Greetings, Blog Friends!
Winter has arrived in Maine. Two storms piled a fair amount of snow outside our doors in just the last week. Thankfully, warmer weather followed each outburst.
The holidays are on their way and I've already attended some wonderful parties. Seeing friends and family is one of the best parts about the holidays, of course! Getting ready for them can be a challenging endeavor, however...
Stocking your bar is an integral part of planning gatherings. Until the Baby New Year makes its happy appearance to give us "2010," I will endeavor to give you some basic advice & tips on simple beverage service during your festivities to make them even better!
So....what to stock? This is as simple, or as complex, as you would like it to be.
A couple of rules:
1). To stock a complete bar may not be cost-effective, or even prudent. While I am an advocate of stocking a variety of food & beverage items to inspire my hosting creativity, I advise that, in general house party cases, only stock what you will serve.
Based on this here are some tips for entertaining:
1). Ask your guests at the time of RSVP what it is they like to drink. With some luck they will usually give you a few choices (and usually joke "the expensive booze, of course!").
2). Have the basic liquor set-up (to be discussed in a future post)---and offer a "Specialty Cocktail" (or punch) that you can make up in advance. Name it after something fun--like "Snowball Cocktail" (hmmm...do they make glasses that look like snowballs??!!), or "Yuletide Grog." Or....simply make your favorite eggnog. This way you will be all set up/stocked with enough of the ingredients.
3). While it is nice to have a variety of spirits around, remember that non-drinkers must be accommodated. Coffee, non-alcoholic punch, or another "featured" no-alcohol can be created--and try something tasty and unique. How about a "Mrs. Claus Sipper" (someone has to drive the sleigh home when Santa's nose gets too red!! Hahaha.)? Being aware and prepared for responsible service is not only a gesture of hospitality, but a form of caring for your guests and friends!
4). Consider pairing your beverage choices around your menu. (Wine is, of course, an excellent choice--ask your local liquor man what is good and affordable.
I will post some more things to consider in the near future.
On another note: To all the lovely e-mails, phone calls, and cards I received over my Granny's passing, thank you so much. My Mom got wind of all of them. She extends her sincere "Thank You" to all.
Your Maine Innkeeper,
Keith A. Neubert
Naples, Maine
"The Heart of the Lakes Region"
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