The Hosting Help Guide

In our years of hosting and toasting — both in the Toaster and our own living rooms — we’ve found playing bartender can sometimes be exhausting and sometimes exhilarating.

We always vote for the latter, and have compiled a handful of our most tried and true tips so that you can keep toasting with your guests, and stop running to the kitchen for more water glasses (yet again)

1. Stock Your Favorites

Stocking a bar can sometimes feel like talking about politics — you know you won’t please everyone. For bashes on the smaller side, commit to the liquor you prefer (select one, maybe two), with a red wine, white wine, and beer option. Keep soda water and tonic as your trusty fallbacks.

2. Divide and Serve

If you don’t have a bartender, strategically place the stations for beer, wine, and water throughout the space to prevent over-crowding the bar. Conveniently, this tactic also keeps the party self-circulating!

3. Share a Story

But only in a few words. When it comes to naming a custom cocktail, think of something special — an object, place, or story you love — and find a way to incorporate it. It adds another sparkle of your personal flair, and also becomes an easy conversation starter for you and your guests.

4. Schedule an Ice Delivery

Trust us, this is a game-changer. Local services or Instacart will track down and deliver the ice for you, without any headache. We recommend chilling cold drinks two hours before the event starts, minimum.

5. Taste the Freshness

We always recommend fresh squeezed juices for your cocktails. Trust us, you can taste the difference. Invest in the nice stuff, your guests will be coming back for more!

Most importantly, enjoy the party! Leave the people-pleasing to the politicians, and let’s get back to what really matters — sharing moments with friends and family, toasting to the life.

Cheers!