During the holidays, people are more likely to entertain family and friends at home than at other times of the year.
Hosting a gathering is always nice, but setting up a menu can be daunting and expensive.
One way to keep your expenses down is to limit your beverage offerings.
The head winemaker says the holiday drink recipe is “really easy'' and “looks really delicious.''
Fox News Digital asked hospitality experts for their tips, tricks and hacks to keep your expenses in check while getting into the holiday spirit.
Here's what they shared:
Don't let the stress of serving drinks get in the way of a fun and relaxed holiday party. (St. Petersburg)
1. Know that less is more.
Throwing a holiday party doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. Part of the fun is creating food menus and drink options for your guests.
When it comes to drinks, less is more.
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“By keeping drink options simple and focusing on celebratory pairings, we're creating fun and memories without breaking the bank,” said Peter Blattander, vice president of food and beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in New Jersey. We can hold the remaining events,” he told FOX. News Digital.
“We want to keep things simple and focus on our guests instead of playing bartender all night.”
By limiting your drink options, you'll have more time to focus on your family and friends in attendance. (St. Petersburg)
2. Reduce stress as a host
Blattander said when planning drinks to enjoy at home, it's important to make thoughtful choices that will satisfy everyone.
“Limiting beverage offerings to a few types of wine, beer, and a small number of spirits is a thoughtful and practical approach to hosting a holiday gathering,” he said.
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“Rather than making the event a cocktail-centric party, we keep the focus on family, connection, and food.”
“Simplifying your drink menu reduces stress as a host and allows you to devote your time and resources to creating a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food.”
Keep things simple by pairing wine with different courses and hors d'oeuvres. (St. Petersburg)
3. Create a specific list of drinks
Plan your drinks menu around what you offer.
If you are offering multiple courses such as an appetizer, main course, and dessert, Sharon Fenchuk, head winemaker at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, says you should serve the dry wine first, then the off-dry wine, and then the sweet wine last. he told Fox News Digital.
She said simplifying holiday gathering choices is a good idea.
It would be fun to add a signature cocktail to your menu.
“For holiday gatherings, we recommend three types of wine: a dry white, an off-dry rosé, and a medium-bodied red, two types of beer: a low-alcohol beer and a craft beer such as an India Pale Ale or a lager, and a clear spirit (gin or and vodka) and brown spirits (like whiskey) are sure to please any crowd,” Fenchuk told FOX News Digital.
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In addition, specialty cocktails made in batches could be a fun addition to the menu, Fenchuk said.
“Pre-made, batched signature cocktails and mocktails are a great idea to keep your event simple but give it a special feel at the same time,” said Fenchak.
4. Keep things simple
A philosophy of fewer cocktails is the strategy here.
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“I love the idea of keeping things simple yet thoughtful, so start with a signature cocktail or two. Something light and refreshing like a margarita is always a good choice,” says Los Angeles. Evite-based hosting expert Olivia Pollock told FOX News Digital. .
Add a holiday twist to standard drinks by creating signature cocktails with seasonal flavors. (St. Petersburg)
One suggestion is a holiday margarita, such as a cranberry margarita.
Pollock notes that this cocktail is fresh, easy, and colorful, perfect for the holiday season.
Next, offer basic spirits like vodka, whiskey, and rum, as well as some simple mixers like tonics, sodas, and juices.
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“We also have a large bucket of ice nearby in case anyone wants to make champagne with ice or add ice cubes to their wine,” she continued.
“This way, guests can mix and match their own drinks without being overwhelmed by too many options.”
Offering your guests a special after-dinner drink, like a dessert wine, is a great finishing touch to a celebratory evening. (St. Petersburg)
Blattander said pouring a little digestif or dessert wine after a meal can be a thoughtful finishing touch to make your evening feel more fulfilling.
5. Offer non-alcoholic options
Be sure to offer your guests several options beyond alcohol, says Blattander.
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“Don't forget your designated driver or those who don't drink. A delicious non-alcoholic punch or mocktail as a welcome drink will help them feel included as well and make the night more inclusive.” “We can create a warm atmosphere,” Blattander told FOX News Digital. .
Cider also adds a pop of color to your holiday drink lineup.
Avoid added stress in holiday hosting by limiting drink options for your guests. (St. Petersburg)
Bonus: Save money on your party
Pollock said a little planning can help keep your budget in check when buying party drinks.
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“Buying in bulk, such as large bottles or cases of wine, beer, and spirits, can save you a lot of money, especially for large gatherings,” she said.
“Also, keep an eye out for sales and promotions. Many stores offer deep discounts, especially around holidays and seasonal events.”
