I threw a summer party for about 20 people at my house today. As I was setting up the drink station, I thought about how easy it is for me to put it together. I have tried so many different ideas and have really systematized my process for how to set up a drink station for a party. I’d love to share some insight I have gained over the years to help you optimize your drink station. Below are 10 pieces of advice for how to set up a drink station for a party.
10 Tips for How to Set Up a Drink Station for a Party
Below are 10 tips for how to set up a drink station for a party.
1. Strategically Place the Items in Your Drink Station
This is the most important tip on this list because it impacts the functionality of your space. Strategically placing the items in order of guests using them left to right helps create a nice flow. When setting up your drink station, place these items starting all of the way to left and moving toward the right:
- cups
- beverage napkins
- ice
- iced water
- pre-made mixed drink(s)
- alcohol
- mixers
Having these items in this order will present your guests with the items in order of when they will need them. This prevents traffic jams and confusion.
2. Offer Small Disposable Cups
Offering small disposable cups reduces waste and the time you’ll spend cleaning up. I’m a big fan of these 9 oz clear plastic cups. This is not an ad! I find that they are the perfect size and are good quality. Again, this is not an ad, but I’m also obsessed with these 5 oz plastic champagne flutes. They are durable, easy to assemble, and very classy. The best part about both of these options are that they are disposable, which makes cleanup quick and easy!
3. Fully Stock Your Ice Bucket
This is the ice bucket I have (no ad!). I love it because of the simple, classic design and because it has a cover and matching tongs included. Fill up your ice bucket with ice cubes right before guests arrive and check it once or twice during the evening to ensure it’s fully stocked.
4. Purchase Drink Dispensers
Another item you’ll want to consider is a drink dispenser. These Crate and Barrel Cold Drink Dispensers are my favorite! Again, this is not an ad – I just love them! I have two of them and can’t say enough good things about them. These are the perfect item to add to your hosting toolbox because of how easy it makes it for you and your guests.
5. Offer a Signature Cocktail
There’s seriously nothing better than a signature cocktail! I always have a party theme for any gathering I throw (although sometimes subtle). You’ll want to think about the theme of your party (if you have one) and the current season. For example, I have done mixed drinks like a Summer Sunset, Summer Breeze, and Sex on the Beach for summer parties.
6. Label the Ingredients of Mixed Drinks
If you opt to do a signature cocktail (or mocktail), use a simple white place card to write the name of the drink, as well as all of the ingredients for it. This will help all your guests feel more comfortable about trying the new drink. Some people may have allergies and others may try to stay away from a specific liquor like tequila. It’s also a great conversation starter!
7. Add Garnishes and Special Touches
If you are throwing a brunch and serving mimosas, consider putting a dish out of orange slices that your guests can add to their cups. Remember to precut them so that they slide directly onto the glass. You can also prep the glasses by putting the oranges slices on them ahead of time.
Another example is I threw a summer party where I made a blue cocktail (blue curaçao for the win!) and added Swedish fish to it so it looked like fish swimming in the ocean. So fun! It totally took a simple drink to the next level.
8. Add Simple Decor
Take your drink station to the next level by adding simple decor like a bouquet of flowers or lemons in groups of 2 or 3. Consider your party theme when decorating your drink station. You want your whole party to feel cohesive.
9. Direct Guests to the Drink Station as Soon as They Arrive
A great way to welcome a guest who arrives to your party is to greet them, thank them for coming, identify where they can get a drink (or offer to get them one), and direct them to where someone they know is or introduce them to someone with something in common.
10. Restock as Needed
Check in with your drink station every 1-2 hours to ensure it’s fully stocked and tidy. It may be helpful to put a timer on your phone to help you remember to check it.
In closing, I hope you found these tips for how to set up a drink station for a party helpful! Bookmark this post so that next time you throw a party, you can review these tips to help you set up your drink area.