"A retro cocktail party brings back a simpler time," says Charlie Lapson, Hollywood designer and style guru for ShopNBC, an upscale TV and Internet retailer. A few decades ago cocktail parties were arranged to gather with your friends, have a cocktail and enjoy the conversation. There were no VCRs no TVs. You can also bring your close people together having a party without involving any modern conveniences. Setting the Scene for the Party
First of all you should turn back hands of time and look at retro chic. Lapson recommends involve decoration which will create a nostalgic mood. Very beneficial in this case will be bright 50s colors. Look for a set of tinsel trees in lime green, pink and silver to decorate your living room or entryway in retro style. These trees are about one and a half feet tall and they often come with various sparkly ornaments which you can mix and match. To create the atmosphere of 50s you can string up a set of Chinese lanterns. The lights at the party should be kept low, you can also scater some candles around the room. And, of course, don't forget about the music. To set the mood play Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, Sammy Davis, Jr., Bobby Darin and Nat King Cole. Ask your guests to show off in retro style. "For women, Lapson advises to think Lucille Ball meets classy Jackie Kennedy. There is no doubt that every fashionable women would have been wearing a cocktail-length dress. As an accent to your outfit you can take a retro like bag this can be a beautiful silk satin clutch. Men can wear a blazer or jacket and skinny tie with a white shirt. Any retro party can't exist without a bar. You can create a bar by draping a kitchen or dining table with a white cloth and acent it with a small lamp. To set up your bar area, drape a dining or kitchen table with a white cloth and accent it with a small lamp. Place an ice bucket with tongs, plenty of cocktail napkins, and maybe a bowl or two of warm salted nuts. Look for the glasses of different sizes. Make sure that you have some martini glasses and all-purpose wine glasses on hand too. Also you should find the right equipment for the party. You may need: a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring and a pitcher for mixing larger portions, pimento-stuffed olives, maraschino cherries. For drama, buy some frill-festooned toothpicks and swizzle sticks. Food Choices for the Retro Party
As to the food, no retro party would be complete without some tasty cocktail wieners or meatbars which can be eaten with frilly toothpicks. You can also add some cheeze straws, an olive loaf and an assortment of spreads which can be served with slices of cocktail rye. If you want to have low fat servings consider shrimp cocktail. To preserve really authentic atmosphere involve some party games such as clue or passwords or charades. Here is one classic cocktail recipe for the Retro Party: Sidecar
1 ounce Cointreau 1 ounce lemon juice (about 1/2 of a lemon) 2 ounces cognac A cocktail can be chilled by filling it with ice cubes for a few seconds. Then, dump out the ice and rub the rim of the glass using a piece of lemon. The rim should be dipped in sugar and then shake off the excess. Put an ice in a cocktail shaker and then add the three ingredients mentione above. Shake thoroughly into the prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist.
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