Party Planning

03/12/2010

When deciding to entertain, the best rule of thumb we can offer is to be prepared, which means planning in advance. Alcool NB Liquor has compiled a few pointers and things to consider when you're planning your next event.

You may need a permit - If you're holding a large event outside of your home, there is a chance that you may need either a Special Occasion Permit or a Special Event License. Check here for more information.

How much alcohol to buy - This can be a challenge, but we have a few tips to help you with your drink shopping list. You know your guests' preferences best, but in New Brunswick, alcohol sales can be broken down as follows:

Beer = 59%
Spirits = 24%
Wine = 13%
Coolers = 4%

Beer Guideline:

Within the category of beer, consumption in New Brunswick breaks down as follows:

Domestic = 88%
Imported = 3%
Specialty = 1%
Other Canadian = 8%

Planning for a Larger Social Function - If you are planning a large function, the same steps need to be followed - just on a larger scale:

• Calculate how many people will be drinking at the event
• Determine the number of drinks per person you want to provide, and multiply this number by the number of guests. This tells you the number of standard drinks you will need.
• Translate the number of standard drinks into bottles of beer, spirits and wine
  • Ex: 100 "standard drinks" = approximately:
    • Beer: 100 bottles
      OR
    • Spirits: 6 x 750 ml bottles
      OR
    • Wine: 20 x 750 ml bottle

Supplies - Every good host should be well supplied with all of the party essentials. The following list is an idea of some basic tools you will need for anything from a small gathering to a full blown party. There are many more supplies that can make your party a hit - check with your local party outlet for more ideas.    

• Corkscrews (the more styles the better - everyone has their own personal preference!)
• Bottle opener (not everything is twist-off caps)
• Cocktail shaker
• Shot glasses (for measuring)
• Swizzle sticks
• Straws
• Coasters
• Glassware (a wide variety of styles are used for different styles of drinks)
• Ice bucket 

Social Responsibility - hosting a party comes with responsibilities. 

• Absolutely no drinking & driving
  If your guests are drinking, be sure you keep track of car keys. Have taxi phone numbers handy to help get your friends home safely. For an even more convenient option, have designated drivers who will not be consuming alcohol commit to driving people home. 
• Know when to say "No"
  As the host/hostess, you need to know when a guest has had too much to drink, and you need to stop serving that person alcohol. They will be better served eating snacks and having non-alcohol drinks.
• "Mocktails" 
  Every good party has lots of choices, and drinks are no exception. Have plenty of non-alcohol drink options available for your guests. Some recipes for non-alcohol "mocktails" and punches can be found here.

Food - what kind of food should you serve at your function? There are as many answers to that question as there are types of food! But there are a few guidelines ...

• For a cocktail party, (or a non-meal party), serve 8 hors d'oeuvres per person per hour.
• Variety is the spice of life! The more choices you have available, the more people will enjoy. Be sure to include different types of hors d'oeuvres, including vegetarian.
• At a function where alcohol is being served, you should serve the food early in the course of the event to avoid people drinking on an empty stomach. It is also advisable to have food for snacking throughout the function.
• More is less ... of a problem, that is! The more food you have at the ready, the less likely you are to run out. Keep some extras handy in case you need more munchies than you originally planned.