Cocktails and Nibbles Are In

Trends: "Fancy is out," she says. Even those fortunate enough to be unaffected by tough times have been sensitive to the situations of others. Party hosts tend to want lower-key events than they might have had several years ago.

At the same time, she continues, "people are definitely drinking more. They still like to get together and connect over cocktails of all types. But many are not spending the average of $38 per person for a fancy dinner in the Main Dining Room."

Right now, Bouvier explains, the food being ordered with drinks includes less expensive items like gourmet pizzas (smoked bacon and caramelized onion, $12) and other fun appetizers (lobster quesadilla with cilantro sour cream, $12).

Bouvier's tips: Passed signature cocktails that contain more juice than alcohol are both popular and cost-effective for parties. Fruit margaritas, and Sea Breezes (made with grapefruit juice and pomegranate vodka) are two drinks popular at Chatham Bars Inn. "Sparkling wine with dried floating cranberries is also nice," she suggests. "Pretty red drinks are perfect for the holidays or any time of the year," says Bouvier.

And, of course, having "a beer or wine bar" rather than an open top-shelf bar, is a good way to save money, whether guests live nearby or are from out-of-town.