Choosing a buffet menu can be daunting, but these tips and tricks will help you feel calm, cool, and collected during your cocktail party.

One of the most stressful parts of planning a cocktail party, or any party for that matter, is choosing the menu. I have learned some great lessons along the way, and I’m here to share them with you now.

Here are a few tips for choosing a buffet menu for a cocktail party:

Now, let’s break each of those down…

Choosing 6-8 items:

Depending on how many guests you have coming, depends on how many items you should determine.

Less than 8 people, I would only do 4-5.

10-12 people, 5-7.

12-18 people, 7-9.

18+ people, 8 items.

You may be wondering how on earth you are supposed to “cast” 8 food items to make…

 You don’t!

Choose 4 to make, and 4 to buy. Take a hint from your specialty food stores and purchase cheese, nuts, dried fruits, olives, and charcuterie items to ease your life!

*Be sure to opt for items that are hand held, easy to eat. Nothing that requires a fork, unless you have cutlery for twice as many people. It’s better to have cute toothpicks or skewers that guests can use in place.

Choosing a Protein:

Having filling items on your menu is a must for cocktails. Protein is your best bet to keep bellies full! ((Don’t you hate showing up at a party, and there is only nuts and cake?!))

For a fish item, shrimp cocktail is a great option. As long as you have it labelled, for allergy prone!

For the meat eaters, shaved roast beef with a sweet and spicy mustard on soft rolls keeps it hand-held, but feels like a “real meal.”

Chicken satay is really the perfect menu addition. Grill, or bake chicken the day before, then place on a platter. Have skewers ready to dip in the store bought satay sauce as they eat.

Vegetarians are a little bit harder to please with out using a fork. Hummus is easy – pre-bought is great. One other fulfilling vegetarian cocktail food is falafel. You can buy these pre-made, or call you local Mediterranean restaurant and order!

The Veggie & Fruit Platter:

I always, always, ALWAYS have veggies and fruit on the buffet table. I like to make a homemade dip, such as my Maui Onion Dip to serve with veggies. You can make it a few days in advance, and plop into a bowl in the center of the veggie tray. The fruit can be put onto a large platter — and arranged by way of ROYGBIV (You know…. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet!)

Onto choosing cocktails, the fun part! 

For a “staying-on-budget” party, choose one cocktail, premixed. Or, opt for just wine. Or, just champagne. There are so many things you can do with champagne or prosecco; making this a wonderful option that everyone loves.

Choosing the Drinks:

So, after you have chosen your alcohol based cocktail, opt for a non-alcohol drink.

This Vanilla Almond Tea is wonderful any time of the day. Perfect for a brunch, later afternoon, or evening soiree. And, here in the South, everyone loves a glass of Iced Tea!

Lastly, have one or two sweet items. Just to satisfy your guest’s sweet tooth! Cupcakes are perfect, hand-held, and easy to eat… Especially if they are mini cupcakes!

Be sure to share any tips you have for cocktail parties, I’d love to hear them!

XOXO,