During the holidays, people are more likely than at other times of the year to receive family and friends at home.
While it’s always fun to host a gathering, setting up menus can be tricky (and pricey).
One way to keep expenses under control is by… limit the booze offers.
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Fox News Digital asked hospitality experts for their tips, tricks and hacks for keeping spending under control while keeping the holiday spirit high.
This is what they shared.
Don’t let the stress of drinks get in the way of a joyful and relaxing holiday celebration. (iStock)
1. Know that less is more
Throwing a Christmas party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive – and part of the fun is creating your own party food menus and drinks choice for your guests.
When it comes to drinks, less can be more.
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“By keeping your drink options simple and focusing on festive combinations, you can throw a fun and memorable event without spending a lot of money,” Peter Brattander, vice president of food and beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, told me. in New Jersey, to Fox News Digital.
“You want to keep it simple and focus on your guests, rather than playing bartender all night.”
By limiting your drink options, you can spend more time focusing on the family and friends present. (iStock)
2. Reduce your stress as a host
Planning drinks for at-home consumption is all about making thoughtful choices that suit everyone, Bratander said.
“Limit your drinks to a few wines, beers and a small one selection of spirits is a thoughtful and practical approach to hosting a holiday gathering,” he said.
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“It keeps the focus on family, connection and the meal rather than making it a cocktail-centric party.”
“Simplifying the drink menu reduces stress as a host and allows you to focus your time and resources on creating a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food.”
Keep it simple by pairing a wine with your different dishes or hors d’oeuvres. (iStock)
3. Make a specific list of drinks
Plan your drink menu to suit what you’re serving.
If you are serving multiple courses, such as starters, a main course and then a dessert, you should serve the drier wine first, then an off-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 selections for a holiday gathering is a good move.
A signature cocktail can be a fun addition to your menu.
“For a festive gathering I say three wines, dry white, medium-dry rosé and medium-bodied red; two beers – a low-alcohol beer and a craft beer like an India Pale Ale or a lager; a clear spirit (like gin or vodka) and a brown spirit (like whiskey) should please any audience,” Fenchak told Fox News Digital.
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In addition, a batch signature cocktail could be a nice addition to your menu, Fenchak said.
“A ready-to-drink, batch-packed signature cocktail or mocktail is a great idea to make an event feel special while keeping it simple,” Fenchak said.
4. Keep it simple
The philosophy of keeping the cocktail selections small is the strategy here.
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“I like 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,” Olivia Pollock, Evite’s hosting expert based in Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital.
Add a holiday twist to your standard drinks by creating specialty cocktails with seasonal flavors. (iStock)
One suggestion is a holiday margarita, such as a cranberry margarita.
Fresh, easy and colorful, it’s a perfect holiday cocktail, Pollock noted.
Then offer a few basic spirits, such as vodka, whiskey and rum, plus some easy mixers such as tonic, soda or juice.
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“I also keep a large bucket of ice on hand in case anyone 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 a special after-dinner sip, such as a dessert wine, can be a great finishing touch to a festive evening. (iStock)
Brattander said offering a small splash of digestive or dessert wine after the meal can be a thoughtful finishing touch to complete the evening.
5. Offer non-alcoholic options
In addition to the alcohol, offer some options for your guests, Bratander said.
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“Don’t forget designated drivers and those who don’t drink. Tasty 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,” Bratander told Fox News Digital.
Cider also makes a festive addition to your lineup of holiday drinks.
Avoid the extra stress that comes with organizing a vacation by limiting the drink options for your guests. (iStock)
Bonus: Save money on your party
When it comes to buying drinks for your party, Pollock said, a little planning can go a long way in keeping things budget-friendly.
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“Buying in bulk – such as 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 great discounts, especially around holidays or seasonal events.”
