Lillian Vernon loves to come up with fun new ways to entertain at home that set the tone of a gathering. Our most recent concept is a “Cakes & Cocktails” theme for New Year’s Eve. Forgo the confetti, noisemakers, and goofy party hats–plan a pretty, elegant, and sweet evening that all your adult friends will love.
Internationally known event planner Sofia Crokos is famous for the magical weddings and events she plans around the globe, including those of Robert Downey Jr., and Marc Anthony, so who better to ask for party tips on how to host a fabulous fête to ring in the New Year with a sweet Cakes & Cocktails gathering. Here’s the break down of what you will need…
Choose a charming, ladylike look for the table top decor of this party. You can mix different types of your favorite vintage china and porcelain, with newer solid white items and clear glassware. The sweetness of the pastel color palette and patterns will showcase what will be served for food and drink at the party. Don’t be afraid to mix and match a few fabric patterns as well with napkins and table cloths. Our monogrammed Glass Cylinder Jar, $5.99 below, easily doubles as a flower vase.
Sofia shares, “I chose pretty pastel merengues, sweet sugar dusted Russian tea cookies, and cute little cupcakes. Lastly, we included fruits and berries for a pop of color and fresh mint and rosemary for the specialty cocktails. No New Years Eve celebration is complete without a signature cocktail to clink. Create a fun and refreshing drink for your guests to sip while they nibble their sweets. Stay in the color scheme with a fruity pink champagne punch, or my recipe for the ‘Sophisticated Lady’. Be sure to also offer one non-alcoholic option as well like raspberry lemonade or an iced mint jasmine tea.” Lillian Vernon offers a variety of personalized glassware that can by used for drinking, flowers, or serving garnish. Shop all HERE
Set up a stylish side bar of fruit infused waters for your guests who don’t drink with our artisanal glass Copenhagen Carafes by Roost, with wood sphere stoppers; $37.99-47.99
Guests love a “serve yourself” dessert bar set up. Nobody needs t0 be counting your calories! Bake or buy a bunch of sweet treats and stack up a group of jars, platters, and cake stands. Shop all of our personalize glassware starting at $5.99 HERE; White Marble Lazy Susan; $42.99 HERE, and our Domed Acacia Wood Serving Platters; $34.99 HERE
Everyone gets a taste with these individual glass Mini Trifle Bowls by Libbey Selene. Serve candy or any delicious dessert in these great looking bowls, with elegant pedestal style base. Sold in a set of four; $21.99
“Choose one or two larger desserts that need to be cut and served, such as a Strawberry Shortcake or Coconut Cake. The rest of the desserts should be bite sized so guests can help themselves. Lastly, don’t forget to incorporate fresh fruits & berries, which are not only delicious, but also make for the perfect garnish to a plate or cocktail,” says Sofia.
Recipe for “The Sophisticated Lady” Cocktail
Ingredients: 3 parts Cranberry juice, 1.5 parts Agave, Prosecco/Champagne from MCNAMARA WINE & SPIRITS, and ice
How to Mix: Add ice to the shaker, Add cranberry juice, lime juice, & agave to the shaker, Shake well, Strain into a glass, Top with Champagne or Prosecco, Garnish with flower or a berry.
Or if your guests are ready to “GET THIS PARTY STARTED” serve them tequila shots in our Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses by Bitterman Salt Co. Hand carved from a single piece of pink Himalayan salt, these versatile glasses chill and salt every sip. Set of 4; $32.99
Happy New Year from Lillian Vernon!!
**Photos in this feature by JUDITH RAE photography for KDHamptons.com. For more information on Sofia Crokos Events, please go HERE.