6 Quick & Quirky Food-and-Drink Stations for Parties
Want to be a fun-loving but considerate host on this festive season? Set out these DIY party stations to step up the game
Believe me, I love having people over for a late lunch or evening drinks but serving one-on-one and ensuring everyone is well fed takes a lot more dedication and finesse than I have. So here’s an easy way out for those wanting easy get-togethers – “make-it-yourself” bars and food counters.
2. The crate island beverage station
For those who don’t have a few empty crates lying around already, you can source them for pennies for the local raddiwala (junk dealer) and rig up shelving for a mini bar island. Hang them up in a geometric pattern; do make sure they are fitted firmly enough to safely hold up the bottles and glassware. Perfect for a rustic look, isn’t it?
For those who don’t have a few empty crates lying around already, you can source them for pennies for the local raddiwala (junk dealer) and rig up shelving for a mini bar island. Hang them up in a geometric pattern; do make sure they are fitted firmly enough to safely hold up the bottles and glassware. Perfect for a rustic look, isn’t it?
3. Drinks on wheels
Wish to please your guests the moment they arrive? Roll in a drinks trolley. A bar cart or any retro hostess trolley with wheels would do, the idea is to keep it as functional as possible.
Add charming touches to this – bring out colourful, elaborate straws, fresh fruits, tiny umbrellas. Trolleys are a great investment, though I would suggest a trip to your local chor bazaar (flea market) for sourcing. Make it good as new by spray-painting it in gold. Ta-dah!
Wish to please your guests the moment they arrive? Roll in a drinks trolley. A bar cart or any retro hostess trolley with wheels would do, the idea is to keep it as functional as possible.
Add charming touches to this – bring out colourful, elaborate straws, fresh fruits, tiny umbrellas. Trolleys are a great investment, though I would suggest a trip to your local chor bazaar (flea market) for sourcing. Make it good as new by spray-painting it in gold. Ta-dah!
Tip: Just in case you do not have a trolley, create your drinks bar on a tiered table. Here the table has been placed under an artwork; choose a spacious corner or a spot which can accommodate a few gatherers. Stock it up and let your guests fix a drink for themselves.
4. Stairway to heaven, literally
How about using that space under the staircase in the hall that has been crying for attention forever? Set up a freestanding bar unit with a counter and a few chairs, and you have a drinking spot for those unplanned weekend parties. If you are in for making it a bit more permanent, fix up a row of sturdy shelves, line with glasses, bottles and decanters, and get ready to party.
How about using that space under the staircase in the hall that has been crying for attention forever? Set up a freestanding bar unit with a counter and a few chairs, and you have a drinking spot for those unplanned weekend parties. If you are in for making it a bit more permanent, fix up a row of sturdy shelves, line with glasses, bottles and decanters, and get ready to party.
5. Mini door-shelf drinks station
I remember having a pull-down study table when I was a kid. How about a similar arrangement in the living room cupboard for a drinks bar? This requires a bit of planning, but you could have your neighbourhood carpenter fashion a cabinet like this to hold glasses and bottles.
I remember having a pull-down study table when I was a kid. How about a similar arrangement in the living room cupboard for a drinks bar? This requires a bit of planning, but you could have your neighbourhood carpenter fashion a cabinet like this to hold glasses and bottles.
6. Bookcase bar
Why not just shelf it up? No one ever said anything about stacking a bookshelf with only just books. Posh up your shelves with fancy crystal decanters, shiny glasses and vintage bottles. Bedazzle it with gold or bronze objects and complementary knick-knacks. Easy.
Why not just shelf it up? No one ever said anything about stacking a bookshelf with only just books. Posh up your shelves with fancy crystal decanters, shiny glasses and vintage bottles. Bedazzle it with gold or bronze objects and complementary knick-knacks. Easy.
These setups can really help organise your party better. Be generous with your guests; let them opt for a bit of independence and give them the pleasure of feeling well-taken care of while you get the much-needed time to organise other details.
Read More:
Unusual Ways to Decorate Your Way to an Unforgettable Party
6 Must-Haves for an Ultimate Man-Entertainment Zone
Tell us:
Show us your home bar. Post a picture in Comments below.
Read More:
Unusual Ways to Decorate Your Way to an Unforgettable Party
6 Must-Haves for an Ultimate Man-Entertainment Zone
Tell us:
Show us your home bar. Post a picture in Comments below.
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Our summers are long and gruelling, and a little cocktail or lemon punch never hurt anybody. Set up a self-service beverage tray. Dust off the old metal bucket your mom left you in the attic. That stuff is priceless now – just what you need. Fill it with ice and park bottles in it. Perk up plain water with slices of lemon, cucumber or mint and lots of ice. Put a jugful next to the bottle-bucket, in a corner of the garden or room, and stop the parched ones coming to you with an empty glass every time they want a refill.