Cocktail retirement parties allow co-workers to drop in at any time.
A cocktail reception is an elegant way to celebrate the retirement of a colleague. Cocktail receptions generally last two to three hours and feature hors d'oeuvres and alcoholic beverages in a relaxed atmosphere. You do not need to provide a complete meal, but you should offer a selection of high quality food and drinks for all tastes.
Hot Hors d'Oeuvres
Savory foods like spring rolls with peanut sauce make good appetizers.
Quality and variety are the main concerns in selecting hors d'oeuvres. Provide three to four varieties for every 20 guests. Add a variety for every additional 10 guests. Consider your guests' food preferences. Some people may be vegetarian or may not like spicy food. Good middle-of-the-road options are meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, grilled meat or vegetable kabobs, chicken won tons and spring rolls. Count on each guest eating an average of five pieces per hour.
Cold Hors d'Oeuvres
Cold shrimp is a popular cocktail dish.
Cold hors d'oeuvres complement hot hors d'oeuvres. They are a good starter before the hot food is brought out and they balance the spiciness of some cooked foods. They also are easy to prepare and handle, and can sit out longer. Fancy cold finger foods include shrimp with cocktail sauce, crudites with dip, fruit kabobs with yogurt, cubed cheeses and crackers, filled eggs and marinated olives. If you want to make a big impression, consider sushi.
Desserts
Miniature tarts allow guests to sample more than one dessert.
A selection of sweets is the perfect finish to your main finger foods. People do not eat as many desserts as they do hors d'oeuvres, so quantities can be smaller. Simple desserts include small cookies, brownies, mini cupcakes and truffles. Fancier options are bite-sized tarts, cream puffs and petit fours. In addition to the individual desserts, order a cake or a variety of cheesecakes for a finishing touch.
Drinks
Experienced bartenders will know make almost any drink.
Cocktails are the main attraction at any party. Be sure your bartender can make standards like a martini, Tom Collins, Manhattan and White Russian as well as today's most popular concoctions. According to the website BarMeister, they include rum and coke, Cosmopolitan, Long Island Iced Tea, Rusty Nail and Sex on the Beach. Make sure the bar is also stocked with beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages and Champagne for a toast. Expect each guest to drink one or two drinks per hour.
Tags: hors oeuvres, each guest, finger foods, Hors Oeuvres, hors oeuvres, spring rolls