The atmosphere at a cocktail party can reflect a lot on the host, but more so on the event planner. Plan the atmosphere in advance with your client. Deliberate carefully your lighting and music selections. Does your client want a mellow jazz atmosphere or a dance-the-night-away setting? Have a strategy with your client and make adjustments accordingly.

Theme

As with other events, choosing a theme will tie all of the details together. Themes can be based on a season, a region, or a holiday. Imagine a winter solstice theme, a Moroccan theme, or a Cinco de Mayo cocktail party theme. To create a theme, decide on one key element and revolve the party around it. For example, if your client is hosting a small cocktail party on her veranda, a taste of Tuscany as a theme might transform the event out of the ordinary and into the superlative.

Decorations

Once the theme has been decided, work the decorations into the theme. Use color, texture, lighting, and flowers for decorations. For a cocktail party, simple accents such as a collection of votive candleholders lit in the space can be sufficient. A large bouquet of flowers on the buffet table is another simple touch. Hang twinkle lights or paper lanterns at an outdoor venue.

Music

Music is essential in keeping the tempo of the event in full swing. Lazy lounge tunes set a cool, mellow atmosphere. Upbeat, high-energy tunes can keep everyone dancing in between bites. Progress the music from low- to high-tempo tunes. The music should be friendly and not aggressive. The volume of music should be just low enough so people can carry on a conversation.

Seating

Seating at a cocktail party should be limited. Guests usually begin in the kitchen, close to the food and drinks, before the party progresses to a sitting room. Arrange to have some seating, but encourage guests to stand and mingle. To spread guests out, set stationary items away from the kitchen.