During the holidays, people are more likely than other times of the year to host family and friends at home.
While it’s always nice to host a gathering, putting together menus can be daunting – and expensive.
One way to keep spending under control is to limit the drinks available.
The holiday drink recipe is “really easy” and “looks really good,” says Chefwinzer
Fox News Digital asked hotel experts for their tips, tricks and hacks for keeping spending under control while keeping holiday spirits high.
Here’s what they shared.
Don’t let the stress of the drinks offer get in the way of a happy and relaxed Christmas party. (iStock)
1. Know that less is more
Hosting a holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive—and part of the fun is putting together your menu and drink selections for your guests.
When it comes to drinks, less can be more.
DANA PERINOS NO. 1 RULE FOR PARTICIPATION IN HOLIDAY PARTIES IN THE OFFICE
“By keeping your drink selection simple and focusing on festive pairings, you can host a fun and memorable event without breaking your budget,” said Peter Brattander, vice president of food and beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in New Jersey , told Fox News Digital.
“You want to keep things simple and focus on your guests rather than playing bartender all night.”
By limiting your drink choices, you can spend more time focusing on family and friends in attendance. (iStock)
2. Reduce your stress as a host
Planning drinks for entertaining at home is all about making thoughtful choices that offer something for everyone, Brattander said.
“Limiting your beverage offerings to a few wines, beers and a small selection of spirits is a thoughtful and practical approach to hosting a holiday gathering,” he said.
8 GREAT GIFTS FOR FOOD AND WINE LOVERS THIS SEASON
“The focus continues to be on family, connection and food rather than turning the event into a cocktail party.”
“By simplifying the drink menu, you as a host will reduce stress and free up your time and resources to create a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food.”
Keep it simple by pairing a wine with your different courses or appetizers. (iStock)
3. Create a specific drink menu
Plan your drink menu to match what you’re serving.
If you are serving multiple courses, such as a starter, main course and then dessert, You should serve the drier wine first, then an off-dry wine, and last a sweeter wine, Sharon Fenchak, head winemaker at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
She said simplifying the selection process for a holiday gathering is a good step.
A signature cocktail could be a fun addition to your menu.
“For a holiday gathering, I say three wines, dry white, off-dry rosé and medium-bodied red; two beers – a low alcohol beer and a craft beer such as an India Pale Ale or a lager; a clear spirit (like gin or vodka) and a brown spirit (like whiskey) should appeal to any audience,” Fenchak told Fox News Digital.
HOW TO PREPARE A HOME BAR AND OTHER COCKTAIL ESSENTIALS, REVEALED
Additionally, a curated signature cocktail could be a fun addition to your menu, Fenchak said.
“A pre-made signature cocktail or mocktail is a great idea to add a little something special to an event while keeping it simple,” Fenchak said.
4. Keep things simple
The philosophy of keeping the selection of cocktails small is the strategy here.
HEARTLESS COWGIRL is a “YELLOWSTONE” inspired cocktail that is “worth the heartbreak”
“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,” Olivia Pollock, Evite’s Los Angeles-based hosting expert, told Fox News Digital.
Add a festive twist to your standard drinks by making specialty cocktails with seasonal flavors. (iStock)
One suggestion is a holiday margarita, such as a cranberry margarita.
Fresh, simple and colorful, it’s a perfect holiday cocktail, Pollock noted.
Then offer a few simple spirits like vodka, whiskey, and rum, as well as some simple mixed drinks like tonic, soda, or juice.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
“I also keep a large bucket of ice nearby in case anyone wants to make champagne over ice or add ice cubes to their wine,” she continued.
“This way, guests can mix their own drinks without overwhelming them with too many choices.”
Offering guests a special sip after dinner, such as a dessert wine, can be a great way to round off a celebratory evening. (iStock)
Brattander said offering a small sip of digestif or dessert wine after a meal could be a thoughtful way to round off the evening.
5. Offer non-alcoholic options
Offer your guests some options beyond alcohol, Brattander said.
For more lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle
“Don’t forget about designated drivers or those who don’t drink alcohol. Having a tasty non-alcoholic punch or mocktail as a welcome drink can make them feel just as included and set an inclusive, warm tone for the evening,” Brattander told Fox News Digital.
Cider is also a festive addition to your festive drink selection.
Avoid the added stress of holiday entertaining by limiting your guests’ drink choices. (iStock)
Bonus: Save money on your party
When it comes to purchasing drinks for your party, Pollock says a little planning can go a long way toward keeping things on budget.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Buying in bulk — such as larger bottles or cases of wine, beer and spirits — can save you a lot, 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.”