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10 Essentials for a Swanky Cocktail Soirée
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Jan. 28 2015, Updated 2:42 p.m. ET
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Impress your best friends with a summer cocktail soirée of celebrity proportions! Follow along for recipe tips, outfit ideas, and more.
cocktail
![Cocktail](https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/9q20avvx5/333x500/2014/07/cocktail.jpg 333w)
Follow these tips from chef Richard Kuo and beverage director Patrick Cappiello of Pearl & Ash in NYC.
A Tropical Punch
2 oz. white rum
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. pineapple juice
Splash of ginger ale
1 sprig of mint
Shake rum and juice over ice and strain into glass. Top with ginger ale and add mint leaf as garnish.
dinner
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“The best cocktail party menu is made of dishes that can be eaten in one or two bites,” says Richard. “That way, people can eat and socialize.”
He suggests serving items like spicy deviled eggs topped with jalapeños and fried chicken tenders with mint mayo. “I love taking nostalgic food and turning it into something special, like chicken fingers made from high-quality ingredients and served with a bright mayo.”
lipgloss
![Lipgloss](https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/OTkhfVMyq/428x500/2014/07/lipgloss.jpg 428w)
A cocktail party is meant for mingling! Opt for a flirty, lightweight summer dress and sexy stilettos. Stand out with a bright lip color.
Studio Collection Moisturizing Lipstick in Flirty & Fabulous, E.L.F. Cosmetics, $3, eyeslipsface.com
![Cocktail dress](https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/t3RJ9mVvd/327x499/2014/07/cocktail-dress.jpg 327w)
Pleated Dress by Armani Exchange, $98, armaniexchange.com
heels
![Heels](https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/ffe_rhMSa/431x500/2014/07/heels.jpg 431w)
Heels by Schutz, $200, 655 Madison Ave., NYC
![Cheese plate](https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/MOEH1Znap/480x191/2014/07/cheese-plate.jpg 480w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/MOEH1Znap/640x254/2014/07/cheese-plate.jpg 640w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/MOEH1Znap/768x305/2014/07/cheese-plate.jpg 768w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/MOEH1Znap/1024x407/2014/07/cheese-plate.jpg 1024w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/MOEH1Znap/1280x508/2014/07/cheese-plate.jpg 1280w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/MOEH1Znap/1440x572/2014/07/cheese-plate.jpg 1440w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/MOEH1Znap/1600x635/2014/07/cheese-plate.jpg 1600w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/MOEH1Znap/2160x857/2014/07/cheese-plate.jpg 2160w)
Cheese Board and Chalk Set by High Fashion Home, $16, highfashionhome.com
pillow
![Pillow](https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/3TPwfy-Bd/480x361/2014/07/pillow.jpg 480w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/3TPwfy-Bd/640x482/2014/07/pillow.jpg 640w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/3TPwfy-Bd/768x578/2014/07/pillow.jpg 768w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/3TPwfy-Bd/1024x770/2014/07/pillow.jpg 1024w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/3TPwfy-Bd/1280x963/2014/07/pillow.jpg 1280w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/3TPwfy-Bd/1440x1083/2014/07/pillow.jpg 1440w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/3TPwfy-Bd/1600x1203/2014/07/pillow.jpg 1600w, https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/3TPwfy-Bd/2160x1624/2014/07/pillow.jpg 2160w)
Ambiance is key. Think: hanging lanterns and bright pillows. Serve up cocktails in pretty glassware, and don’t forget a cheese plate!
Pouf by Lulu & Georgia, $175, luluandgeorgia.com
decorations
![Decorations](https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/lbWhI-Oj4/400x500/2014/07/decorations.jpg 400w)
Lantern by Lulu & Georgia, $140 for a set of four, luluandgeorgia.com
glasses
![Glasses](https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/0bnjU0bfu/408x500/2014/07/glasses.jpg 408w)
Hobnail Collection by Martha Stewart Collection, $9-$10, macys.com
![Drink dispenser](https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/2BGr4TV6n/333x500/2014/07/drink-dispenser.jpg 333w)
Drink Dispenser by Pottery Barn, $69, potterybarn.com