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!