• The old adage of white wine being more popular than red wine has changed. People today are drinking as much, if not more red wine at parties than white wine. Of course, you need to consider the time of day of the event, what food you’re serving and the climate of the party setting. I like to plan equal amounts of white & red wine, unless there is some significant factor that would skew the ratio i.e. a Sunday Brunch party or a warm weather, poolside affair. Mmm, sounds nice.
• Stock up on plenty of ice. You'll need it for chilling bottles of wine or champagne as well as serving in drinks on the rocks. A good rule of thumb is to have 1 pound of ice per guest.
• Have twice as many glasses on hand as guests.
• Be prepared with an assortment of glass styles to cover the type of drinks you plan to serve. These include: good-quality wine glasses for wines (rent them if you have to); straight-sided highballs for tall drinks; tumblers for spirits and juices; and martini glasses.
• Don't forget to stock up on mixers including: fruit juices (orange, grapefruit, cranberry & pineapple), club soda, tonic, ginger ale, cola, tomato juice & plenty of lemons and limes. You may need to add other items, depending on the types of cocktails that you choose to serve.
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  If you’re serving wine, uncork a few bottles of each offering in advance. It will not only save you time when your guests arrive, but help you to identify if any of the wine is “corked” or off. Decant the red wine, especially if its “big” and needs some time to open up.
• Consider hiring a bartender to mix the drinks for your party. It will allow you more time to socialize with your guests. Many caterers also offer bartending services.
• As party supplies go, bottled spirits will probably be your greatest expense (unless you raid the wine cellar). My advice is to buy the very best spirits that your budget will permit. Your guests will recognize & appreciate your effort.
• Have coffee available for any guests that may need a little assistance at the end of the party. Also, the number of the local yellow cab. Friends don’t let friends drive drunk. Remember, you want all of your guests to make it home safe & sound.

Remember: Have Fun!

• How many drinks should I plan on serving at my party?
• How many drinks will I usually get per bottle?
• How many drinks will I usually get per bottle?
• How many bottles of wine should I buy for my party

Remember, this stuff isn’t calculus and it shouldn’t feel like it. Don’t forget that you’re planning something FUN. If you have a little left over, no big deal. Share it with your friends, your neighbors, have another party. Life should be this good. Cheers!

Stocking mixers is like stocking your alcohol. It really depends on what you plan to serve. The list below will prepare you for most requested cocktails. Orange Juice Cranberry Juice Pineapple Juice Grapefruit Juice Tomato Juice Sweet & Sour Mix Bloody Mary Mix Angostura Bitters Lime Juice Grenadine Simple Syrup Worcestershire Sauce Tabasco Sauce Club soda Tonic Cola & Diet Cola Ginger Ale Half & Half Mineral Water (Both still & sparkling)

Use fresh fruit for your garnishes. Again, it depends on what you plan to make, but this will prepare you for most cocktails. You can use your imagination and add fresh fruits, candies, sprinkles, or even tiny umbrellas to give your own touch to your concoctions. Lemons Limes Oranges Maraschino Cherries Cocktail Onions Spanish Olives Coarse Salt SPORTSMAN’S has a full compliment of the very best mixers & garnishes. Don’t see it? Just ask. Now shake it up Baby!