Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
During the holidays, people are more inclined than at other times of the year to entertain family and friends at home.
While it’s always nice to host a get-together, it can be daunting—and expensive—to prepare menus.
One way to keep costs under control is limit drinking offers.
THE RECIPE FOR HOLIDAY DRINK IS ‘QUITE SIMPLE’, ‘LOOKS VERY GOOD’, SAYS THE CHIEF WINNER
Fox News Digital asked hospitality experts for their tips, tricks and hacks on how to keep spending under control while maintaining a good holiday mood.
Here’s what they shared.
Don’t let stressful drink offerings get in the way of a fun and relaxing holiday party. (iStock)
1. Know that less is more
Throwing a holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive – and part of the fun is creating your own food and drink menus selections for your guests.
When it comes to drinks, less can be more.
NUMBER OF DAYS PERINO. 1 RULE WHEN ATTENDING OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTIES
“By keeping drink options simple and focusing on festive pairings, you can host a fun and memorable event without breaking the bank,” Peter Brattander, vice president of food and beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in New Jersey, told Fox. News Digital.
“You want to keep things simple and focus on your guests, not playing bartender all night.”
By limiting your drinking options, you can spend more time focusing on the family and friends who are present. (iStock)
2. Reduce stress as a host
When planning drinks for a party at home, it’s all about making thoughtful choices that will please everyone, Brattander said.
“Limit your drink offering to a few wines, beers and a little bit a selection of spirits is a thoughtful and practical approach to organizing a holiday gathering,” he said.
8 GREAT GIFTS FOR FOOD AND WINE LOVERS THIS SEASON
“It keeps the focus on the family, the connection and the meal, without turning the event into a cocktail party.”
“By simplifying the drink menu, you reduce stress as a host and can allocate your time and resources to creating a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food.”
Keep things simple by pairing wines with different dishes or appetizers. (iStock)
3. Make a specific list of drinks
Plan your drink menu to match what you’re serving.
If you are serving multiple courses, such as starters, main course and then dessert, should serve wine dryer first, then a dry wine and finally a sweeter wine, Sharon Fenchak, head winemaker at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
She said simplifying the selection for holiday gatherings is a good move.
A signature cocktail could be a fun addition to your menu.
“For a holiday gathering, I say three wines, a dry white, a slightly dry rosé, and a medium-bodied red; two beers—a low-alcohol beer and a craft beer like an India Pale Ale or lager; a clear spirit (like gin or vodka) and a brown spirits (such as whiskey) should please any audience,” Fenchak told Fox News Digital.
HOW TO GET A HOME BAR AND OTHER COCKTAIL SUPPLIES REVEALED
In addition, batched signature cocktail could be a fun addition to your menu, Fenchak said.
“A pre-made signature cocktail or mocktail is a great idea to make an event special while keeping it simple,” said Fenchak.
4. Keep things simple
The strategy here is the philosophy of keeping the selection of cocktails small.
HEARTLESS COWGIRL is a “heartbreak worthy” cocktail INSPIRED BY “YELLOWSTONE”
“I love the idea of keeping things simple but thoughtful, so start with a signature cocktail or two—something light and refreshing like a margarita is always a good choice,” Olivia Pollock, Evite’s Los Angeles-based hosting specialist, told Fox News Digital.
Add a holiday twist to your standard drinks by making special cocktails with seasonal flavors. (iStock)
One suggestion is a holiday margarita, e.g cranberry margarita.
Fresh, simple and colorful, it’s the perfect holiday cocktail, noted Pollock.
Then offer a few basic spirits like vodka, whiskey, and rum, plus some simple mixers like tonic, soda, or juice.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
“I also keep a large bucket of ice nearby in case someone wants to make champagne on ice or add ice cubes to their wine,” she continued.
“This way, guests can mix their own drinks, but you don’t overwhelm them with too many choices.”
Offering guests a special after-dinner sip like dessert wine can be a great finishing touch to a festive evening. (iStock)
Brattander said offering a small digestif or dessert wine after a meal can be a thoughtful finishing touch that makes the evening complete.
5. Offer non-alcoholic options
In addition to alcohol, offer some options to your guests, Brattander said.
For more lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle
“Don’t forget drivers with special supervision or those who don’t drink. Delicious non-alcoholic punch or mocktail because a welcome drink can make them feel just as included and set an inclusive warm tone for the evening,” Brattander told Fox News Digital.
Cider is also a festive addition to your holiday drink offering.
Avoid the added stress of the holiday household by limiting your guests’ beverage choices. (iStock)
Bonus: save money on entertainment
When it comes to buying drinks for your party, Pollock said, a little planning can go a long way in keeping things budget-friendly.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Buying in bulk – like larger bottles or cases of wine, beer and spirits – can save you quite a bit, especially for larger gatherings,” she said.
“Also, keep an eye out for sales and promotions. Many stores offer deep discounts, especially during holidays or seasonal events.”
