The Art Of A Glamorous Gathering

Everything you need to host a fabulous fête at home, including the drinks, the look and the entertainment

In celebration of The Tanqueray Drawing Rooms, an ‘at home’ experience re-imagining the original cocktail hour for the gin lovers of today, Tanqueray Gin has teamed up with style mavens Sartoria Lab and expert entertainers at Indytute to provide inspiration for your next cocktail soirée.

The drinks…

The birth of the cocktail party heralded in a sophisticated new age of socialising where art deco reigned supreme, Hollywood epitomised the golden life and cocktails were the symbol of style and glamour. Out were the days of debauched and underground speakeasies, and in their place emerged elegant evenings held in the homes of the prosperous youth of the time. 

The sophistication of the original cocktail party is still revered today and Tanqueray Gin GB Ambassador Tim Homewood shares his tips for bringing this decadent era to life in your own home.

1. Invest in the right cocktail kit. Nothing is more impressive than being able to shake up a storm in a unique Japanese shaker or wield a beautiful bar spoon. Visit Cocktail Kingdom online for shiny new tools or trawl your local antique markets to dig up original gems.

2. We eat and drink with our eyes first and foremost so stunning glassware is a must. A glamorous Tanqueray Copa glass will set a classic gin and tonic apart.

3. Garnishes should be fresh, generous and emphasise an element within your cocktail. Tanqueray No.TEN gin is renowned for its citrus undertone and a slice of grapefruit allows its fresh flavours to truly shine. 

4. Ice is king in the cocktail. Consider buying ice ball moulds or trays which make oversized cubes and chill serves to perfection. 

The look… 

Entertaining at home is still an opportunity to make a style statement for him and her… here are Sartoria Lab's tips on how to do so….. 

1. Choose accessories carefully as they can make or break an outfit. While more casual attire in the home is custom, keep your ensemble smart with accessories that provide maximum impact. For gentleman, think classic cufflinks, an elegant belt, or for a modern take on the dress slipper, a sleek suede loafer teams well with formal trousers or jeans. Women can’t underestimate the power of ornamentation; finely embellished pieces with feathers, beading, and elaborate embroidery. 

2. Bring alive the plainest of outfits with texture. Upgrade a simple shirt and trouser ensemble by choosing a jacquard shirt and tweed trousers. Finish with a solid coloured knit tie to add extra panache or for ladies a luxurious yet comfortable cashmere cape.

3. Party at home in style by adding a flash of colour to your outfit. A bright pocket square in a waistcoat, a rich coloured fine knit sweater over a shirt, or a pair of brightly hued socks contrasting with your shoes, all add a punchy sense of fun to your outfit. Paint box brights are on trend for women too.

The entertainment… 

Expert entertainers The Indytute provide their know-how for upping the ante at your next gathering. 

1. Keep it simple. ‘Wow’ features should be kept to a minimum to help maintain an elegant edge

2. Personal touches will long be remembered after the final cocktail is sipped. Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring something along which links back to your party theme to make everyone feel a part of the experience

3. While cuisine and cocktails should be the dominating feature it always helps to inject some entertainment to get guests conversing and into the spirit of the evening. Whether its music, comedy or drama, everyone loves to see a professional giving their all – just make sure you keep it short and sweet so you leave guests wanting more.

The Tanqueray Drawing Rooms open tonight...

- Date: Thursday 13th & Friday 14th November at 5.30pm-11pm

- Venue: Six Fitzroy Square, London W1T 5DX 

- Tickets: Available via YPlan, £10 per ticket 

- Experiences available: 1930’s cocktails with a modern Tanqueray twist from the World’s top bartenders, personalised digital illustrations, male styling sessions, vintage headpiece making workshops, entertainment from top London songstress Acantha Lang, and a secret room.