How to Design a Kitchen Bar
Kitchen islands, little corner nooks and counters all make great places for a kitchen bar. If you have some extra space in your kitchen, you may want to set up a convenient space for snacks and drinks that will serve as a great staging area for parties. Here you can whip up drinks for everyone and keep guests happy and comfortable, while keeping yourself organized and prepared. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Liquors
- Juices and other nonalcoholic options
- Cocktail and juice glasses
- Wine glasses
- Large, clear serving bowls
- Small candy dishes
- Mini refrigerator
- Utensils
- Towels
- Cutting board
- Washcloths
- Cocktail shaker
- Blender
Instructions
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Consider the placement of the sink when deciding how to set up your bar. Keep the sink close, as the area will be vulnerable to spills and condensation. The closer you are to the sink, the easier it will be to keep the area clean. Also consider where your guests and family will gather. Situate the bar in such a way that you can face others and participate in conversation.
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Make space available in the cupboards above or below the counter. You need at least one shelf to stand liquors and one on which to lay wine bottles on their sides. If your cupboard doors are glass, you might consider replacing the glass with opaque glass or a solid inset. Light can be harmful to the flavors of some liquors and wines.
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Be honest with yourself about the types of cocktails and drinks you expect to serve. You will want to have the proper glasses ready, but may not have space for every type of glass. Martini glasses are versatile and work well for margarita and other cocktails. Highball glasses can double as juice glasses. Keep these in the top cupboard so you can easily grab one without having to bend down.
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Install a small refrigerator in the cupboard below, if space is available. This is especially useful if your bar is relatively far from your large refrigerator. Fill the small refrigerator with white wine, beer and juices. This is also a great place to keep non-alcoholic treats for children, such as chocolate milk and sparkling water. You can also keep garnishes such as olives and limes.
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Store utensils in one of two drawers within reach. Utensils should include a corkscrew, bottle opener, tongs and paring knives. Keep a small cutting board and toothpicks there, as well as specialties such as a wine aerator and bottle toppers.
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Keep towels and washcloths in the second drawer.
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Place snacks in the large serving bowls and put them on the highest shelf. These could include bags of nuts or pretzels or crackers. Place these items in smaller candy dishes to serve.
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Store other tools such as a blender and cocktail shaker in the remaining cupboard space. If there is no space or if you like the look of these tools, keep them on the counter.
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Tips & Warnings
Envision how you would like to use the space and keep each tool in a convenient space. Also customize the area to fit your taste. If you enjoy wine, keep all the wine accessories together. Store cheese knives and spreaders nearby and keep cheese and olive spreads in the refrigerator, for instance.
