COCKTAIL PARTY
BY willa van nostrand ( aka little bitte )
Nearly a year into the pandemic , literally hundreds of virtual events later and I feel like I ’ m finally on my video conferencing game . I love a good virtual cocktail party and it ’ s been my mission to figure out what works , what doesn ’ t and what ’ s missing from a lot of these events . Follow these steps and I promise your next virtual party will be better than the last .
STEP 1 : Pick a Virtual Platform . Zoom , Skype and Google Meet are favorites because they provide free options that are easy to use . Host up to 100 participants on Zoom for up to forty minutes or fifty guests on Skype before upgrading to their paid service . Google Meet is convenient if you have a Gmail account . Download your preferred app , set a time , copy the link and share it in the invitation .
STEP 2 : Curate the Guest List . Pick five to ten of your favorite humans and make introductions . Extra credit goes to hosts willing to share their hidden talents on screen . Parties with more than twenty-five guests can get rowdy ( or worse , boring ), so keep the group small unless it ’ s a professional conference or workshop .
STEP 3 : Choose a Party Theme . Themes add natural structure to your event . Here ’ s where props and fun attire do the trick . My favorites include : David Bowie , tropical drinks , Hollywood classics , flamboyant hats and , yes , fake mustaches .
STEP 4 : Plan Your Entertainment . Group activities , trivia , menu pairings and simple how-to demos encourage real interaction . Pick a game or share your favorite drink recipe to include in the invitation . Book a live musician , deejay , chef or bartender to wow the crowd !
STEP 5 : Design an Invitation . Email and paper invitations both work , so long as you include the date , start time , end time , theme , attire and the link to the event . Remember to send your guests a reminder the day of your event . Tip : Need help with an invitation ? Hire a local artist to design the invite .
STEP 6 : Set the Stage . Choose a tidy place in your home with good lighting and relax ! The key is that you look and feel presentable . Style your hair , dab on your favorite scent or do a few jumping jacks to release those butterflies . Provide an escape from the regular day to day , and have a nice , relaxed time with your friends .
Looking to coordinate cocktail kits or a virtual drink demo for your next party ? Order cocktail kits at littlebitte . com . Check our Instagram @ littlebitte cocktails for our latest cocktail kit options and pick up drink kits at the new cocktail window at World ’ s Fair Gallery , 268 Broadway in Providence .
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL RECIPE
CLASSIC SOUR
Here ’ s a great recipe template to inspire your next signature cocktail : for a personalized spin on a Classic Sour , combine 2 parts of favorite base spirit + 1 part citrus juice + 1 part simple syrup . Guests are welcome to drink whatever they want , but recipes help set the tone .
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l FEBRUARY 2021 45