December 4, 2024 • Weddings by Leigh

Top 3 Signature Drinks for Your Holiday Party: Cheers to the Season!

Holiday parties are all about good vibes, great company, and, of course, festive drinks! Whether you’re sipping something sparkly by the fire or raising a glass at a corporate bash, having a few signature cocktails (and mocktails!) on deck is a must. The key? Choose drinks that are easy to make, customizable with or without alcohol, and feel just a little extra special. Let’s toast to the season with these three holiday-ready recipes that’ll have your guests raving.

1. Cranberry Margarita (Large Batch)

A refreshing, festive margarita that’s easy to adjust based on your preference for alcohol or non-alcoholic options.

Ingredients (for about 4-5 servings):

2/3 cup cranberry juice
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup silver tequila (or swap with rum, gin, or leave out for a non-alcoholic version)
2 tbsp orange liqueur (like Cointreau) or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version
2 tbsp agave syrup or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Fresh cranberries and lime slices for garnish
Salt or sugar for rimming glasses (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pitcher, combine cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila (or other alcohol), orange liqueur (or juice), and agave syrup. Stir well.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Rim glasses with lime juice and dip into salt or sugar if desired. Pour the mix over ice, garnish with cranberries and lime slices, and serve!

2. Festive Shot: Jolly Jello Shots (Large Batch, 1/3 Recipe)

A fun and easy shot option that’s perfect for a rowdy crowd. Non-alcoholic options can also be made by using fruit juice instead of alcohol. Welcome each guest to the party with a festive shooter!

Ingredients (makes about 10 shots):

1/3 box of red Jell-O (strawberry or cherry flavor)
1/3 cup boiling water
1/3 cup cold water
1/3 cup vodka (or rum, or use a fruit juice like cranberry or apple juice for non-alcoholic)
Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in 1/3 cup boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
Add cold water and vodka (or other alcohol or fruit juice). Stir well.
Pour into shot glasses or small plastic cups and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Top with whipped cream if desired before serving. Enjoy!

3. Peppermint White Russian (Large Batch, 1/3 Recipe)

A creamy, minty holiday treat. You can swap the alcohol to fit your guests’ preferences or serve it without alcohol for a festive mocktail.

Ingredients (for about 4-5 servings):

2/3 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup peppermint schnapps (or use Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlúa, or leave out for a non-alcoholic version)
2/3 cup vodka (or rum for a twist, or skip for a non-alcoholic version)
Crushed peppermint candy or candy cane pieces for garnish

Instructions:

In a pitcher, combine the heavy cream, peppermint schnapps, and vodka (or substitute). Stir well.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pour over ice, garnish with crushed peppermint candy, and serve!

Final Toast:

Whether you’re toasting with a sparkling sip, savoring a cozy punch, or kicking things off with a spicy shooter, these festive drinks will set the perfect party vibe. Customize them to fit your crowd, keep the holiday spirit flowing, and most importantly—have fun. Cheers to an unforgettable holiday season!

Click HERE for more holiday hosting tips!

5 Tips to Be the Ultimate Holiday Host (or Designated Host Extraordinaire!)

Whether you’re throwing a cozy holiday party, hosting a corporate mixer, or celebrating a big life milestone, being a great host—or having a designated host—can make all the difference. Think of a host as the secret ingredient to a memorable event: someone who ensures guests are happy, entertained, and, most importantly, relaxed. Hosting doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s all about making the experience enjoyable for everyone, including yourself! Let’s dive into five tips that will make you the ultimate holiday host.

1. Warm Welcomes: Set the Vibe from the Start

The moment your guests walk in, greet them with a smile, a genuine “I’m so happy you’re here!” and, if possible, a drink in hand. A simple welcome immediately sets a friendly, relaxed tone. Give a quick tour of the space—show them where they can stash their coats, the restroom location, and, of course, where the food and drinks are. You want your guests to feel like they belong, not like they’re wondering where to hover next.

Pro Tip: Have a signature drink or a fun mocktail ready to offer as a conversation starter! Check-out our favorite recipes HERE

2. The Great Connector: Introduce, Introduce, Introduce

We’ve all been to events where you unintentionally cling to the one person you know. Don’t let that happen at your gathering! Make it your mission to introduce guests to each other, especially those from different circles. Pair up people with shared interests (“You both love hiking! You have to swap trail stories!”). Not only will this prevent cliques from forming, but it also keeps the energy flowing.

Pro Tip: Have a few icebreaker questions in your back pocket in case the chatter needs a little boost.

3. Keep Drinks Full and Snacks Flowing

One of the simplest ways to keep the good times rolling? Make sure no one’s glass goes empty or plate goes bare. Regularly check in with your guests to offer drink refills or pass around snacks. If you’ve hired staff, work with them to ensure they’re circulating at the right pace. Nothing kills a vibe like an empty appetizer tray or a parched guest!

Pro Tip: Set up a self-serve drink station or grazing table to make things easy, but still float around to check in.

4. Venue Management: Keep the Space in Check

Behind every seamless event is someone quietly managing the details. Be that person or have someone designated to manage the venue flow. Keep an eye on trash cans (empty them before they overflow), check on the food supply, and ensure the music is at the perfect volume. You don’t need to micromanage—just be aware so small issues don’t turn into big distractions.

Pro Tip: Hire help! Companies like Party Host Helpers can handle these logistics so you can focus on enjoying the event, not managing it.

5. Keep it Light, Fun, and Celebratory

Remember: this is a celebration! If the host is stressed, guests will feel it. Be playful, be present, and laugh at the little mishaps (because let’s face it, there will be a few). Your energy will set the tone, so if you’re having fun, your guests will too.

Pro Tip: Have a couple of quick games or activities up your sleeve in case there’s a lull—it’s always good to keep things lively!

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Thank-Yous!

As the party winds down, thank your guests for coming and send them off with a warm farewell. If you really want to go the extra mile, a small parting favor (like a mini treat or keepsake) can leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts:
Hosting isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome, cared for, and entertained. Whether you’re hands-on or hiring help, a little thoughtfulness goes a long way. So, pour yourself a drink, smile big, and enjoy the party—you’ve got this!