January …in the moment
Cocktail parties
Be they large or small, social gatherings give a convivial structure to the festive season with New Year’s Eve undoubtedly a highlight. Creating opportunities to spend time with loved ones lifts the heart and spirits amidst both the dark nights and the drop in temperature.
Setting the scene
The glamour and appeal of hosting an elegant drinks gathering can be found in setting the scene as well as in enjoying the event itself.
To create a truly special sense of occasion, begin by creating a focal point to draw both the eye and guests to the hub of the action. Stylist and Bar Cart Style author Emily Henson suggests starting with “a decadent bar cart in gold or silver, perhaps with marble or mirrored shelves”, before adding glassware and cocktail accoutrements with a personal touch, such as “a selection of delicate Champagne coupes – maybe vintage finds – and some dainty bar accessories like glass straws and beaded coasters”.
Other pieces of furniture, such as sideboards or console tables, can also be employed for their aesthetic as well as practical potential. Much in the same way that creating a tablescape for dinner alongside trays of nibbles and delicate silverware can bring variety and a playfulness in creating a new tableau. Magnify the visual impact by offsetting the whole scheme against the backdrop of a mirrored surface or by placing a decorative mirror at a low level on the wall above the surface.
