9c

House Hunters

10:30pm | 9:30c

House Hunters

11pm | 10c

House Hunters

11:30pm | 10:30c

House Hunters

12am | 11c

House Hunters

12:30am | 11:30c

House Hunters

1am | 12c

House Hunters

1:30am | 12:30c

House Hunters

2:30am | 1:30c

House Hunters

3:30am | 2:30c

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.