Outdoor Cocktail Hour Essentials
When you book your event at Pine Lake Ranch, you’ll enjoy all our rural Texas venue has to offer, including access to our open-air string-lit corral, perfect for hosting a warm-weather cocktail hour. Today we’re sharing the essentials you need for a memorable outdoor cocktail hour, from a snazzy bar to a cozy lounge area and more!
Cozy Lounge Areas
Places to kick back and relax are a must-have for any cocktail hour, whether indoors or out. You’ll want to set up a variety of both dining and bistro tables, as well as casual lounge areas. These typically consist of a sofa, statement chairs, and accent tables, and are nice areas to sit and socialize with a drink in hand. Don’t forget to decorate where you can, with elegant linens and simple centerpieces such as candles or flower arrangements. Whiskey barrels featuring wood tabletops are an excellent way to complement our rustic venue and the lush outdoor setting.
A Well-Stocked Bar
What’s a party without a bar? Regardless of the type of events you are hosting, there is always room to celebrate with a drink. You’ll want to rent a bar that can manage your guest count, whether it’s a classic set up or a bar in the round. Consider elegant back bars to store extra alcohol or to display different glassware. Speaking of glassware, don’t settle for plastic cups. Serve beverages and cocktails in appropriate glassware, from highballs to copper mugs and more.
Drinks & Appetizers
Feature a memorable drink menu that offers refreshing options. During warmer seasons, we suggest incorporating fresh fruit like berries or citrus in muddled drinks or to garnish rims. A few of our favorites include spritzers and mules. You’ll also want to have non-alcoholic options such as a small selection of mocktails in addition to water, tea, or lemonade.
To accompany your beverages, you’ll need to dish up some delicious seasonal food. We typically recommend sticking to lighter bites, especially if dinner will be served later in the evening. Our go-to for cocktail hour is an amazing grazing table, where you can feature a variety of in-season fruits and vegetables, accompanied by cured meats, crackers or bread, nuts, and spreads. For larger guest counts, you might also serve finger sandwiches or similar hors d’œuvres.
Games & Activities
Aside from being the perfect place to gather with guests, our corral is also a large enough space for playing games. You are welcome to make use of our cornhole boards, or bring activities of your own like a set of Giant Jenga! Host a more upscale event with a stage and dance floor where local musicians can set up for entertainment and guests can shake a leg!
Ready to host your event at Pine Lake Ranch? Learn more about why our elegant venue is ideal for wedding, corporate events, and outdoor concerts. Contact us today to book a tour or view our packages and pricing.