If you’re going to entertain, you need a bar that can fulfill any request from your guests. To be able to do that, you must have a bar that has all the right tools of the trade. Here’s the run down:
The hallmark of any good bar is the perfect martini. To make the perfect martini you need an ice bucket and a well-chilled martini glass; quality spirits (gin or vodka); dry vermouth (if desired); the right size martini shaker (shown: small shaker, classic glass shaker and my grandfather’s party size shaker); and a cocktail spoon or fork for olives and a knife for slicing lemon twists.
Traditional bar set-ups usually include liquor decanters like the ones shown. Each would be used for the primary spirits; gin, vodka, rum and bourbon. It’s easy to remember which is which when you have different shaped decanters, or you can purchase metal collars that go around the neck, but they’re a bit awkward when pouring.
If you’re image conscious but can’t afford the good stuff, you may want to pour your inexpensive booze into these decanters to hide your thriftiness. Do not pour lesser quality liquor into empty higher quality bottles. That’s not only misleading and in poor taste, it leaves your guests wondering why your drinks taste poor.
If you’re serving wine and champagne, and you will, you need to make sure you have the right tools to keep the bottles chilled and the cork out of the wine. A classic champagne bucket on the left and wine bucket on the right not only keeps them chilled, but they look very nice on the table or in the proper stand if you can find one. Don’t forget to wrap the neck of the bottle with a towel to prevent drips when pouring. Keep the towel on the neck once you place it back in the bucket so the ice is kept insulated.
You will want to buy quality wine openers. There are several types to choose from and each requires its own special touch. Also, get a foil cutter for cutting the foil at the top. With screw caps replacing corks, the pageantry of opening wine will eventually become a lost art.
You should have a bottle coaster that helps keep moisture and drips from getting on your table cloth. Wine glass charms are also helpful in keeping track of which glass is yours. Simply slip the clasp around the glass stem – just don’t forget what charm is yours.
Also, have a couple of wine stoppers on hand to keep the wine fresh and a few cloth wine gift bags for guests to use when taking wine home. That’s always a nice touch.
You’ll need straws for your drinks, stirring sticks for your cocktails and picks for your drink garnishes. These all come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so have some fun and find those that match the party’s theme or your unique personality. Keep lots of umbrellas on hand for those exotic summer drinks and bendable straws for the kids. They want to feel just like the grown-ups too.
Coasters are another area where there’s a lot of variety to choose from. You can go formal with silver rimmed glass coasters, another set for everyday use, and ones that support the theme of your evening, or have a few humorous ones on hand that provide a good laugh. It’s best to have options so you can mix things up a bit.
Napkins should be chosen based on the type of party or dinner you’re offering. If your party is themed, find napkins that match the theme. If you’re throwing a nice party, have napkins that make the same statement. If you’re throwing a casual party with close friends, find some humorous ones that get the party started on an up-beat note. And if you’re doing a formal dinner, set the tone by providing cloth cocktail napkins. Nothing says style and class at the start of a party than crisp linen cocktail napkins.
And finally, if you plan to create your own men’s club environment, then you have to have some quality cigars in your humidor. There’s nothing more satisfying after a terrific dinner than a great cigar and a sip of good port or brandy. This may not be for everyone, but for your guests who enjoy cigars, it’s the perfect conclusion to a splendid evening. Just be respectful of your guests and enjoy them outside and away from others.
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