• Send out written invitations for large and formal affairs. Telephone or e-mail invitations for smaller ones.
  
• To impress guests with ice cubes, make plenty in advance using bottled water.
  
• If you don't have a cocktail shaker you can use a jar with a secure screw-top lid.
  
• Hosts should keep drinks and food in their left hand so the right will be free for handshakes.
  
• Cost:
  • Bartender - $15-20 per hour
    
  • Event planner - 5-30 percent of the total cost of the event. Price depends on number of guests, location, venue, number of days, catering, etc.
    
  • Rented glassware - $0.35 per glass
    
  • Cocktail shaker - $10-25

Event Eleven
Los Angeles, Calif.
323-549-9980
www.eventeleven.com

Say Cheese
2800 Hyperion Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-665-0545

Soap Plant and Wacko
4633 Hollywod Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-663-0122
www.soapplant.com

Chris Solari, bartender for hire
Los Angeles, Calif.
323-9570-1959