Don’t worry if you’re confused; we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our ultimate guide to planning the drinks menu for gatherings of all sizes.
Would you prefer to serve wine and beer along withnonalcoholic choices?
Credit: CARSON DOWNING
Or do you intend to offer a full bar withmixed drinks and specialty cocktails?
Get our free take-along chart to help you make smart decisions when shopping forparty drinks.
Offering a Full Bar
Obviously, hosting a complete bar will require more thought and investment.
If you already have ahome bar, you may have afoundation of spirits, mixers, and accents.
If you plan to offer a full bar, check that you have the necessary tools and appropriate glassware.
Consider disposable wine glasses that won’t break if dropped for an outdoor gathering.
Expect one alcoholic beverage per guest per hour.
If you’re unsure about people’s preferences, purchase a variety of drinks with some to spare.
Ask your retailer if you’re able to return unopened bottles.
If you entertain frequently, you may want to shop in quantity to get discounts on large purchases.
To help you with the calculations, we’ve made the party math simple.
Whether you havesix guestsor 50, the chart lists how much you need for each beverage.
Our Beverage Quantity Guide is an easy tool to get the right combination for most parties.
Add these items to your shopping list, and you’ll be well-stocked with the essentials.
Buy ice.You’ll need one and a half to two pounds of ice per guest to keep beverages chilled.
Start with these estimates:
Reduce the number of misplaced glasses by offering wine or cocktail tags.
Purchase wineglass charms or make your own with wire and a cardstock name tag.
Cut the cardstock into a shape that suits your party.
Punch a hole and thread the wire through the hole.
Write a name on the tag and wrap the wire around a wineglass stem.
This technique can also work for some beer glasses.
For cocktails, glue or tie a tag to a cocktail stirrer and place it in the drink.
Consider these popular garnish options:
