Restaurant experts say cutting back on beverage options could save you time and money
During the holidays, people are more likely to entertain family and friends at home than at other times of the year.
While hosting a party is always a pleasure, setting a menu can be daunting and expensive.
One way to control spending is to limit the availability of beverages.
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Fox News Digital asked hospitality industry experts for tips, tricks and tricks to keep expenses under control while maintaining a festive spirit.
Here’s what they shared.
Don’t let the stress of drinks get in the way of a fun and relaxing holiday gathering. (iStock)
1. Know that less is more
Throwing a holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive—part of the fun is planning a food menu and beverage selection for your guests.
When it comes to drinks, less is more.
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Peter Brattander, vice president of food and beverage at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, told Fox News: “By keeping your beverage selections simple and focusing on festive pairings, you can create a fun and memorable event. Without spending too much money.
“You want to keep things simple and focus on your guests, rather than playing bartender all night long.”
By limiting your beverage choices, you can spend more time focusing on the family and friends in attendance. (iStock)
2. Reduce the stress on the owner
When planning drinks for home entertaining, Bratand says the most important thing is to make thoughtful choices that work for everyone.
“Limiting beverages to a few wines, beers and a few spirits is a thoughtful and practical way to host a holiday party,” he says.
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“It will focus on family, connection and dining rather than making the event a cocktail-centric gathering.”
“By simplifying the beverage menu, you take the stress off the host and can allocate time and resources to creating a warm atmosphere and great food.”
Keep things simple by pairing your wine with different dishes or hors d’oeuvres. (iStock)
3. Create a specific beverage list
Plan your beverage menu to complement the food you serve.
If you serve multiple courses, such as appetizers, main courses, and desserts, “You should start with dry wines, then have off-dry wines, and then end up with sweet wines,” Sharon Fenchak, head winemaker at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
Simplifying options for holiday gatherings is a good move, she said.
Signature cocktails can add a fun twist to your menu.
“For a holiday party, I would say three wines, a dry white, a semi-dry rosé, and a medium-bodied red; two beers—a light beer and a craft beer like an India Pale Ale. or beer; a clear spirit like gin or vodka and a brown spirit like whiskey should please any crowd,” Finchak told Fox News Digital.
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Additionally, Finchak says, a plethora of signature cocktails might add a fun spin to your menu.
“Pre-made, large selections of signature cocktails or mocktails are a great idea to make the event feel special while keeping it simple,” Finchak says.
4. Keep it simple
The idea of keeping the cocktail selection small is the strategy here.
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“I like 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,” says Olivia, a Los Angeles-based Evite hosting expert. Olivia Pollock told Fox News Digital.
Add a festive twist to your standard drinks by creating specialty cocktails with seasonal flavors. (iStock)
One suggestion is a holiday margarita, such as a cranberry margarita.
Pollock notes that it’s refreshing, simple and colorful, making it the perfect holiday cocktail.
Then, offer some basic spirits like vodka, whiskey, and rum, as well as some simple mixers like tonic water, soda, or juice.
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“I also keep a large ice cube nearby in case anyone wants to use it to make champagne or add ice to their wine,” she continued.
“This way, guests can create their own drinks without overwhelming them with too many choices.”
Offering your guests a special after-dinner drink, such as a cordial, can be the perfect end to a festive evening. (iStock)
Bratand says serving a small glass of digestif or cordial after a meal can be a thoughtful touch that makes the night feel complete.
5. Offer non-alcoholic options
Bratand said there are options to offer guests besides alcohol.
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“Don’t forget the designated driver or those who don’t drink,” Bratand told Fox News Digital. “A delicious non-alcoholic punch or mocktail as a welcome drink can make them feel included and set the mood for the evening. A warm tone of inclusivity.
Cider is also a festive addition to the holiday beverage lineup.
Avoid the added stress of a holiday reception by limiting your guests’ beverage choices. (iStock)
Bonus: Save money on parties
Pollock says a little planning can go a long way toward keeping things budget-friendly when buying drinks for your party.
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“Buying in bulk — such as large bottles or cases of wine, beer and spirits — can save you a lot, especially for larger gatherings,” she says.
“Also, keep an eye out for sales and promotions. Many stores offer deep discounts, especially during holidays or seasonal events.”
