The perfect do-it-yourself at-home bar set-up
Throwing a party? Having the ideal bar set up is the key to a great event, so if you’re setting up your own, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Stocking your bar
For a great drinks selection for your guests grab some bubbles, white wine, red wine and beers. Home-made punch and cocktails are always a crowd pleaser and it’s a great idea to add some standard spirits such as vodka and gin along with a variety of mixers.
Ice, ice baby
Remember, one of the most important details is plenty of ice – you can’t have enough of it! In the absence of ample fridge space, the fastest and most effective way to chill your drinks is to put them in a tub and cover them with ice. Depending on the size of your tubs you’ll need to cover the beverages then top up with half a bag every hour or every half hour if it’s a scorcher.
It’s a common misconception that more ice means a weaker drink, however it’s actually the opposite. The less ice you have the faster it melts and the waterier your drink becomes, so fill up those glasses when you shake up your next mojito and we promise it will be stronger and cooler for longer.
Glassware
The last thing you want to do is run out of glasses. If you’re hosting functions often, it’s worth investing in some additional glassware for these occasions. If it’s a one-off party or event, there are plenty of affordable places where you can hire glassware. It can also pay to have some back-up disposable cups but always try to be green and use paper cups not plastic.
Bar placement
Finding the right spot for your bar is crucial. Space is important – you don’t want your bar crowding a thoroughfare and creating a bottleneck that will disturb the flow of the event. You want people to be able to mix drinks and congregate around the bar with ease. However, make sure it’s close enough to where your guests want to mingle. You don’t want people having to move too far to get a drink or have to go inside for a beverage if the party’s outdoors. If it’s hot, make sure you position your bar in a shady spot or put up an umbrella – no-one wants a warm G&T!
Time to call the professionals
If all this bar business sounds too much like hard work, why not let the professionals take over so you won’t need to worry about a thing. Sweet & Chilli is here for all of your beverage and catering needs, from finger food and cocktails to glassware, furniture and bartender hire, whether it’s a birthday party, wedding or corporate event.