Are you looking to enjoy that nightlife experience from the comfort of your own home? In this article David Cooper from the glassware experts Forever Crystal explains how you can create a sleek and sophisticated home bar.
Many of us have enjoyed having a drink at home over lockdown. And while some are taking advantage of the restrictions easing by getting back out to their local bars, a lot of us are still enjoying our favourite tipple in our own houses. It’s easy to see why home bars have soared in popularity — it’s cheaper, you can create whatever atmosphere you want, and you can swap your heels or dress shoes for a snuggly pair of slippers! If you want to jump on this trend, here are the steps you need to take to curate the perfect home bar.
1. Decide on your décor
Before making any other decisions, you must first consider the look that you want to go for. This will influence the rest of the products you buy, so spend plenty of time making your decision. There are so many décor themes to choose from, so you’re bound to find the perfect one for you. For example, you could base your bar’s look on a colour scheme, such as warm autumnal colours like dark oranges and reds.
You might even choose a theme based on location. For example, you could be inspired by a traditional British pub and create a cosy atmosphere with candles and a comfortable sofa to relax on. Or if you want something a bit more upmarket, choose the décor theme of a Parisian bar, and opt for top quality leather stools and beautiful wine racks.
2. Find stylish storage
Now you’ve decided on your theme, you can choose stylish storage that perfectly complements the rest of your décor. There’s no reason that the storage for your home bar can’t be both pretty and practical, so don’t sacrifice aesthetic for functionality. You can choose cupboards and shelves that fit the colour scheme of the overall room. If you’re struggling to find the perfect storage to fit your theme, you can always don your painter’s overalls and do some upcycling.
Don’t forget to find a stylish mini-fridge to store your fresh ingredients and mixers in. You can also use storage to show off your drinks. Use wine and whiskey decanters to bring a touch of class to the bar, and display wine racks as ornamental features.
3. Buy exceptional glassware
To give your drinks the beautiful presentation they deserve, it’s important to find the perfect glassware to serve them in. Choosing the right container for the right drink is more important than most of us think, as each glass is specifically made for a certain type of beverage. For example, champagne flutes are designed to stop the bubbles from escaping the drink, making it keep its fizz for longer (invaluable). So make sure to have a range of high calibre glasses suitable for every drink you want to serve.
To give your home bar a special touch that you wouldn’t find anywhere else, opt for personalised glasses for each member of the household. Drinkware can be personalised in a number of ways, such as by having a special message or simply with the person’s name.
4. Choosing the perfect drinks and add-ons
The most important thing for any bar to have is a fabulous drinks selection. After all, that’s what you’re building your home bar for in the first place! Think about you and your household’s favourite drinks, and make sure you buy the best quality ingredients for your beverages. When it comes to choosing how many different types to go for, your only limit is your storage space!
It’s a good idea to get a few staples in place first. Keep your mini-fridge stocked with a selection of beers, ciders, and mixers for spirits, such as tonic, orange juice, and lemonade. You should also make sure to stock a couple of bottles of wine, and spirits for cocktails, such as gin, vodka, and tequila.
To make your drinks extra-special, don’t forget the additional ingredients that add that flavour hit. Fruit is a great addition to any cocktail, so stock your fridge with berries, pineapple, and the ingredients of your other favourite fruity drinks. It’s also a good idea to have lemons close by, which can handily be sliced and frozen, so you can whip them out whenever you need them. And to give your drinks an extra hit of sweetness, keep a set of cocktail syrups handy.
5. Add the finishing touches
The décor is chosen, the glassware is ready, and the fridge and cupboards are stocked— all that’s left to do is add those all important finishing touches. Take a step back to admire your home bar in full, and see if there’s anything that seems to be missing. Perhaps a neon sign would jazz the place up a bit, or a couple of posters of your favourite drinks. You can even get posters that give you a step by step guide to making a cocktail, which you can use for both decoration and guidance!
Finally, look a bit closer at each section and consider the smaller details that will make your home bar stand out from the rest. Maybe a selection of snacks would go down well with your favourite beverage. You can also use fun drink decorations like mini umbrellas and stirrers to impress your guests.
After following this step-by-step guide, you should have curated the perfect home bar to impress your guests with. All you need to do now is sit back, relax, and sip on that delicious cocktail… until you have to act as bartender for the rest of the household!
