It’s the holidays, and that means one thing: countless parties trimmed with the same red velvet, small bites, and, bubbly. After the third or fourth go around, it’s all a bit stale.
If you’re hosting this season’s soiree, change it up with a DIY craft cocktail bar. Having your guests be their own mixologists’ will add creativity and action to your holiday bash. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to play with some tablescape ideas you’ve been dying to try all year.
The Essentials: What to Buy
Whether your friends are newbies or cocktail connoisseurs of DC, the following ingredients will please your crowd:
- Deep Eddy’s Vodka: Cranberry & Lemon
- Pitchers of: Water/ Orange Juice / Soda Water
- Simple Syrup
- Garnish: Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Candied Ginger, Edible Flowers and whatever else your little heart desires
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary / Fresh Mint / Tarragon/ Basil
- Heirloom Custom Cocktail Napkins
- Assorted mini-jars (for garnish + herbs)
- 2 Copper or Stamped Metal Beverage Tubs
- Glassware (Coupe or Cocktail glasses)
- Festive Bowl of Ice
Each of these ingredients can be mixed and matched in countless combinations that will make your guests feel warm, fuzzy, and festive. If your crowd needs a little guidance, design your own recipe lists and place them on your table for everyone to read. Make sure to include cute menu cards describing what each ingredient is – even if some are self-explanatory, it adds to the style & tablescape.
Tablescapes: It’s all in the Setting
At Heirloom, we know presentation is half the job. Set your craft cocktail bar on a textured, earth-toned linen. Then drape with a festive floral overlay. The soft color scheme will lend a warm atmosphere that strays from the scarlet and whites typical of a holiday party.
Lay out your essentials in an organized fashion that makes it easy for your guests to know what’s what—from liquors, to mixers, to garnishes.
Slice your garnishes and place them in assorted mini-jars–think mason jars, pop tops, or a little silver pot. Put your mixers in clear pitchers so your guests can pick and choose with ease. And be sure to provide some fun cocktail glasses so your friends can sip in style.
This holiday season, find festivity in cocktail making. For advice or help setting up, contact Heirloom today.
(All) Photo Credit: Joy Elizabeth Bythrow | @MorningsLikeThese
