Below are the things you can consider in planning the cocktail party.

• If you have an available area outside your house, you can do the party there. The kids can play at the outdoor toys while the adults talk beside the table you set up. It is also easier for you to transfer the things you need outside.

• You don’t need to have formal invitations; you can make phone calls or just talk to your neighbors. But if you want, you can make cards ahead of time and distribute it to your neighbors personally.

• Designate a space for the kids to make them feel more welcome. You can display the small kids backpacks to give them the impression that they did not walk in an adult arena. You can set there space right beside the outdoor toys so that it will be easier for them.

• You can set the adult’s table on the space where they can see their children in the play area. This way, they can talk to other parents while watching their children.

• For the decorations, you can cover the tables with simple cloths. You can have flower arrangements to make it more enticing. The children’s corner can be more fun by adding more toys in the play area. You can hang the small kid’s backpacks on one side so that it won’t get in the way of their games.

• Remember to prepare a separate menu for the children and one for the adults. Prepare it ahead of time so that by the time your guests get there, it is ready to serve. Their drinks can be the same with the adults less the alcohol. If you think it’s too much for them, you can prepare juice and add freshly cut fruits to make it more exciting. You can arrange them in their respective tables to avoid any mix-ups.

• You can give them the small college backpacks once the party is over. You can add toys or other kids’ stuff in there.

Since it is a cocktail, cleaning up is not that big of a challenge. After the guests leave, you can just pick the empty plates and containers and let the dishwasher do its jobs. Put the cloths on the laundry and check if there are small children backpacks left. You might put it into good use someday.

It’s always nice to host a party that doesn’t stress you out. A party like this is low maintenance and yet it provides an avenue for friends to get together and for the kids to have fun. The adult can do some chitchat and the children can join the party without feeling bored and out of place.