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Entertaining Ideas
We have put together a professional party check list for you.
Each event, no matter the size has lots of little details that need to be considered for it to run as smoothly and successfully as possible. Our in-house team of professional sommeliers have put together a check list of things to consider to help you plan the best event possible.
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You will need ice for chilling beverages and for putting in drinks. You can never have enough ice so always pick up a bit more then what you think you will need.
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A space that is large enough to have a selection of drinks and working room around it for people either making their own drinks or receiving them from a bartender.
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Garbage can that is out of the way but accessible.
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Clean and polished glassware. Decide what style you will need to have. Renting glassware is an easy way to ensure that you will have enough for your party and you won't have to wash them afterwards.
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Corkscrews and openers, have a least two of each on-hand.
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Fresh juices, pops and water for mixes and non-alcoholic choices.
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Martini shaker, strainer, muddler, ice tongs, knife cutting board.
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Fresh garnishes for cocktails - orange, lemon, lime slices, olives. Slice ahead of time but no more then hour so that they are fresh.
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Bar cloths and napkins.
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Punch for non-alcoholic choice (optional but nice touch).
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Menu of options available.
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Drink recipes if it is a make-your-own bar
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Have twice as many glasses as invited guests
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Have coffee or tea available
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Have a taxi number available should any one need one for a ride home
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Ice bucket large enough to chill a few bottles at a time.
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The bathtub filled with ice can be used as extra storage for chilled bottles during an event.
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Corkscrews at least two
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Cloths and napkins for wiping wet bottles
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Clean polished glassware. Renting glassware is a a great option.
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Ice bucket
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Stay away from placing scented candles in the room so people can pick up the aromas in the wine.
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Have menu with the wine options offered and if you like a bit about each wine
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If you have a theme for the event choose wines that fit in
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Sparkling wine is always fun and appreciated
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You just need to have one of each style - red, white and sparkling you don't need to have a large list if you don't want to
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Choose wines you like
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Average on each person have 1.5 glasses of wine for each hour of the event or roughly 1 bottle for every two guests attending
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Only uncork a few bottles and leave the rest to open when needed
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Choose beers you enjoy
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Have a bucket or cooler with ice so that the beer is served at the correct temperature
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Clean and polished glassware
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Offer at least one lager and one ale style
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Have a menu card to show styles available and food pairing suggestions
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Have at least two openers handy
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