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Cocktail Hour
A brief, friendly affair

Q: I want to plan a very small cocktail gathering for three to four couples and I want to limit the time for the party to approximately 2 1/2 hours. I do not want to involve dinner. How do I do this? Is it appropriate to limit the time for the gathering? I'd like to serve moderate to heavy appetizers and three or more cocktail choices. Please let me know the correct way to word the invitation and what appetizers and beverages to offer.

-- J. Mangum

A: No one wants their party to go on for days. The best way to have your event without disappointing or confusing your guests is to plan well and be very upfront.

The Limit. Here are some tips that will politely inform those invited that this is just a brief appetizer party.

In the invitation call it a Cocktail Hour with heavy appetizers. This lets them know that there may be a time limit (no one will believe it will only last one hour) and that this is not a full meal.

Your party should end about 30 minutes before late dinner hour (approximately 8:00 p.m.) Plan the event so that people know when the high point is reached and that it is appropriate to leave. At a birthday party this is after the gifts are opened. At a cocktail party you could announce a door prize, have palm readings, make a grand announcement, or just say "Last Call." An old standby is putting away the food.

When it's your party you are always in control. Your guests will look to you for signals that the party is over. The clearer you are, the more comfortable your guests will be throughout the evening.

The Meal. Choose appetizers that are easy to prepare and maintain. Chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, veggies and dip are staples. You only need to add two additional appetizers like fondue or an artichoke or smoked salmon dip served with bread or veggies.

As this is before dinner, stay away from sweets and desserts.

Most events I attend have too much food. Your guests are just being prepared for dinner. Keep it simple. Besides, a great cue that the party is over is when the food runs out.

The Drinks. As far as spirits go, all you need is a bottle of vodka, rum and gin on-hand. Also have plenty of ice, chilled fruit juices (cranberry, pineapple, orange, grapefruit), soda and seltzer. With these you can make just about anything. Add tequila, triple sec and lemon lime syrup if you want to prepare margaritas.

Stay away from frozen drinks (prepared in the blender) instead borrow several shakers and prepare cocktails shaken with ice and strained into cocktail glasses - the presentation is better and this keeps people from over indulging.

Garnishes can include cherries, olives, lime/lemon wedges and orange slices.

Cheers!
Miss Cocktail