During the holidays, people are more likely to entertain family and friends at home than at other times of the year.
While it's always fun to host a party, it can be difficult – and expensive – to organize the menu.
Another way to save costs is to reduce the drink offerings.
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Fox News Digital asked hospitality experts for tips, tricks and hacks to save money while keeping the holiday spirit high.
Here is what they shared.
Don't let the pressures of drink offerings get in the way of a fun 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 making it yourself. food and drink menus options for your guests.
When it comes to drinks, less can be more.
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“By keeping your beverage choices simple and focused on the festivities, you can host 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, told Fox. News Digital.
“You want to keep things simple and focus on your guests instead of playing bartender all night.”
By limiting your drink choices, you can spend more time focusing on family and friends. (iStock)
2. Reduce stress as a host
When planning drinks for entertaining at home, it's about making thoughtful choices that will satisfy everyone, Brattander said.
“Limit your drink offerings to a few wines, beers and microbrews the choice of spirits it's a thoughtful and practical way to host a holiday gathering,” he said.
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“It maintains a sense of family, connection and food rather than turning the event into a food festival.”
“By simplifying the beverage menu, you reduce the stress as a host, and you can dedicate your time and resources to creating a welcoming atmosphere and good food.”
Keep things simple by pairing wine with your different courses or hors d'oeuvres. (iStock)
3. Create a special list of alcoholic beverages
Organize your drink list to match what you drink.
If you are serving multiple courses, such as appetizers, mains and desserts, you should serve drying wine first, then dry wine and sweet wine last, Sharon Fenchak, head winemaker at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
He said that simplifying elections for the holiday gathering is a good move.
A signature cocktail can be a delicious addition to your menu.
“For a holiday party, 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 India A pale ale or lager; a clear spirit (like gin or vodka) and a dark spirit (like whiskey) should please any crowd,” Fenchak told Fox News Digital.
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Furthermore, batched signature cocktail can be a delicious addition to your menu, Fenchak said.
“Mocktails, or pre-made mocktails, are a great idea to make an event feel special while keeping it simple at the same time,” said Fenchak.
4. Keep things simple
The philosophy of keeping cocktail options small is the policy here.
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“I like the idea of keeping things simple but thoughtful, so start with one or two signature cocktails – something light and refreshing like a margarita is always a good choice,” Olivia Pollock, Evite's guest expert based in Los Angeles, told Fox News Digital. .
Add a holiday twist to your usual drinks by creating special cocktails with the flavors of the season. (iStock)
Another suggestion is a holiday margarita, like cranberry margarita.
Fresh, simple and colorful, it's the perfect holiday store, Pollock noted.
Then offer a few spirits such as vodka, whiskey and rum, as well as soft drinks such as tonic, soda or juice.
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“I also keep a big ice bucket nearby in case someone wants to make champagne over ice or add ice cubes to their wine,” he continued.
“This way, guests can mix their own drinks, but you don't overwhelm them with too many options.”
Offering guests a special after-dinner treat like fine wine can be a great way to end a festive evening. (iStock)
Brattander said serving a small appetizer after a meal or dessert wine can be a thoughtful way to make the evening feel complete.
5. Offer non-alcoholic options
Besides alcohol, provide options for your guests, Brattander said.
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“Don't forget about designated or non-drinking drivers non-alcoholic punch or tail like a welcome drink can make them feel included and have a warm tone to the evening,” Brattander told Fox News Digital.
Cider is also a festive addition to your holiday beverage lineup.
Avoid the added stress of hosting a holiday by limiting the beverage options for your guests. (iStock)
Bonus: Save money on your party
When it comes to buying drinks for your party, Pollock said, a little planning can go a long way in keeping things on budget.
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“Bulk purchases — such as larger bottles or cases of wine, beer and spirits — can save you a lot of money, especially for large gatherings,” he said.
“Also, keep an eye out for sales and promotions. Many stores offer big discounts, especially around holidays or seasonal events.”