The tools any host or hostess needs in their bar cabinet
(Wearing Tory Burch cardigan – similar, Brooks Brothers dress – older, similar here and here; our bar cabinet)
Your cocktail recipes may be your own, but there are a few essentials that every good host or hostess should have, no matter their level of expertise at the bar. Happy stocking!
Decanters
Decanters pull double duty. They serve a practical purpose – to aerate a good bottle of wine, whiskey, or bourbon. They also look fabulous on top of a tray, bar, or bar cart. Here are a few of my favorites:
Wine and bottle openers
We try to always have several of these on-hand. I’m also known to cheat from time to time and use an electric opener like this one. A Rabbit wine opener is a terrific standby. You should have a few wine stoppers in your bar cabinet, too.
The Coravin is something I’ve been dying to try – it lets you open a bottle of wine without actually “opening” it. I’m so curious to see how it works in real life. Let me know if you’ve tried it in the comments below!
Cocktail napkins
We all know that cocktail napkins are a big weakness of mine. I live by Caspari cocktail napkins. You can purchase lovely ones from Matouk and witty ones from August Morgan. Cocktail napkins are one of those items that I always pick up. I know there will be an occasion for them at some point!
Cocktail Shaker
You’ll certainly need a shaker with a built-in strainer for your cocktails. I found the one below at an antique shop in Banner Elk, North Carolina, and it’s one of my favorites. Doesn’t it look like a coffee pot? You can find some fabulous ones in antique shops – here is one I found on Etsy similar to the one I found below.
I also recommend a Boston shaker. This kind of shaker doesn’t have a strainer. It’s a stainless steel cup and a glass cup (usually with measurements on it). Chances are good that you’ve seen these in bars before. They are great for quick mixing when you don’t have anything to strain.
Bar tools
One of our friends gave us this bar tools set for our wedding and we love it. I highly recommend buying these sets as it makes life a bit easier (love this one, too). You’ll want to make sure that it includes a jigger to measure your ounces, a muddler (for those mint juleps, of course), and a strainer (for any fabulous berry cocktails).
Ice buckets
I love these and collect them, too. I’m embarrassed to say that I have quite a few, but they really are so versatile. This pineapple bucket would be too fun on a bar cart. I usually have one out to chill the wine I’m serving and one out with tongs for ice cubes. After all, you don’t want your guests reaching into the wrong bucket for ice for their cocktails. The one below with the acorn feature came from one of my absolute favorite antique shops in Baltimore, Maryland, Gray Antiques.
Glassware
There are tons of different kinds of glassware out there. You can get lost in searching for red wine glasses alone! Unless you have endless storage and a keen eye for household management, I recommend picking a good, versatile white wine glass and red wine glass. I use these for red and these for white. They’re fabulous, they’re under $50 for four of them, and they’re a good quality brand that I know I can find replacements for easily.
You’ll want to pick up a few fun glasses, too. As you’re making your list, consider what you serve most often. Are you a bourbon connoisseur? Make sure that a good set of thick-bottomed (for muddling) double old fashioned glasses are on that list. Martini fan? This Marquis by Waterford set of two is under $40.00. Highballs are good glasses to have in your cabinet, as well as champagne flutes or coupe glasses. I’m on the market for a set of coupe glasses.
Once you have the basics stocked, you can have fun with bar glasses. Sue Fisher King has some stunning ones and I picked up these vintage cut glass ones at Gray Antiques as well. You can see them incorporated into this tablescape of mine. My dear friend Nancy brought us some beautiful vintage ones from The Hour Shop in Old Town Alexandria, a wonderful place to check out.
Bar trays
Bar trays are perfect for display purposes. Ever notice how items just look tidier when they’re corralled into a tray? The same principle is at work here. Trays are great for styling signature cocktails and are a perfect welcome for your guests.
Ice
Always, always, always. You never want to run out of it. My sweet, ever-gracious guests often ask what they can bring to a party I’m hosting. I always tell them to pick up a bag of ice. It never fails. I can have three extra bags in the freezer and somehow we run out.
If you loved this post, check out my splurge vs. save entertaining essentials post, kitchen essentials post, and this pantry essentials post. Please note that this post contains some affiliate links, but all are tried-and-true Magnolia Stripes standbys!
Salut!
