- 1). Send out invitations or issue email or telephone invitations asking guests to join you for drinks and light snacks. Specify a start and end time.
- 2). Stock your bar. A basic bar setup includes beer, vodka, bourbon, rum, tequila, gin, and brandy along with tonic or soda water and sodas in cola and lemon-lime flavors. Chill white wines and sodas. Basic garnishes include maraschino cherries, green olives and slices of lemon and lime.
- 3). Provide snacks. Set out bowls of nuts, pretzels and popcorn. If you want to offer more options, choose simple finger-foods like miniature sandwiches, cheese cubes and chips or vegetables with dip.
- 4). Set out glasses for various drinks: tumblers, old fashioned glasses, wine stems, martinis glasses, etc. Provide straws, ice tongs and garnish picks and a cocktail shaker along with plenty of napkins.
- 5). Turn on background music. Choose a CD or MP3 playlist or all-music television or radio station to avoid commercials. Jazz, classical and pop are all popular choices for a drinks party, but you can use any music you and your guests will enjoy.
- 6). Hire a bartender or play the role yourself. If you offer pitchers of pre-mixed drinks, you can let guests help themselves.
- 7). Greet your guests as they arrive. Circle periodically to see if anyone needs a fresh drink.
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