There are a number of things that you need to think about if your cocktail party is to be a success.
One of the most important of those is just where you hold it because cocktail party venues aren't all likely to be equally conducive to a great night's fun! 1.
The numbers attending your party may be a big factor here but in general, smaller intimate venues or rooms in larger venues are likely to be better than asking 5 or 10 people to stand in the middle of a cathedral-like space.
2.
The successful cocktail party usually manages to generate a certain degree of intimate atmosphere where people feel they can have a cosy chat or discussion.
So, look for somewhere that is relatively comfortably and luxuriously furnished rather than a Spartan barracks (unless of course you're going for that sort of theme).
3.
It's a good idea to look for somewhere that is easy to get to.
It doesn't necessarily have to be in the town centre but somewhere that feels like an endurance trek to get to isn't going to generate the right mind-set in your guests.
4.
The idea of a cocktail party is usually to encourage an air of quiet sophistication and charm rather than a "drink-'til-you-collapse" atmosphere.
One thing that will help you achieve that is if your venue provides some nibbles and snacks of the hors d'oeuvres or 'amuse-bouche' type.
5.
Background music can be extremely important.
This is always better if it comes out of a professional music system of the sort found in the best cocktail party venues rather than something being played out of the speakers on somebody's smart phone.
Your music should match the theme and mood of the party but one of its main purposes is to suppress background conversation echoes.
It won't help you achieve an intimate atmosphere if you can hear every word being said by somebody else on the other side of the room! 6.
Potential overnight accommodation.
If your party is a relatively big event and people are travelling from some way away, given the alcohol driving rules, it may be more attractive to some if they believe they can find reasonably priced accommodation on site so that they can enjoy themselves and not face the challenges of how to get home afterwards.
7.
Don't forget the lighting.
This is often overlooked and some venues can have people standing under the equivalent of Neon strip lights or arc lamps, neither of which is going to help that all-important aspect of atmosphere.
Generally the lighting should be discreet and subdued but not to the extent that it looks as though you are trying to create a 'smoochy' feeling (unless you are but then it wouldn't be a cocktail party per se).
With a little bit of effort you should be able to find some great cocktail party venues out there and they will help to turn your event into an unqualified success.
Enjoy yourself!