Once
again it’s Party time. Like it or not you find yourself getting ready to host
family, friends or coworkers for the annual holiday bash and you find more
questions than answers when it comes to getting started. I like to host a party,
I like to serve different things, fun foods and best of all, great wines or
unique party drinks. Hopefully this guide, including this article on the
beverage aspect of party planning will allow you to put together a celebration
that you and your guest will enjoy.
Beverage
options are many, the basic holiday punch, sparkling wine for toasts, the
hottest wines from California, a self serve bar, or a combination of several of
these. As host you must consider
the scope of the party and plan accordingly. One of your biggest concerns is
safety of your guests through control of consumption, and ample supply of
non-alcoholic beverages and food. And then, a plan for rides for those who may
over do it.
Whatever
type of beverage you intend to supply, quantity is an issue. Here are some
basics:
WINE
- A
750-milliliter bottle has 25.4 oz. Or, a little over 4 - 6 oz.
pours.
For a
dinner party, a bottle of wine per person my sound like a lot, but the basic
guide of 2 glasses per hour per guest holds true. A three-hour gathering will allow the last hour for coffee
and desert.
LIQUOR
- A
750-milliliter bottle of spirits has 17 - 1.5 oz. pours.
For a
cocktail party, still use the 2 drinks per hour per guest guide. A self-serve
bar with a 750 ml each of; Scotch, Gin, Vodka, Rum, and Bourbon would
conceivably provide 85 mixed drinks. An adequate supply for 40 guests over a
two-hour period.
PUNCH
- The
standard punch bowl holds a gallon or approximately 24 servings.
Holiday
punch is an easy way to handle a larger number of guests and you can use less
alcohol. Remember, 1 750-ml bottle of spirits contains 24 oz. You can use less
than a full bottle per batch.
BEER
– A 1/2 barrel keg = 15.5 gallons, or 165 12 oz. glasses (a quarter keg, 82
glasses) Use
2 glasses per hour, do the math and formulate a plan. Or purchase 24 can cases
as required.
With
these basics you can tailor a serving plan that compliments your party.
Obviously there are many variables to consider. If you’re like me you
don’t want to run out of anything prematurely.
You can always have extra in stock but held in reserve.
A single beverage such as punch is simple but may not be to your liking.
For
my party, we will have a selection of wines that we like and have been stocking
up since the summer. Buying on sale prior to the peak of party season or buying
by case to get a discount is smart. Quantity
planning becomes less of factor because I plan on having leftovers for my
everyday personal wine supply.
You
can make your choice and variety as simple as you like, one wine for the evening
or a couple to choose from. Chardonnay
and a Cabernet would do nicely. You can get creative and make the party a chance for your
guest to sample several of you favorite varietals. This is more like what you
will find at my home this year.
In
addition to Chardonnay and Cab, we will have a Sauvignon Blanc, a Riesling, and
probably a few bottles of White Zinfandel. Some of this variety is driven by the
array of food to be served and my expected guests preference.
Don’t
fret over the small stuff, if you still are undecided on what or how much to
serve, talk to your favorite retailer. Most
are happy to help with the basics and offer suggestions.
Have a great holiday party season!
Cheers.
Some
bar supplies to remember:
Ingredients
for success
· Lemon and
Lime wedges
· Maraschino
cherries with stems
· Olives
· Celery
· Pickle spears
· Filberts
· Cinnamon
sticks for cider or tea
· Flavored
whipped creams for coffees: chocolate, cinnamon, mint.
Accessories to
remember
· Swizzle
sticks
· Cocktail
napkins
· An ice bucket
and scoop or tongs
· A trash can
with extra bags
and, a special touch
Try ice cubes
made from frozen fruit juice or with frozen fruit into them. For
"savory" beverages, use ice cubes made from vegetable juices.
A
few current release wine values that you may find at my house this year:
Napa
Ridge
Gallo
of Sonoma
Stonehedge
Bogle
Taft
Street
St.
Supery
Gallo
of Sonoma
Columbia
Crest
Hogue
Fetzer