Zen Cocktail Party

Creating concept parties is challenging, but fun. The Zen Cocktail Party is, by far, one of the most exciting to pursue. It works well as cocktail party as well as a dinner party.

Zen is the concept of spiritual awakening, attainable through a strong rapport with nature. Through this article, find yourself getting in-touch with the four elements of nature: water, air, earth, and fire to make the most of your Zen Cocktail Party.

Just add a calming ambience, light food, and of course the ultimate party favor, a professional massage therapist, and you too can transform your home into a Zen garden.

Zen-goers always leave feeling relaxed and appreciative of the opportunity to spend quality time with their friends.

Tips for Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere

1. Create a small oasis. Gather low, glass bowls in different shapes and sizes and fill them half way with water. Place floating candles and flower blossoms in each bowl

2. Do not have a sit down dinner. You want guests to lounge and relax, so serve food buffet style.

3. Serve a light fare at a spa Zen party. Some great choices are salads, fruits, crudités, hummus, cous cous and finger sandwiches. For tips on how to serve classic appetizers, you can read our expert's article, or even watch the how-to video.

4. Keep it light. Use clear glass containers and white flowers for all the arrangements, as the image shows on the right.

5. Keep the colors of your décor simple and fresh, but NEVER symmetrical, which can be dull.

6. Make each table different, using different flowers and/or candles, as exemplified in the adjacent picture.

Making a Statement with Water

Chinese Taoists have associated water with feminity, intelligence, softness, and of course, calmness, making it an ideal focal point in your party.

Indoor Oasis Creation

A zen party can be indoors or outdoors depending upon what works best for the host. The key to the party is to create a relaxing environment.

If you have a pool, build the party around it. Place floating candles and white flower blossoms in the pool.

If you do not have a pool, gather low rimmed bowls of various sizes. Be sure to include some bowls larger than twelve inches in diameter. Fill them half way with water and float a few candles and flower blossoms in the water to provide a calming effect. Place the bowls on the lounge tables.

Fresh Air for the Party: Colors

The décor needs to be clean and simple. Use white as the primary color for everything:

Harmony of White and Blue

• All flowers need to be white only.
• Place frosted white votive candles (day or night) on low lounge tables
• Scatter white polished rocks around the votives.
• Linens for lounge chairs
• Terrycloth towels for the treatments
• Buffet table cloth

Accent the white colors with aqua or pale blue. Less is more when accenting the white. For instance, neatly line these colored napkins on the white buffet table.

Another neat touch would be to serve the drinks with glowing blue ice cubes. The contrast of the ice cubes with the white linens looks extraordinary.

Bringing Earth to Life: Flowers

Every table needs a flower arrangement. Style the buffet table with a cluster of five arrangements with white flowers and clear containers (glass works best).

Use one type of flower in each container, but make the arrangements different.
In one container, use a mass of white roses. In another, use a grouping of lisianthus. (Be sure to watch our video: Decorating with Flowers by Julie Mulligan!)

Do not use flowers with a strong scent, like lilies. Some other great options are calalilies, peonies, sweet pea, and snaps.

Adding Fire to the Party: Candles

For the final touches, add calm yoga or massage music and, especially zenful, eucalyptus aromas with scented candles and oils to the party area.

Now, all you need to do is book a massage therapist and invite your guests! Make sure to dress in robes and slippers! The spa Zen party experience will be one to remember!