It’s time to polish your favourite party glasses, don your best frock, put on some music and present the best party of the season. You’ll also want to stock the bar, make a list of quick-and-easy munchie recipes and be sure you have all the trappings necessary to serve your guests. Most importantly, don’t stress. Guests won’t remember a slightly burnt canapé. Rather, they’re more likely to fondly reminisce about catching up with old family and friends—an essential part of the holidays. Here are a few cocktail party must-haves for your festive shindig.


1 Stock your liquor cabinet with elegant barware
A cocktail shaker is an essential part of the bar and you may want to have more than one on hand. We fell in love with this Mason jar-inspired set and the added accoutrements. West Elm, $7 to $31.
2 Serve champagne in style
Forget the traditional wine glasses! Pour your bubbly into these fabulous stemless flutes. Indigo, $35 (set of 4).
3 Protect your table with a subtle tablecloth
Plaid is a hot fashion pattern for fall, but it also adds a festive air to your beautiful tablesetting without going over the top with a holiday pattern. Williams-Sonoma, $135 to $300.
4 Chill your ice
Whether you’ve made candy cane-shaped ice cubes or simply opted for the old-school rectangles, house them in an elegant bucket. Homesense, $25.
5 Serve drinks in style
Perhaps the name of this collection is a little ironic, but it belies the elegance of this chic silver set that includes a serving bowl, water pitcher, cocktail shaker and serving tray. Select Loblaw banner stores including Real Canadian Superstores, $7 to $12.
6 Provide a variety of finger foods
One-bite nibblies and food you can delicately stab with a toothpick ensure guests aren’t worrying about how to balance a cocktail with a messy plate. Crate and Barrel, $26 to $39.
7 Circulate with a funky serving tray
Serve cocktails and munchies on this unique antler tray—don’t worry, no Rudolphs were harmed in the making of this piece! Potter Barn, $90.
8 Gather cocktail recipes
Sure, you can stock the usual liquor cabinet faves, but why not serve a cocktail or sparkling punch that's unique to your party? Something delicious with fun garnishes! This recipe book is sure to inspire some ideas. Indigo, $25.
9 Accessorize your cocktails
Dress up those martinis—or your signature holiday cocktail —with some festive cheer with this red, green and white rim sugar. dellcovespices on Etsy, $4.
10 Supply corkscrews and bottle openers
From fancy craft beers to local wines, make sure you have a spare set of openers just in case one goes astray. West Elm, $42.