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Time to spread a little holiday cheer by hosting a small cocktail party (for 6-8 guests)! I teamed up with Fresh Press to design this gathering inspired by their “Cocktails and Cheers invitation”. Their designs are sleek and modern, and for this one I simply brought the swag from the invitation into my design, using ribbon and felt circles. Read on for the party details.
The food is part of the design with it’s green, red, and white hues.
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I’ve always loved a mashed potato bar so I served some up in mini martini glasses. The mini glasses keep the portion size just right. Set out toppings such as shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives.
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At my annual Christmas party, shrimp cocktail is always the first thing to go. I made individual servings using small tea light holders. The well is perfect for holding cocktail sauce and the shrimp sits on the side nicely.
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For some international flair I served wonton pot stickers in Asian spoons. Again, the bowl of the spoon holds a sweet chili sauce that you can double-dip in without guilt.
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For a fun and unexpected touch, I served individual ceasar ”salad shooters” in small shot glasses. The colors are right on with green lettuce and red cherry tomatoes.
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Finally, serve a signature cocktail for the evening and give it a themed name. Champagne is always my celebration drink of choice and it’s made that much better with the addition of cranberry juice and amaretto add-ins. Get the full recipe for my “Jolly Old Elf” cocktail here!
I hope this party inspiration gets you in the mood for holiday entertaining.
Cheers!
For more inspiration, follow me on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook. Cheers!
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About Chris
I love all of your designs / ideas… but am always curious if this is actually how you design your tables for the actual parties? Isn't it expensive to buy all the "tasting" size plates / spoons? Also, there is only about 6 salad shooters shown.. is that really all you serve? Thanks!! I'm having a party myself and am curious!
so beautiful! I love your ideas, especially using tea light holders for shrimp cocktail.
Anonymous, this is an "inspiration" design. The purpose is to give you ideas that you can incorporate in some way, big or small. It's also for an intimate gathering of 6-8 guests, so you wouldn't need lots of extra paraphernalia.
And, YES, my friends can attest to the fact that I do go over and above the call of duty when it comes to styling my own paries : )
AWESOME, Chris! I have the tasing platters/sets myself, and they are the perfect serving size for a small gathering. I just love this sophisticated design.
This table is beautiful! It all looks amazing, but in particular I'd like to say you're a total genius for figuring out to serve the shrimp cocktail in the tea light holders! So smart!
As the More is More Mom, I love the authenticity of your design. Personally, I think that your serving piece inspirations would be a great investment for future entertaining. Great job!
Very cute, Chris!
I just love the red pom pom trim, adore that idea!!!!! And love how you used the invite as inspiration for the design, just lovely, I especially like it against the white-really allows the food to stand out!
Oh cut it out! You are amazing. I love this. The pom-poms are such a great idea.
Love it Chris! Everything looks amazing. Hope you enjoyed sampling the goodies!
I love this design so clean, simple and well thought out! Thank you for sharing your great ideas.
How wonderful! Loving the decorated pedestals for the garnishes! Brilliant idea! Best, Jillian@catchmyparty
Fabulous design! Love it.
I"m doing something similar for NYE!
OMG…Chris…this is so BEAUTIFUL and love your color choices. I am doing a tasting for my New Years Eve inspiration shoot as well!! I am dieting again after Thanksgiving and this is torture
Oh Chris this is FANTASTIC!! I love the garland behind the table!!
I am so in love! Tucking this away in my wedding inspiration file for sure! I am a huge mini fan and you rocked it!
hugs! Kim @ Party Frosting!
Clever use of those Ikea vases! I have a project using them on Friday, but I never thought to put liquids in them!
What a beautiful party idea! Love the FaLaLa invite and matching red & green garland that is carried through in the backdrop.
Brilliant idea for the shrimp and ceasar salad. First class all around Chris! I love your work! Keep inspiring us!
Oh the pom pom trim is the CUTEST. Why does that always make everything look extra cute? Also, love the garlands!
Chris this is just fabulous! I LOVE the mash potatoes in the martini glasses – so clever. And those pom-poms decorating the candlesticks – well I love them! Amazing job
xoxo
kristi
Chris, congratulations. It looks simple at first but then when you explore the details it is so inspirational, so delicate, those small portions (I love them). Beatriz
I really loved this. My three best girlfriends will all be in town over the holidays and it's nice to have inspiration for a small gathering.
The setup is gorgeous! I just realized I never left a comment here to let you know how good everything looks!
I love this party! I love how modern and clean everything looks. Gosh dang it. Invite me over already!
Chris, I did a mashed potato bar at a corporate event last Monday and it was a big hit…so much so that I have added it to my list for our Christmas dinner! Everyone loves mashed potatos!
Ebony
shrimp cocktail in tea light holders…FANTASTIC IDEA!
Chris, I did a mashed potato bar at a corporate event last Monday and it was a big hit…so much so that I have added it to my list for our Christmas dinner! Everyone loves mashed potatos!
Ebony
shrimp cocktail in tea light holders…FANTASTIC IDEA!
Chris, I did a mashed potato bar at a corporate event last Monday and it was a big hit…so much so that I have added it to my list for our Christmas dinner! Everyone loves mashed potatos!
Ebony
shrimp cocktail in tea light holders…FANTASTIC IDEA!
Wow! This look wonderful!
I absolutely love the mini ornaments hanging from the wonton soup spoons – such a great touch!
CAn I get the recipe for the sald shooters? Looks great!!
Hi Chris, there’s really no recipe involved, just romain lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded parmasan cheese, croutons, and ceasar dressing. You just have to make sure to cut up the lettuce into small sizes : )
LOVED everything about this!!
Beautiful and cheerful!! Just what the Holiday Season is supposed to be.
Thank you!!
Hi Chris,
Definetly you ROCK girl, this is amazing, I love all details and the food, everything.
Tks for being such and inspiration for me.
Rgds, dalys/burundanguitas
Oh my, this is such a lovely and inspiring party setting! It has all the things I love, and the food is beyond mouthwatering
Thank you so much for the inspiration!
xx Ivana
Macarons and Pearls