Entertaining can be stress-free if you are organized and start your set up early. Let’s say you are going to host a 20 person party with drinks, appetizers, and dessert. Setting up the bar is simple once you have some basic supplies on hand:
- 8′ Folding Table with Tablecloth (colored plastic coated is easy to clean)
- 30 Basic Wine Glasses (10 oz. works well)
- 30 water glasses (glass or plastic)
- 3 glass or plastic water pitchers
- Metallic Wine Tub (should be able to hold 6 wine bottles)
- Rolling Coolers (one for water and one for beer)
- Tall Trash Can
- Cocktail Napkin Holder and Napkins
- Corkscrew and Bottle Opener
- Nut Bowl (a bowl of nuts on the table is always a nice touch)
Beverage Purchases:
Water – Fill plastic or glass water pitchers with water flavored with lemon, lime, strawberry and or cucumber
Beer – Approximate two bottles per person (get a variety – know your guests. Younger people enjoy IPAs but also make sure to stock lighter beers too)
Wine – Approximate half bottle per person (six bottles red and six white)
If you belong to a price club, i.e., Costco, you will find great selections and save money too!
Setting the Table:
Early in the day, set up the bar with tablecloth, glasses, openers, and a trash can. One hour before guests arrive, bring out ice-filled coolers of beer as well as a wine tub with three bottles of white. Open three bottles of red, replace corks, and place on the table.
Now that you’ve filled your glass, let’s get something to eat … Check out our appetizer recipes!
