4 Steps to the Perfect At-Home Bar

The moment my hubs and I moved into our new abode, we set about tackling our at-home bar. I mean, as entertainers at heart, we knew we couldn't throw all of those amazing dinner parties we planned on hosting without one. But crafting the perfect bar? It's easier said than done. Enter Total Wine & More. Their awesome lineup of, well, everything will help you pull it all together like the talented mixologist you know you are. Scroll for four steps to absolute greatness. (Cocktail background music totally optional.)

STOCK THE ESSENTIALS

This one seems fairly obvious, but trust me... missing the main ingredient to a yummy libation is a common side effect of at-home bars. Well... ones that aren't well-stocked, that is. So when that next guest requests the perfect Paloma, make sure you have a tasty silver tequila on hand to really show off your hostessing skills. And don't forget the vodka, gin, whiskey and rum, either. It's almost Mojito season, you guys. Be prepared.

Photography: Style Me Pretty

DON'T FORGET THE MIXERS

And speaking of tasty Mojitos, unless your dad (and his love of whiskey on the rocks) is the only one attending your dinner parties, you'll definitely want to make sure you have all of the mixers you need for those other yummy drink requests you'll get throughout the night. (We love you, dads!) Think Gin & Tonics (with the perfect tonic water), Vodka Lemonades and Whiskey Sours for those that appreciate that dash of simple syrup. Your guests will be really impressed.

Photography: Erin McGinn

INVEST IN THE PERFECT GLASSWARE

You can't serve up beautiful drinks without a set of equally beautiful glassware to match, and when it comes to finding everything you'll ever need for those fun-filled get-togethers, I always turn to Total Wine & More for all of the necessities. From awesome Moscow Mule mugs to stemless red wine glasses to sweet Mint Julep cups (those Derby parties are the best), you'll never be without the perfect serveware. We promise.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography

GRAB THOSE MUST-HAVE BAR TOOLS

If you're anything like me (and I know you are), it's easy to forget all of the little pieces that go into crafting the perfect drink. So, if you plan on spending your summer channeling your inner Martha Stewart (#hostessgoals2017), then you'll want to fill that bar with bar tool after bar tool. I'm talking everything from gorgeous decanters to copper bar sets (LOVE) to pretty, pretty corkscrews for all of your besties that prefer wine over liquor. Yum.

Photography: Megan Welker

Ready to build the perfect at-home bar just in time for all of those summer get-togethers? Head to Total Wine & More today for an amazing Build Your Bar tool that will help you every step of the way. Because whether you're hosting just a few of your nearest + dearest, crave the perfect after-dinner drink or plan on throwing the bash of the summer, Total Wine & More is THE place to make it all happen. You've got this.

Photography: Ruth Eileen Photography