Fall Cocktail Party!

source: Wirtz Beverage Group

What would fall be without a swanky Fall Cocktail Party? I'll tell you! It'd be like Halloween without pumpkins, or Thanksgiving without sweet potato! Unfathomable!

And my favorite brand of cocktail party? One with oodles of fancy, chichi drinks - the sort you see Carrie from Sex and The City drinking at her pretentious New York City parties. I'm not one to advocate throwing a "hoity-toity" party, but I have to admit, it sure sounds like fun!

Follow these easy tips and advice to throw a fabulous party!!

• The Room(s).
  Create a haven from the outdoors with candles and warm lighting. Use warm colors - oranges, reds, and yellows - in every aspect of your party decorating to channel the warmth of autumn.
• The Food.
  What's a party without food? Provide a variety of snacks and finger foods. As guests drink, they'll be more inclined to navigate over to the food to nibble, typically craving something salty.

  Start with a minimum of chips, dips, and a variety of meats and cheeses...or just plan an All-Appetizers Party! I'd try some of the Cooking Channel's Fall Baking Projects and Recipes too!

• The Bar.
  You've got to have the essentials on hand: red and white wine, beer, champagne, and liquor. Make sure to have at least one non-alcoholic option as well, like soda or juice, served in cocktail glasses so guests don't feel left out.

  Be sure to set out wine keys and bottle openers too. Martha Stewart has some great ideas as well.

• Last, but not least, the Drinks.
  Rather than bore you with advice on what drinks to make, check out these websites with fabulous drink recipes and ideas:
  - Cocktails for Your Halloween Party from the Cooking Channel
  - Top 10 Fabulous Fall Cocktails from About.com Cocktails
  - Festive Fall Drink Recipes from BHG

To make the entire cocktail-party menu planning easier for you, I've perused online to find web sites with all you'll need for a knock-out Fall Cocktail Party! Check them out!

How to Throw a Perfect Cocktail Party
image and article from The Daily Meal
Informal, versatile, and positively fun, cocktail parties are the best way to delight and indulge with friends and family at home.

How to Throw a Cocktail Party
image and article from Epicurious
This guide will make the throwing-a-cocktail-party experience easy and stress-free! It covers all the planning, from selecting a menu and setting up the bar to decorating your space.