Prepping for a Home Bar Event

Offering guests an open bar at a party is huge when it comes to the wow factor, especially if you plan to offer a feature drink. This shows your guests that you are committed to making sure they have a good time.

Before you buy the alcohol for your party, you'll need to get a head count. If you know your guests, use your judgment for calculating how much you will need. One and a half drinks per hour is usually a safe estimate, as some guests won't drink while others will drink more.

Bar accessories are a must. Bottle pourers will cut down on the spillage and add visual appeal during pouring. Coasters will protect your furniture and offer a classy touch. Bottle stoppers are a nice alternative to the regular screw on/off caps, because they are easy to use and won't stick. If you allow your guest to make their own drinks, make sure you provide stir sticks. Have bottle openers and corkscrews handy for soda, beer, and wine. Your guest will appreciate these small but convenient effects.

In addition to the right bar accessories, glassware can help define your party. If you are serving beer, show your guests that they are better than plastic cups. An attractive beer glass dramatically enhances the overall enjoyment of the beverage. The same goes for wine. If feasible, avoid plastic cups in favor of elegant wine glasses. For cocktails, mixed drinks go well in high ball glasses and martini glasses are perfect for the countless varieties of martinis. Choose glassware that fits what you're serving. You probably wouldn't serve champagne from a Dixie cup, so use mixed drink glasses for mixed drinks.

To add an element of distinction to a fancier party, use wine decanters and liquor decanters for some classy eye candy. An ice bucket will have a similar effect and make your guests feel especially welcome.

As for the specific alcohol to have on hand, vodka, rum, whiskey, scotch, and gin are the staples. Both sweet and dry vermouth are common ingredients, so having these on hand will show you've thought of everything. Grenadine and sour syrups are also a good idea. A few liqueurs will add some flair. Coffee and Irish Creme liqueurs have a broad appeal and make wonderful after dinner digestives.

Mixers to have on hand are tonic, club soda, and orange, cranberry, and pineapple juices. Make sure you have enough cola, diet cola, and lemon-lime soda to satisfy non-drinkers and fill mixed drinks as well. Cherries and olives and lemon, lime, and orange slices are all the garnishes you should need.

Whether you're dishing out Hurricanes for a Mardi Gras soiree or serving up Mint Juleps at a Kentucky Derby garden party, it is wise to prepare as many pitchers in advance as you can. Preparedness is the key. Not only will being proactive prevent unnecessary party problems, but it will allow you to revel in the excellence of your party alongside your guests. Remember, a jovial host usually translates to delighted guests.