Cocktail Party Part Deux

Okay, so hopefully you read my previous post where I mused about becoming the hostess of the century, throwing lavish parties and pulling together casual soirees with the flick of my wrist at a moments notice.  But seriously, we should continue where I left off. 

I hope you have set up and stocked your holiday bar by now with all of the essentials.  Now you need to serve those cocktails.  There are all sorts of rules and thoughts about what glasses are appropriate for each type of drink but I don't think it needs to be all that complicated.  You should own, at a minimum, some all purpose wine glasses (about 12), some low tumbler glasses (old-fashioned glass), taller high ball glasses, beer glasses (pint) and if you want some cocktail glasses.  

I was out shopping the other day and I went into The Hour Shop  in Old Town Alexandria, VA.  They sell a great assortment of vintage & new bar ware, glasses, trays, tools, etc.  This would be a fabulous place to pick up a gift for that hostess / friend who has everything.  I would relish anything from this store (hint, hint)!  

So back to your spectacular party, no bar is complete without the tools to make your lovely libations.  A beautiful bar set makes another great gift and is essential to the home bartender.  However, buyer beware, this is an area where you may want to splurge for something that is well made and will stand up to heavy use!  I trust almost anything Williams-Sonoma sells so I am recommending these bar tools and this shaker.   I am also partial to Design Within Reach so I would recommend this as well. 

Okay so your all set, right?!  Well if you are anything like me you are wondering what drinks to serve and how to make them.  I suggest that if having a small intimate party with friends you let them mix their own drinks, if your bar is well appointed then they should have no problem finding everything they need.  If you are having a larger party you may want to help serve drinks.  For this I would suggest picking one or two signature drinks of the evening and mastering these, before the party.  You could even let everyone know what you are planning to serve on the invitation, "Come Celebrate with Merry Christmas Manhattans."  There are about a million cocktail recipes I couldn't possibly begin to scratch the surface but according to the website Art of Manliness these are the top 5 classic cocktails that every man (and woman) should know how to make.

Riedel "O" Trio Wine Tumblers- 

These are great for red wine, when shopping for wine glasses pick something that is all purpose.

Set of 3, $30.00

Pottery Barn Essentials Wine Glasses 

These are great all purpose wine glasses.  Another important wine glass feature is the thickness of the lip, the thinner the lip the finer the glass and the more enjoyable to drink out of.

Pottery Barn Set of 8, $49.00

Crate & Barrel High-ball and Old-Fashioned Glass

A high ball glass is used for drinks with a liquor base and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer (think gin & tonic or jack & coke).  An old fashioned or low ball glass is a tumbler used for drinks on the rocks (with ice)

$6.95 each

Williams - Sonoma Dorset Highball and Old Fashioned Glasses

These have great styling and have a very hefty weight to them.

Highball Set of 4, $88.00  Double Old Fashioned Set of 4, $72.00

Pottery Barn - PB Classic Stemware Martini Glass

This cocktail glass, often called a martini glass has classic proportions.

Set of 6, $21.00

Pottery Barn - British Pint Glass

I absolutely love this pint glass, it has the measurement markings that are required by law in all British pubs!

Set of 6, $28.00