Hospitality experts say fewer drink options can save you time and money

During the holidays, people are more likely to entertain family and friends at home than at any other time of the year.

While hosting a get-together is always fun, setting up menus can be difficult and expensive.

A way to keep costs under control limit drinking suggestions.

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Fox News Digital asked hospitality experts for their tips, tricks and tricks for keeping costs under control while keeping the holiday spirit high.

Here’s what they shared.

Don’t let the stress of drink deals get in the way of a fun and relaxing holiday party. (iStock)

1. Know that less is more

Throwing a holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive—and part of the fun is creating your own food menus and drinks options for your guests.

When it comes to drinks, less can be more.

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“By keeping your beverage options simple and focusing on the holiday pairing, you can have a fun and memorable event without breaking the bank,” said Peter Brattander, vice president of food and beverage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey. Digital News.

“You want to keep things simple and focus on your guests rather than bartending all night.”

By limiting your beverage choices, you can spend more time with family and friends in attendance. (iStock)

2. Reduce your stress as a homeowner

Brattander said when planning drinks for entertaining at home, it’s important to make thoughtful choices that appeal to everyone’s tastes.

“Limit your drink offerings to a few wines, beers and a small drink selection of alcoholic beverages It’s a thoughtful and practical approach to hosting a holiday gathering,” he said.

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“It focuses on family, connection and food, rather than turning the event into a cocktail-centric party.”

“By simplifying the drink menu, you reduce stress as a host and can devote your time and resources to creating a welcoming atmosphere. delicious food.”

Keep things simple by pairing the wine with your different courses or hors d’oeuvres. (iStock)

3. Create a custom list of drinks

Plan your drink menu to pair with what you’re serving.

If you are serving several courses, such as appetizers, mains, and then dessert, you have to serve drying wine Sharon Fenchak, head winemaker at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital that there was first, then dry wine, and then sweeter wine.

He said that simplifying the options for holiday dating is a good move.

A signature cocktail can be a fun addition to your menu.

“For a holiday gathering, I say three wines, a dry white, a dry rosé, and a medium-bodied red; two beers—a low-alcohol beer and a craft beer like an India Pale Ale or lager; a clear spirit (like gin or vodka) and a brown spirit. (such as whiskey) should be a crowd pleaser,” Fenchak told Fox News Digital.

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In addition, a batch signature cocktail It can be a fun addition to your menu, Fenchak said.

“A pre-made, bulk signature cocktail or mocktail is a great idea to make an event feel special while keeping it simple,” says Fenchak.

4. Keep it simple

The philosophy of keeping cocktail selections small is the strategy here.

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“I love the idea of ​​keeping things simple but thoughtful, so start with a specialty cocktail or two—something light and refreshing like a margarita is always a good choice,” Olivia Pollock, Los Angeles-based lead expert at Evite, told Fox News Digital said to .

Add a festive twist to your standard drinks by crafting specialty cocktails with seasonal flavors. (iStock)

As an offer holiday margarita cranberry margarita.

Fresh, easy and colorful, it’s the perfect holiday cocktail, Pollock noted.

Next, offer a few basic spirits like vodka, whiskey, and rum, plus easy mixers like tonic, soda, or juice.

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“I also keep a big bucket of ice nearby in case someone wants to make champagne over ice or add ice cubes to their wine,” he said.

“That way, guests can mix their own drinks, but you’re not overwhelming them with too many options.”

Offering guests a special after-dinner sip, such as a dessert wine, can be a great finishing touch to a festive evening. (iStock)

Offering a small aperitif or dessert wine after a meal can be a thoughtful finishing touch to complete the evening, Brattander said.

5. Offer non-alcoholic options

Besides alcohol, offer some options for your guests, Brattander said.

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“Don’t forget designated drivers or non-drinkers. It’s delicious non-alcoholic punch or mocktail a welcome drink can make them feel the same way and set an inclusive warm tone for the evening,” Brattander told Fox News Digital.

Cider is also a festive addition to your holiday beverage lineup.

Avoid the added stress of holiday hosting by limiting the beverage options for your guests. (iStock)

Bonus: Save your party money

When it comes to buying drinks for your party, Pollock said, a little planning can go a long way to keeping things on budget.

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“Buying in bulk — like larger bottles or wine, beer and spirits — can save you quite a bit, especially for larger gatherings,” he says.

“Also, keep an eye out for sales and promotions. Many stores offer big discounts, especially during holidays or seasonal events.”