Lady Astor once remarked that she didn’t drink at parties because she wanted to be sure when she was having a good time. This is worth remembering while attending a party, not to mention when called upon to drive home from one. Still, one should enjoy oneself because where we are going from here, I do not believe cocktails are served. The trend today seems towards simpler drinks like wine, beer and bottled waters. You alone know what you should drink, and if you should. The little policeman in your head is sometimes on a break, but he always comes back. (You know he will.)
If you want to try something different for your party, maybe consider a “white bar.” Cluster together gin, vodka, club soda, white wine, tonic, champagne vermouth and ginger ale. This will accommodate a range of tastes and guarantee that if anything spills it won’t stain. Set up at least one tray of filled glasses before guest arrive and line all trays with paper doilies. This will not only render a finished look to the trays, it will also give the glasses more stability.
The location of the bar at a party is an important strategic decision. It should be well away from the food and seating area if at all possible. This will help to avoid the inevitable congestion and clash of eaters, drinkers, observers and conversationalists. If the party is really a big one, consider keeping extra bottles and cans of “spirits” in an ice-filled bathtub, washing machine or child’s wading pool.
You don’t want to contribute to the delinquency of an adult or encourage over-indulgence. Heaven forbid! It will help if there are some non-alcoholic choices as most people do a bit of each at parties. These might include: apple juice, wine spritzers and non-alcoholic beers. Consider too those drinks called “mocktails” for your crowd such as pitchers of “virgin” marys and pina coladas. Embellish them with garnishes and don’t forget to provide plenty of alcohol-absorbing food.
Most of all, have fun at your party.
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