Stocking your Home Bar

Stocking your Texas Style Home Bar

When stocking your home bar find a space that works for your bar. Coffee-type nooks are great for this purpose. Stock with the following tools: 24 Oz cocktail shaker, muddler, mixing spoon, jigger, strainer, corkscrew, 3 liquor pourers + 2 brushes + 6 caps, ice tongs, and 2 bottle stoppers. Liquor will keep for a long time. Buying in bulk on sale is a good idea if you entertain often. Keep it simple by stocking up on the essential liquors. A half dozen or so, 750 ml bottles with a few mixers is a well-stocked home bar.

Liquor Keeps for a Long Time

Liquor will keep for a long time. Buying in bulk on sale is a good idea if you entertain often. Many liquor stores provide a case discount. Keep it simple by stocking up on the essential liquors. A half dozen or so of the 750 ml bottles, with a few mixers is a well-stocked home bar.

Vodka: It is one of the most versatile liquors and considered an essential for any home bar. Distilled from fermented grains or potatoes, vodka is a clear, flavorless spirit. It is a popular base for cocktails, as it can be easily mixed with other flavors.
Gin: Distilled from vodka and flavored with juniper berries and other botanicals, gin has a distinctive piney flavor. It is often used in cocktails such as the martini and the gin and tonic.
Whiskey: Distilled from fermented grains and aged in oak barrels, whiskey has a complex flavor profile that varies depending on the type of grain used, the aging process, and the region where it is produced. Popular types of whiskey include bourbon, scotch, and rye.
Tequila: Distilled from fermented agave plants, tequila has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. It is often enjoyed on its own or used in cocktails such as the margarita and the tequila sunrise.
Rum: Distilled from fermented sugarcane molasses, rum has a sweet, caramel flavor. It is often used in cocktails such as the mojito and the daiquiri.
Brandy: Distilled from fermented fruit, brandy has a rich, fruity flavor. It is often enjoyed on its own or used in cocktails such as the sidecar and the Old Fashioned.

In addition to these base spirits, you may also want to consider stocking up on some liqueurs and mixers such as sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, bitters, and citrus and vanilla vodkas .

Remember that your home bar should be customized to what you actually drink and your individual style, taste, and budget . You can always add more as you discover new cocktail recipes or find a new distilled spirit to try.

Start with the basics: vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, and rum. Once you have these spirits, you can start to add other liquor categories such as brandy, aperitifs, and liqueurs.
Choose high-quality spirits: It is better to have a few bottles of high-quality spirits than a lot of bottles of low-quality spirits.
Consider your budget: Liquor can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget for your home bar.

Beer Mugs and Pilsner Glasses

The Basics

Some home bar essentials are basic to ensure easy drink preparation and entertaining. Your home bar design can be simple or more complicated based on your needs. You may want the addition of a bar or bar table, along with bar stools or chairs and shelves to store liquor and bar utensils as well as barware glasses. Ask friends and family for home bar ideas, go online and look for idea boards such as Pinterest, for even more ideas.

Install shelves if needed to support your barware glasses. The basics are:

Various sizes of shot glasses
Old-fashioned bar glasses
Cocktail glasses
Margarita glasses
Highball and Collins glasses
Mason jar-style glasses
A few fun Fishbowl glasses
Champagne and wine glasses
Pilsner beer glasses and beer mugs

10 Home Bar Ideas

Adding a home bar should be a convenient and entertaining space. Depending on how much free room you have, here are 10 ideas for a home bar.

A small bar cart with a built-in wine rack and glass storage.
A minibar in a corner of the living room, with a counter and stools for seating.
A home bar cabinet with fold-down doors and shelves for storing bottles and glasses.
A converted furniture piece, such as an old chest or armoire, can be used as a bar.
A built-in bar with a granite or marble countertop, wine fridge, and cabinetry for storage.
A home bar with a keg tap and beer fridge for the ultimate home-brewing setup.
A tiki bar, complete with tropical decor and a thatched roof for a fun, laid-back vibe.
A bar with a vintage or industrial design, created using reclaimed wood or metal for a unique look.
A simple bar setup in a basement, with a long counter and bar stools for a casual space to entertain.
An outdoor bar with a built-in grill and refrigerator, perfect for summer parties and backyard gatherings.

If you have children in your home then consider installing a safety latch or lock to your home bar cabinet for storing liquor bottles. Coffee-type nooks make a great bar area for the home barista allowing you to do double duty with your space.

