Linen Cocktail Napkins

Throwing a cocktail party is a great way to network with business associates, and it's also a fun way to bring friends together. If you want to avoid the cocktail party/dinner party confusion, etiquette experts recommend you end your party by 5 p.m. or start your party after 7 p.m. The typical cocktail party lasts two hours.

If you're hosting a larger cocktail party, you may be wondering whether it's appropriate to use plastic cups instead of glasses. There's no hard and fast rule, but the tinkling of ice in the glass is worth the extra effort if you want to create an air of sophistication and class for your party. Many hosts rent cocktail glasses for larger parties. You can rent them for as little as 25 cents per glass, if you shop around.

When it comes to the menu, it's a good idea to avoid serving anything that requires a fork to eat it. This helps to cut back on costs, and also helps reduce clean-up times. Finger foods that can be eaten in two bites are ideal. Get creative with your finger food, and incorporate healthy options like grilled meats and vegetables when possible.