Cocktail parties traditionally are held at 5 or 6 P.M. and last for two hours. They can be a precursor to dinner or hold their own with the right menu. In addition to cocktails, cocktail parties also serve beer and wine. Appetizers, tapas, or hors d'oeuvres are the main event on a cocktail party menu.

Predinner cocktail parties feature lighter fare with less variety, typically two or three types of passed hors d'oeuvres with one stationary item. The stationary item serves as a stable food supply while the hors d'oeuvres are being plated. An example of a stationary item may be an artisanal cheese board or charcuterie plate. The food selections are light so as to not fill the guests before dinner. Guests are encouraged to nibble, therefore the plates of hors d'oeuvres are not heavily passed.

A cocktail party in lieu of dinner may begin at 7 P.M. rather than the usual 5 P.M. starting time. The menu would include at least six types of passed hors d'oeuvres with two or three stationary items. The passed menu will start off with light flavors and then graduate to more substantial savory items. Guests are encouraged to eat heartily so the hors d'oeuvres are passed with more regularity.

Cocktail parties in recent years have gained acceptance as casual events in private homes and more formal affairs taking place at galas and weddings. Cocktail parties take place at restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs. An event planner may get involved in a cocktail party a number of different ways.

• A client may hire an event planner from an event planning company to host a cocktail party.

• The event planner may plan a cocktail party in which a client chooses a restaurant as the venue.

• The event planner of a catering company may also have the opportunity to plan a cocktail party.