About Cocktail Parties
The cocktail party is a staple of social calendars around the world. Providing an opportunity to enjoy delicious drinks, savory snacks, and sparkling conversation, these parties are great for entertaining friends or as business networking events.
But regardless of whether you like your martinis shaken or stirred, there’s one crucial factor you must get right when hosting a cocktail party: choosing the right cocktail party venue. The best party spaces create just the right ambiance to encourage mingling, conversation, and fun, while also offering all the practical features you need for a successful event.
Best of all, with so many unique and different venues to choose from, you’ll be able to find a space that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on all your guests.
The Best Cocktail Party Venues
Which cocktail party space is the best one for you? Well, that depends on the style of party you’re throwing and the reason for the celebration. A cocktail party that’s an excuse to enjoy a few drinks and catch up with friends, for example, may have quite a different vibe to a soiree held to kick off a business convention or conference. Happily, there are cocktail party venues available to suit any occasion.
- Loft Spaces
Every loft-style event venue has its own unique character and atmosphere. You can usually expect high ceilings, lots of natural light, exposed beams or brickwork, and plenty of space to mingle, which is exactly what you want in a cocktail party venue.
- Outdoor Patios and Courtyards
If the weather gods allow it, an outdoor cocktail party can be a thing of beauty. Whether you’re sipping daiquiris by the pool or soaking up some mellow mojito vibes in a leafy private courtyard, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable evening.
- Speakeasies and Lounge Bars
Some celebrations call for mood lighting, soft music, and an intimate vibe. If that’s the case, an underground speakeasy or stylish lounge bar could be your ideal cocktail party venue. These elegant parlor rooms are suave, sophisticated, and sublime, so they’re ideal for an intimate party vibe.
- Rooftop Bars
To imbue your cocktail party with a real sense of occasion, take the lift straight to the top and book out a private rooftop bar. That way you and your party guests can relax in a secluded sanctuary while you sip on a delicious beverage or two.
- Function Rooms
Hosting a cocktail reception for your business clients and associates? A function room is a perfect choice, offering tasteful decor, a functional space, and all the practical features you need to make your event a success.
What to Look for in Cocktail Party Spaces
There are several factors you need to take into account when choosing a venue for any event. And while it’s easy to get swept up in the way a venue looks, or just how special its atmosphere is, it’s also essential to consider every space purely from a practical point of view. Make sure to consider the following factors when comparing your options.
- Location
The obvious place to start is to look for cocktail party venues in a convenient location. Think about how your guests will be getting to and from the event, and make sure it’s easily accessible for as many people as possible. Consider travel times by road, proximity to public transport, and the safety of party-goers once the celebration ends and they head home for the night.
- Size and Layout
The cocktail party space you choose needs to be roomy enough so that your guests don’t feel like they’re cramped and uncomfortable. At the same time, it needs to be intimate enough so that you don’t end up with a cavernous space devoid of atmosphere. Don’t forget the layout of the space either, as the right sitting/standing arrangements can encourage guests to mingle and enjoy themselves.
- Ambiance
The atmosphere of a space can often be hard to describe, but you’ll know the right ambiance when you find it. It all depends on how the cocktail party venue feels, and it’s created by everything from the lighting and decor to the layout, the furniture, and even how a room smells. From casual and laid-back spaces to elegant spaces suited to black-tie affairs, make sure you search for a location that matches the occasion.
- Staff
Another crucial factor to consider is the professionalism and friendliness of the venue staff. Bartenders need to know their way around an extensive cocktail menu, while wait staff needs to be able to provide prompt service without intruding on the flow of the party. The more organized and efficient they are, the smoother your party will run.
Cocktail Party Inspiration
Even once you have a clear idea of the type of cocktail party you want to enjoy, finding the right venue can sometimes be a challenge. Happily, we’ve got some inspirational ideas to help you find the perfect cocktail party space.
- Twilight Garden Parties
As the sun sets over manicured lawns and landscaped gardens, where else would you rather be than admiring the view with a cocktail in your hand? Garden parties can be glamorous affairs where black-tie attire is encouraged, or they can be a little more casual and laid-back when held in a rustic outdoor setting. It all depends on the outdoor cocktail party space you choose.
- Cocktails on the Rooftop
It’s hard to beat the sense of privacy and exclusivity you get when you and your friends have a secluded rooftop space all to yourselves. With comfortable seating, a built-in bar, and million-dollar views of the Manhattan skyline, this gorgeous rooftop space will have you licking your lips in anticipation.
- Mixing Business and Pleasure
Hosting a business networking event? Search for the best function rooms near you to find a space with beautiful decor, a layout that encourages mingling, and experienced event staff to ensure that your evening runs as smoothly as possible.
- Bright and Airy Loft Spaces
There’s something magical about an old industrial loft that has been lovingly repurposed as an event space. With bright natural light, high ceilings contributing to the sense of space, and eye-catching architectural highlights, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxed cocktail party.