5 Tips for a Well-Appointed Bar
At home with CHB…
All your necessities…
Bar set-up can vary depending on the occasion, number of guests, and how much work the hostess would like to do and what sort of help is available. When I host a party at home, I tend to set up a help yourself scene, and that would be my recommendation for most gatherings. If you’re the hostess it frees you up to focus on your duties, and if you’re the guest you’re able to make your ideal cocktail with your preferred ratios. So what does a CBH style well-appointed bar include?
A variety of quality liquor — make sure you have the basics including vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and bourbon (and don’t skimp on quality!). Assume that your guests’ cocktail preferences span the spectrum, so provide a large enough variety to allow for all kinds of cocktails. In keeping with a wide variety of liquor, provide the necessary tools used for making particular cocktails, e.g., shaker, strainer, jigger, mixers, garnishes, etc. This also helps to limit the hostess having to supervise the bar scene and facilitates guests’ immersion into the gathering.
Glasses for different types of cocktails — always have a few different types of glasses available to your guests: martini glasses, tumblers, rocks glasses, and wine glasses. It’s always nice to have matching glassware, but use what you have available! Glassware is a good thing to start collecting if you don’t have a large assortment at home — antique and estate shops are great for funky sets.
Color — don’t underestimate color and visual appeal! Grab some bud vases for a sweet assortment of outdoor buds and spread them around the bar. A variety of citrus is another great way to inject color and texture into your bar. Investing in a set of glass bowls is wise — they’re versatile and utilitarian without compromising aesthetic and are great for all sorts of garnishes.
Nibbles — cocktails paired with salty snacks are a general favorite, so don’t forget to include a little something to munch on. Down south cheese straws never fail, but a nice assortment of nuts or potato chips also do the job. Don’t forget to provide some pretty cocktail napkins!
Fun accent(s) — candies, cocktail parasols, cocktail stirrers, fun name tags, etc.! Guests appreciate the effort and the well-rounded cocktail experience!
But, why do all the work when someone else can take care of it! Contact CBH for your party prep needs.