Decorating Your Home Bar

Decorating your home bar is a matter of personal taste. This is a space you use to relax and unwind. Vintage signs or more modern touches may be your style. Make it comfortable and useable with your personal touches. Your home bar setup should be clean and modern. Add some home bar stools and home bar essentials to your home bar design. Home bar signs are also great additions. Home bar lighting is another consideration, both low lighting and high lighting are recommended for the different ambiances of various entertainment purposes.

If your space allows a home bar counter is a great addition and gives your space more definition. You might want to sport a few home decor touches that reflect you or your hobbies for your in-home bar design. Your home bar setup should reflect who you are as well as provide for the needs of guests when entertaining. Home bar furniture should be something you enjoy, functional and relaxing.

Man Cave Ideas

If a man cave is more your style then a bigger space is needed. Big screen TV, posters, neon signs even a built-in bar or movable bar with a larger surface would be suitable. Bar stools of your liking, as well as more comfortable seating, is a must. If you want to go all out add a wine cooler and a small refrigerator for snacks.

Choose a space that can be easily converted into a man cave, such as a basement, garage, or spare room.
Consider the size and layout of the space, and how it will accommodate your desired activities and furniture.
Create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating, appropriate lighting, and personal touches.
Install a TV and sound system for watching sports and movies, and consider adding a gaming system or other entertainment options.
Stock the bar with your favorite drinks and snacks, and add a refrigerator or kegerator for convenient access.
Display your favorite memorabilia, such as sports jerseys or posters, and add personal touches like a dartboard or pool table.
Invest in storage solutions, such as shelves and cabinets, to keep your space organized and clutter-free.
Consider the acoustics of the room and add soundproofing materials if necessary to keep noise levels under control.
Create defined areas within the man cave for different activities, such as a seating area for watching TV and a bar area for socializing.
Invite friends and family over to enjoy your new space and make it a regular spot for gatherings and relaxation.

There are many considerations while designing a home bar for basement or man cave status. Some man cave furniture, a few man cave signs, and interesting home bar decor make your space more inviting. You should allow plenty of room for friends to move around, so an open space is best. Consider a house-bar-warming party, invite lots of friends and they can contribute to your space with some home bar gifts as well. Cheers!

A basic home bar set is a great addition to any home bar. Get yours here.

Drinks for a Party here.

As always, drink responsibly and stay safe.

Kay Keeton, Ed.

Editor in Chief, Kay Keeton – Texas Lifestyle Expert. Kay is a designer turned author, marketer, storyteller, and influencer. A sixth-generation Texan, Kay is both an authority as well as being passionate about sharing her home state of Texas’s diverse culture and lifestyle. Kay is a content writer and editor of content for various local and national online publications.

20 Entertaining and Hosting Ideas

Entertaining and hosting ideas at home are great ways to bring friends and family together. We have the best 20 entertaining and hosting ideas to spice up your party animal side.

How to Throw a Great Party

So how do you throw a great party? Small intimate get-togethers are more desirable in our 21st century as opposed to large parties. Of course, this is nothing new to the Texas scape, since Texans generally prefer smaller venues such as BBQs, tapas parties, and garden parties.

Our modern world is hectic, and it can be stressful. Entertaining and hosting shouldn’t be. We have a few tips to help reduce your stress over hosting an at-home event. The first tip is to have fun at your get-together. To do this, we suggest designating one or two co-hosts for your event. This provides you with support on both an emotional and a practical level. If you have a tight-knit group of friends and family, you can trade off with them when they entertain as well.

You do want to keep your get-togethers on trend and keeping up with event trends can be tricky. First, consider the group you will be entertaining. Are they adults, children, or a mix of ages, perhaps even seniors, or persons with special needs? Those needs can be quite varied so think ahead for any special accommodations that might be needed.

Top 20 Entertaining and Hosting Ideas

Texans have their own unique styles and preferences when it comes to entertaining at home. Some common ways that people in Texas, or any other region, might like to entertain at home include hosting dinner parties, hosting game nights, hosting outdoor barbecues, and hosting cocktail parties. We have put together our top 20 entertaining and hosting ideas.

