Tips on stocking a bar for your party - Party Planning

Hosting a holiday party is the best way to get together with friends and family during this time of the year, but often the to-do list that comes with planning one feels overwhelming. Amongst all the other things you need to take care of, the food and the drinks are the most essential, and you definitely don’t want to run out on either. Woo your guests with a great bar as this section will easily be the most popular section at your event. Yet it’s one that people often struggle to get right. So, without further ado, here are some of our favourite tips on stocking a bar for just about any occasion.

The secret to having a great party — one which every good host knows — is to make sure you have a well stocked bar. And do this in advance! Once your guests arrive, you don’t want to be running back and forth fetching extra glasses, ice and what not. To ensure things are running smoothly, do most of the prep before the-day.

Here are some of our tips on stocking a bar for all your entertaining needs:

Pick your poison

Start by deciding what drinks you want to serve. Are you setting up a full bar so guests can make their favourite mixed drinks? Do you want to have a few signature craft cocktails? Are you keeping it simple with just wine and beer, or even bubbly. If you’re going with hard liquor, the booze you need is vodka, rum, whisky, and gin, as this will cover almost everyone in the party.

As for how much to purchase? A good rule of thumb is to plan for two drinks/person for the first two hours, and then one drink/person for every hour after that.

Stock up

Whatever you’re serving, make sure to stock up: on alcohol, mixers, juices, ICE! Have plenty of glasses around so that you’re not running back and forth; and keep your cocktail tool kit handy — a strainer, muddler, shaker, and shot measure are essential. Most importantly, don’t forget the bottle opener and corkscrew!

Mixers, bitters, extra bits

If you’re keeping a full bar, the most common mixers you must include are club soda, tonic water, and orange juice, along with aerated beverages. A selection of bitters is essential to a classy cocktail bar.

Prep a few different garnishes so that your guests can make their favourite cocktails; when in doubt, lemons and limes are crowd favourites. Other essentials include orange slices, olives, and mint leaves. If you’re having speciality cocktails, make sure to include any specific ingredients.

Sip and snack

A good host always knows to keep the nibbles going with the drinks. Have plenty of options, and try to keep it as fuss free as possible. A cheeseboard, or dips and crackers are ideal. Nuts and chips are wonderful too. Even if you’re not hosting a full on dinner party and your guests don’t need to be fed, have some snacks on hand because everyone wants something to munch on.

Style it up

The bar will easily be the most populated area at your party, so make sure you add a bit of style to the space. Whether you have a large bar, a handy cart set-up, or even just a pretty tray for an intimate gathering. Set out all your glasses, bottles, and other bits and pieces in advance. Add some pretty cocktail stirrers or glass markers, bring out fun cocktail napkins, and let the little bowls of garnishes bring colour to your set up. PS. if you have extra space, consider adding a vase with some blooms, or a photo frame with your signature cocktail recipe for a personal touch!

Alcohol free options

While we’re all about setting the bar up for success, don’t forget about including those who don’t drink. Make sure you have some non-alcoholic options for friends and family who choose to remain sober, so they’re not stuck drinking water while everyone else is celebrating. And on the topic of water — it’s good to have plenty of water for everyone drinking alcohol too, the idea is to stay responsible while celebrating.

And here are some of our favourite bar accessories so you can host in style (PS. they also make for excellent holiday gifts for your favourite host, craft cocktail enthusiast, or wine connoisseur friend).