The Basic Bar for Small Parties
Step1
Stock your basic bar with two bottles each of vodka, bourbon, gin and rum. Stock mixers like tomato juice, orange juice, cola, cream or milk and 7-Up. Add four bottles of a good red wine, two white wines and two cases of good beer.
Step2
Add a few common liqueurs, like peppermint schnapps, kahlua, amaretto and Irish cream. Don't forget some Christmas eggnog. Supply easy garnishes like maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks.
Step3
Remember to buy thin plastic bar glasses if you will not be using glass. Have a cutting board and sharp knife for garnishes, stir sticks for the guests, toothpicks, long handled spoons for stirring, an ice bucket for ice cubes and another for crushed ice.
Step4
Keep extra trash bags and paper towels on hand. Use foam cups for hot drinks. Keep the bar area away from the kitchen. Use coolers instead of the kitchen refrigerator.
Step5
Keep paper towels on hand to clean up spills quickly, or the bar surface will get sticky. Buy plenty of napkins to protect furniture. Also have a large garbage can nearby.
Set-up for Self Serve
Step1
Separate drinks that must be kept cold. Have a large barrel to hold ice, beer and soft drinks. Place extra milk, cream and juices in a cooler or small refrigerator.
Step2
Place wine and wine glasses on one end of the counter and the mixed drinks at the other end. Place glasses, napkins and stir sticks in the middle of the counter. This type of set up allows for easier movement of your guests.
Step3
Set up a separate place for non-alcoholic drinks for your guests. Coffee, hot chocolate and cider are good drinks for a Christmas party; include soft drinks and juices for a complete non-alcoholic bar. Don't forget mugs, cups and spoons for stirring.
Step4
Serve other hot drinks like hot buttered rum, hot mulled wine and hot toddies. Keep a pot of hot chocolate hot for a Very Merry Cocoa-made with vodka, kahlua, crème de menthe, Irish cream and hot chocolate.
Set-up for a Bartender
Step1
Hire a bartender and consult with him about the types and amounts of alcohol to buy. Call the liquor store and place the order well ahead of time, pick up yourself to save time and money. Buy mixers and soft drinks at the same time.
Step2
Prepare garnishes ahead of time; drain pineapple chunks and cherries, place them in large plastic containers with lids. Slice lemons, make lemon wedges and lemon twists and store in separate containers. Place toothpicks, skewers and stir sticks in separate small shot glasses. Fill containers with ice and chill beer and soft drinks.
Step3
Place two bottles of each type of alcohol on the bar; store the extra to give the bartender more working room. Remove bar stools that are in front of the bartender, this will keep the traffic flowing. Wait until the bartender arrives to set-up the rest of the bar. Most bartenders have their own system and will set-up the bar themselves. Offer to assist finishing the set-up before the party begins.
Step4
Check with the bartender frequently during the party to see if he needs anything. He may need more booze, garnishes or mixers and may be too busy to search for these things.
Step5
Keep beer and non-alcoholic drinks away from the bartender's area. Your Christmas guests can get their own beer and non-alcoholic drinks; this will keep the bar traffic more free flowing.
