Cocktail Hour

[davey7]

I recently threw a surprise party for my mom's birthday (my dad's idea) and had finger food and wine (the old* ladies sure loved the champagne and wine - much to my surprise!). My cousin did the shrimp and snow pea appetizer you see here. I really need to get out the old cookbooks for some 60's finger foods.

*Average age was 70+

 

[ptcruiser51]

@ Davey 7

What a beautiful presentation! I've always found that something "hot", even if it's just cocktail weenies, makes all the difference. So do fresh flowers!
Kudos from the Garden State!

 

[alr2903]

Designated driver.....

I think at the time of cocktail party popularity,  DUI laws and enforcement were very different from today.  If I am the driver,  I have nothing with alcohol.  While I have never had a scrape with the law, it's definately not on my "Bucket List".  While i am sure non of our forum members would over indulge at such an event, you also have to consider the restraint of your guests if you are the host.  alr

 

[vintagekitchen]

DUI

A very good point. Used to be no one thought twice of having a few drinks and then driving home. If I have guests for drinks, they must have a designated driver, walk home, or be prepared to spend the night, no exceptions.

 

[rpms]

The homosexual campground I have been going to for the last 13 years, well, the cocktail parties are alive and well there.

 

[wiskybill]

Background

music to set the mood

 

[davey7]

A homosexual campground!!! The mind boggles!!

I usually do some jazz heavy on the xylophone or something loungy for parties.

 

[lordkenmore]

Another background music option

would be a record I saw many years ago of German drinking songs!

 

[davey7]

PS Thanks for the compliments on my spread - my cousin who came for the party was a big help. If my darn oven was working there would have been a lot more finger food etc...

Here's another picture showing the cheese end of the table.

 

[rp2813]

Davey --

I think you meant vibraphone, not xylophone.  George Shearing is always a good choice.

 

[frigilux]

I found a cool website called atticpaper.com that has vintage magazines, photos, and recipe booklets. Ordered one called Let's Have Cocktails. Appears to be from the late 1940's. It's just a tiny little thing, about the size of an iPhone, but it has some really period-appropriate classic finger foods. I'll have to make a few and post.

Great thread, this.

 

[davey7]

rp - I think you might be right. I recently discovered Cal Tjader, perfect for that 60's swank feel (along with the big 60's Gourmet cookbook, full of butter and cream).

 

[rp2813]

Yeah, Cal Tjader is the first to come to mind when I think of the vibes.  It's all about the atmosphere you want to create.  His sound often has a tropical flavor and tempo to it, whereas Shearing's is all about uptown sophistication.    Lionel Hampton is another good one, but much of his material is more appropriate for later at night after the alcohol sets in and the party starts to swing.

 

[cuffs054]

RPMS, I'll second that! 5:00 is time to crush the ice and open the olives at Oz!

 

[jetcone]

Some great ideas

and well ahead of the summer cocktail season! Those cocktail albums are so cool,must keep my eye out for that. Have listened to Cal Tjader for many moons. Another great cocktail album is anything by Esquivel. Its what my Dad used to listen too.

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[frigilux]

If you ever tire of the more "kitschy" cocktail albums, I highly recommend the original Nat King Cole Trio from the late 1940's-mid-'50's. Great cool, easy jazz for the Happy Hour. I bought The Complete Capitol Transcription Sessions at iTunes a couple of years ago and listen to it all the time.

 

[davey7]

Esquivel is great. Jan Johansson is a bit slow for a party atmosphere.

 

[polkanut]

From "GadgetGary",

"Greenies"

 

1 can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed

1 2ltr bottle Sprite, 7-UP, or Sierra Mist

 

Empty limeade concentrate into a pitcher, fill empty can with vodka and add to pitcher.  Add white soda and ice cubes.  ENJOY!!!

 

[gadgetgary]

Thanks for the shout out Tim!

 

 

They really are D-E-L-I-S-H~!

 

 

[polkanut]

Gary,

Greenies are my "go to" summer drink.  They put a whole new perspective on life when consumed in adequate quantities!

  Thanks for the recipe.