| It's great to plan those holiday parties, but once | | | | Setting up a portable bar does not mean going |
| the commitment is made, reality sinks in and the | | | | out and buying a new piece of furniture. The |
| work begins. Not everyone is blessed with a | | | | chances are you have something lying around the |
| finished basement, ready made for parties, and | | | | house that will be suitable. Small tables or serving |
| complete with an oak wet bar and dance floor. | | | | carts work well. I've even seen someone use an |
| Not to worry, with a little work and some | | | | old barrel. |
| creativity you can create your own temporary | | | | Stock Your Bar |
| bar. | | | | Ice storage should be one of your first |
| Portable bars are great. You can wheel them out | | | | considerations. A small ice bucket, constantly in |
| whenever you need them and they're already | | | | need of refilling, will only create unnecessary work. |
| pre-stocked with all the necessities. If you don't | | | | Try to get a larger container, such as a cleaned |
| own one of these, a make shift bar station can | | | | out planter, an urn or large bowl. I've even seen |
| easily be set up and tailored to your needs. Here | | | | someone take a large cooler, place it beside the |
| are some things to keep in mind when setting up | | | | bar and have it over flowing with chilled |
| your beverage center. | | | | beverages. |
| Location, Location, Location | | | | Display your bottles, glasses, openers, and mix so |
| Location is probably your most important decision | | | | that guests can easily help themselves. Be sure to |
| when setting up you bar station. Guests | | | | include juice, pop, a pitcher of water, sliced lime |
| automatically gravitate to the bar during a party | | | | and/or lemons and olives. |
| so decide what area of the house you want | | | | Give Your Bar Some Pizzazz |
| people to gather. If you have a small kitchen, this | | | | Now is the time to pull out your showy pieces |
| may not be the best location. Close proximity to | | | | and make your bar stand out. Grab those crystal |
| a sink is a perk, but not a necessity. Some people | | | | bowls to hold your condiments and silver trays to |
| like to set up their bar so that it doubles as a | | | | show off glassware. If you have a theme for |
| blockade to prevent guests from wandering into | | | | your party, try and reflect it in your bar decor. |
| certain areas of the house. Try to find an area | | | | Have it resemble a beach hut for that Hawaiian |
| where you have room to store extra bottles and | | | | theme or display pine boughs for a holiday party. |
| supplies in behind. A kitchen island or other | | | | Set up a wine tasting area by pre-opening various |
| designated space works well as long as you can | | | | bottles and setting them out. If the party is for a |
| handle the traffic jams while you're preparing | | | | big game, set up your keg and stick up a few |
| food. I've also heard of people using bookshelves | | | | sports pictures or other memorabilia. |
| or outside patios (if the weather cooperates). | | | | Once the set up is complete, pour yourself a |
| Wherever you decide, make sure there is space | | | | drink to celebrate and wait for the guests to |
| for people to stand around and mingle. | | | | start pouring in. |
| Reuse and Recycle | | | | |