How to set up a self serve bar to impress your guests
Hosting a party can be overwhelming, why not reduce some of the stress, here you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to set up a self serve bay.
Creating a self serve bar for your next party or family gathering is a great way to free up your time. No one wants the host to feel overwhelmed and not enjoy themselves. Setting up your bar takes a little creativity and preparation before the event. If you’re feeling like you don’t know where to start don’t worry, I’m sharing with you everything you need to know to create the perfect bar you’re guest are going to love.
If you’re hosting a party, there’s nothing worse than having too much to do and feeling stressed. Why not take some of the stress away by setting a beverage station where guests can help themselves, leaving you free to entertain everyone and have fun!
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This post is all about how to set up a self serve bar
choose a place for your bar
Deciding where to place your bar is one of the first steps, remember to think about the flow of the party. You don’t want to place it in the way of guests coming and going. If you are holding your party outside, it’s a great ideas to have shelter over he top. Maybe under a gazebo or garden umbrella. that way guests have some shade or if the weather turns bad everything won’t get wet.
If you’re thinking more long term, you could invest in a drinks trolley. They are so versatile as they can be inside or out. I have one that has wheels, making it so easy to take anywhere. I picked mine up from a charity shop, gave it a lick of paint and it was as good as new. But if you’re not wanting to invest in a drinks trolley, there are plenty of alternative options. You could use any table, even a camping table with a table cloth over it will work well.
Langham Glass Drinks Trolley
Flore Bar Cart
preparations is key
Preparation is key to hosting a successful party. You’re going to want to get organised and set up a bar where guests can help them selves to their preferred choice of drink before your guest arrive. To do this takes a little preparation before the event. It’s a great idea to use items such as trays or chopping boards to lay everything out on. Before your party, take a look around your home to find items to place and display everything.
Next, it’s a good idea to prepare your garnishes. layout your glasses, place stirrers and straws in decorative holders. You don’t want to be hunting for things as your guests arrive, so leave plenty of time for preparation. It’s a great idea to place a bin near your beverage station, this way guests are not searching for place to put any waste.
pick your drinks
Choose a selection of the more popular spirits that can be drank on their own or with a mixer. If you plan to offer beer, pre chill them before your party. Then keep them chilled in an ice bucket after taking them out from your fridge. It’s good to offer a selection of red, white and rose wine. Your guests will appreciate that you have taken into consideration their choice of drink.
offer non alcholic options
Not all your guest will want to drink alcoholic drinks so it best to offer a non alcoholic option. Stock your bar with fruit juices and non alcoholic beers and wines as well as other soft drinks. Why not, give your guests the option to make mocktails to make it extra special.
decide on glassware
When it comes to glassware, it’s best to keep it simple. Offer a few different options so guests won’t get overwhelmed. Champagne coupes are perfect for serving champagne or prosecco. Pint glasses are best for cider or beers and wine glasses work well for spritzers or wine.
Margarita Glassware
Hand Blown Margarita Glassware Set
Vera Clear Margarita Glasses Set of Two
Wine Glasses
Pimlico White Wine Glasses
Scalloped Wine Glass Set Of 2
Champagne Saucers
Vita Pink Glass Champagne Saucers
Set of 4 Waterfall Coupe Glasses
Highball Glasses
Set of 4 Handmade Celine Hi Ball Glasses
Romantic Highball Glasses
storing ice
One thing that often gets overlooked when planning a party is how your going to keep your ice as ice not water! Investing in a couple of ice buckets is a game changer. Nobody likes drinking their drinks on a hot day when their drink is warm. There are so many different options when it comes to storing ice. If you wanting it to put into drinks I recommend a normal ice bucket works really well. To keep your ice from melting keep your ice in the shade if possible.
Double Walled Stainless Steel Insulated Ice Bucket
Barcool Ice Bucket with Lid and Ice Tongs
supply the right tools
If you are thinking about giving your guests the option to make their own cocktails, you’ll want to consider supplying the tools to make them. There are a couple of essentials that will make cocktail making so much more fun.
Cocktail Shaker
I know it sounds obvious but a cocktail maker is a must have for cocktail making.
Double Jigger
Used to measure alcohol, traditionally shaped like an hourglass. A jigger is a useful tool for your bar. It has two ends with different measurements. One end holds 1.5 to 2 ounces of liquid and the other holds 0.75 to 1 ounce.
Muddler kit
A muddler is used to mash ingredients to put in your drinks such as garnishes, fruit and spices. Mashing them releases the flavour to enhance your drink.
Cocktail Spoon
Typically a cocktail spoon has a long handle which is great for stirring drinks in tall glasses to mix the ingredients together.
Cocktail Strainer
Adding a cocktail strainer to your bar, will be especially important if your serving cocktails. It stops unwanted ice or fruit pieces from going into your drink, just like a sieve would.
Bottle Opener
No bar is complete without a bottle opener. Whether you are serving wine or beer, you’re going to want a bottle opener.
incorporate a water station
If the weathers hot, you might want to add a pitcher of water, with some ice cubes and some sliced lemons and limes to make it more refreshing. Your guests will be impressed with your attention to detail in anticipating their needs.
This post is all about how to set up a self serve bar
(Related post: Dinner party hacks to take your hosting to the next level)