20 Top Entertaining ideas to consider include:

Plan a backyard barbecue, with grilled meat and vegetables, refreshing drinks, and outdoor games such as horseshoes or cornhole.
Plan a themed dinner party, such as a Tapas party, Mexican fiesta or Italian feast.
Set up a home movie theater and invite friends over for a movie night.
Organize a game night, with a selection of board games and card games.
Host a wine and cheese tasting, with a variety of wines and cheeses for guests to try.
Plan a murder mystery dinner party, with guests dressing up and solving a fictional crime.
Host a DIY class, such as a cooking or mixology lesson, for guests to learn a new skill.
Organize a book club meeting, with everyone reading the same book and discussing it over dinner.
Set up a backyard campfire and invite friends over for s’mores and ghost stories.
Host a holiday-themed party, such as a Halloween costume party or Christmas cookie exchange.
Host a breakfast or brunch gathering, with a spread of eggs, bacon, pastries, and mimosas.
Plan a progressive dinner, where guests move from house to house for each course of the meal.
Set up a hot chocolate bar with a variety of flavors and toppings for guests to enjoy.
Organize a karaoke party, with a karaoke machine and a selection of songs for guests to sing along to.
Host a potluck, where each guest brings a dish to share.
Plan a themed dinner party, such as a beach-inspired luau or a cozy winter-themed gathering.
Set up a DIY photo booth with props and a camera for guests to take fun pictures.
Organize a craft night, where guests can make their own candles, soaps, or other handmade items.
Host a tea party, with a selection of teas and sweet and savory snacks.
Host a cocktail party with a signature drink and appetizers.

Food and Drinks

Try and keep options open for your guests, and offer games, drinks, and food that are appropriate for the occasion. Do not force party favors, games, or other selections on your guest. Keep it varied, for instance, serve both wine and beer. Offer seating options such as conversation areas and buffet seating. A well-appointed home bar will come in handy for last-minute get-togethers.

Entertaining and Hosting — **Make Your Space Welcoming and Entertaining**

Make your space welcoming and entertaining. You may want to include a theme depending on the event or celebration. Let guests know ahead of time if you have any special considerations. For instance, you might want the event to be free of electronic devices or alcohol. Just be sure to let your guest know this in advance along with any other considerations such as costume required and so on.

If you have a dedicated entertaining space such as a man cave that is open and inviting will make frequent entertaining that much easier. Remember your outdoor spaces also lend themselves to entertaining in good weather.

If professional entertainment is being offered at your event offer guidelines to your guests. Just let your guests know what to expect. An invitation is a good way to let your guests know the specifics of your event, such as an “open bar” or drink limit. If using a professional bartender determine ahead of time if tips will be accepted. You can leave the tipping up to the discretion of your guests. However, let your guests know if it is acceptable to leave a tip for the bartender.

Keep It Simple

We do recommend keeping your events as simple as possible. Maybe a lunch and munch instead of a full-blown dinner party, with a well-designed ‘tablescape’, some wine, and a handful of friends is to your liking. One of our favorites, when the weather is good, is a backyard get-together or garden party. This is especially desirable when having a slightly larger gathering so there is plenty of room.

If you live in a roommate household or have teenage and adult children you might want to designate a specific day for you all to share a day, a meal, and comradery. Have a theme or perhaps make a special dish to share, drinks and so on, making a celebration of the day together. Let others know what their role will be in the get-together, whether they will be providing a dish, preparing drinks, as well as other key items.

In Conclusion, Entertaining and Hosting

To keep your entertaining and hosting ideas fresh, visit some idea boards such as Pinterest for inspiration. Keep it simple if possible while still being festive. Sometimes just a few artificial flower leis and drink decorations can be enough. If you still have children at home and they are included in the event then get them involved with the planning and have them offer suggestions.

Joyful entertaining can be a slippery slope without a well-thought-out venue.

“Let’s raise a glass to friendship and good times!”
Kay Keeton, Editor in Chief

Drinks for a Party here.

Home life, culinary education, read here.

What are some popular party games?

Some of the most popular party games include Uno, Loaded Questions, Taboo, Scattergories, What Do You Meme, Jenga, Heads Up, Telestrations, Battle of the Sexes, and Code Names.

What are tablescapes?

Tablescapes are simply beautiful arrangements of tables, dishes, and other décor items for special occasions or for everyday decorative use. A tablescape can be as simple as decorating a tablecloth with plates, napkins, and roses, or more intricate designs with candles, ribbons, and centerpieces.

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