There are other things you may want to consider along with your yummy, scrummy cocktails. Of course choosing the right cocktails for your distinguished guests is going to be your major priority. Should it be the refreshing Mojito, the hugely popular Cosmopolitan, the creamy loveliness of the Brandy Alexanders and or the heady Long Island Iced Tea ? We can help you with all of this – from choosing cocktails to fit the theme, an 80s night perhaps through to more classic cocktails at a retirement party, or golden wedding anniversary or 70th birthday. We also have a great range of in-house developed cocktails that we’re just dying to introduce to the wider world! If you’re an early-adopter, we definitely have something for you!
Cocktails plus a host of other stuff too for your perfect party
However even we admit, there are other things you may have on your shopping list too : depending on your event, such as outside catering, live music, a cake, wine, flowers etc. Where we know of good local suppliers we’re happy to pass on their details to you. We even know of some good venues if you’re at the early stages of planning an event and your home isn’t suitable. Have a look at some of the following, they all come recommended….
Outside catering
Food will inevitably play a major part in your party planning. Apparently some people argue that it is even more important than the drinks – the cocktails. Can’t say the Cocktail Shaker Boys will agree with that, but we do agree it’s important.
Party food - key element of your event
We have been at 2 events where Delizioso a Harborough based catering company supplied the food. On both occasions it was great. They are based on Northampton Road and both Danilo Trozzi and Alison Atherton have Italian roots and were trained in Italy. Find out more at
http://www.deliziosocaterers.co.uk/index.html
Gorgeous cakes
Even with a range of great cocktails, depending on the reason you’re having a bit of a knees up, you may well also need an outstanding and maybe even humorous cake ! Melody Cakes based in Market Harborough make excellent cakes – we know we’ve tried them and more than once. The website shows some great inspiring ideas. Have a look at www.melodycakes.co.ukand give Melody Milverton a call. And mention us of course!
Cakes from Melody Cakes of Market Harborough
Duncan Murray Wines
We’d guess that any of you who are at all interested in wine will know Duncan. He may be a bit mad, that’s what comes of years of treading grapes we reckon, but he certainly knows his stuff when it comes to wine.
Their Saturday morning taster sessions are legendary, and we’ve been introduced to some amazing new wines by his knowledgeable and friendly staff. So if Peanut Gringo is your sort of thing, call in one Saturday lunchtime. Tell them we sent you and have fun. Our top tip is Blin champagne – it’s great stuff !
H Blin Champagne - try it at Duncan Murray Wines
For more information about what they’re up to at the moment follow this link http://www.duncanmurraywines.co.uk/
Chocolates
Chocolates. Well everyone likes quality chocolates don’t they ? Well certainly if you’re female that is taken as a given !
Many of our most popular cocktails are those that contain chocolate flavours. The key liqueurs you need for this are white and or brown creme de cacao The Drink Shop http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/productlist.php?text=creme+de+cacao has as good a range of these as anybody. You can buy online though of course this bumps the price up.
You may well want to buy some great, delicious chocolates to go with your sophisticated cocktails and your sophisticated guests. A box of Terry’s All gold just isn’t going to do it is it ? Some of the best chocolates we’ve tasted over the last few years are the great selection boxes you get from Hotel Chocolat.
Glamour, chocolate and cocktails
Not sure if all the products available through their catalogue are also in their shops (they’ve got one in Milton Keynes.) But get on their mailing list and they’ll keep you posted. http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/unique-gifts-CHCTGOODYCRATE_pg999/ will take you to their goodies page. Have now also discovered they do a limited range of gift boxes in John Lewis in the Highcross Leicester – maybe just for Christmas ?
Cocktail making equipment from the Kitchen Range Cookshop
The Kitchen Range Cookshop does a great range of cocktail making accessories. And like everything in their 2 shops in Church Street Market Harborough, they are all stylish.
Follow the link to http://www.kitchenrangecookshop.com/ although their website is not good at showing the fantastic range of stylish products. The unit at 22 Church Street is the newer one, next door to Mayhem I think. They have lots of good products suitable for cocktail making at home : from elegant glasses, stainless measures, cocktail shakers, plus all the other bits and bobs such as parasols, straws and all sorts of other things you didn’t even know you needed.
Music
Another great idea to create some atmosphere if you’re having a special party, or reception is to have some live music. If so, have a look at the great Market Harborough based duo Mango Acoustic. Guitarist and singer duo who cover a great range of top tunes including Coldplay, Jack Johnson, the Killers, Green Day, the Foo Fighters, so not all the usual boring stuff. Find out more at www.mangoacoustic.co.uk
Mango Acoustic to add some atmosphere to your party
Balloons
Adding those final flourishes to your special party or event will round everything off nicely. Balloons and other special party decorations can be supplied through It’s a Gas, have a look at their website for more details http://www.its-a-gas-balloons.co.uk/
Photography
Any significant event in your life needs photographs – clearly ! After all that is what provides the happy memories for the rest of your life. A bit dramatic – but you know it’s true!
We’ve known Harborough based portrait and wedding photographer Nigel Ord Smith for many years now, and highly recommend his work. Have a look at some of his work at www.nigelordsmith.com Oh, and tell him we sent you!
Event decoration
If you want your venue to look a million dollars have a look at the work of Chris Williams of ‘A Perfect Setting’ at www.aperfectsetting.org.uk They supply all the visual accessories that transform a room into an event, including Chair Covers, Sashes and Table Decorations for your Wedding Ceremony or reception, or for your party decorations.
They tell us they will provide you with stunning organza and satin sashes tied into beautiful bows as well as table linen, table runners, wedding table centrepieces using faux or fresh flowers, candelabra, a large variety of other containers and they have real ornamental bay trees for hire too.