Fall is just around the corner and folks in Northwest Arkansas are getting ready for a new season of entertaining friends and family in their homes. In fact, according to a National Eating Trends survey, in 2016 the average person ate 38 meals at other people's homes.
Setting a mood for entertaining may start with creating and outfitting a home bar. A home bar can provide a great gathering place for hosts and their guests. It can serve as a relaxing night out, without the crowds or bar tabs that come at the end of the night. It also can serve as a neighborhood hangout - a smart choice for those who want to indulge safely and not have to drive home afterward.
Creating a home bar is not complicated or difficult. By investing in basic equipment, stocking up on preferred liquors and gaining some mixology expertise, hosts can impress and entertain their guests.
Establish a bar setup
Home bars can range from rolling carts to built-in wet bars to a single tray of items. Space in a home will dictate the type and complexity of your bar. Rolling bar carts are popular and versatile, and they can be kept stationary or rolled in and out of a room as needed. If a bar cart is open, organization is key, as you don't want it to look unkempt.
A full-blown wet bar will require more construction, including plumbing and electricity if you need outlets for plugging in appliances. Wet bars are ideal in dens, renovated garages and finished basements.
Stock up on equipment
A new home bar requires barware and glassware. A home bar will benefit from a muddler, jigger, cocktail shaker, strainer, ice cube trays, and bar spoon. Glassware can include short glasses, tall glasses and wine glasses with stems. Martini glasses provide a chic look and are practical for those who prefer cosmopolitans and martinis.
Fill it with spirits
No bar is complete without alcohol and mixers. Homeowners can buy the types of spirits they love and complete their bars with the basics for mixing. When stocking a bar, keep in mind that everything does not have to be top-shelf. Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and whiskey are some of the more popular spirits. Simple syrup, fresh fruit, club soda, cola, and bitters are versatile mixers.
Entertaining guru Martha Stewart reminds hosts to have enough supplies on hand for guests. Expect each person to have three drinks (requiring three glasses), use a pound of ice, and three cocktail napkins per two-hour party. Don't forget to stock a selection of nonalcoholic items for those who don't imbibe.
NAN Dining Guide Spotlight on 09/09/2018