Christmas Cocktails: How to Setup a Drink Station

As a host, I love to offer a drink-mixing cocktail station since they serve a dual purpose of providing the requisite drink for your guests, but also they double as an activity, helping keep guests entertained. With the many social gatherings during the holiday season, it is easy to get party burnout. Kids especially can be difficult guests to please, and it’s not all their fault. Put yourself in the small shoes of a youngster, and it will become immediately clear that holiday parties can be downright boring. A cocktail station is a great fix, offering guests young and old the opportunity to try their hand at a little mixology.

It is a lot of fun for guests plus a DIY drink station takes a big load off your hosting duties so you can enjoy the party too! Over on Chinet’s blog I shared Christmas party cocktails station ideas including family-friendly holiday mocktail recipes PLUS my Free Printable Drink Bar Kit!

Tips for How to Setup a Drink Station

I am such a believer in DIY cocktail stations that I include one at almost every party I host. Here are some quick super-tips for how to set up a cocktail station that limits stress and mess!

ONE.
Have a couple easy cocktail recipes for guests to follow. These recipes will make it easier for you to prepare and will help guests get their creative juices flowing.

TWO.
Pick drinks that can use the same soda/alcohol base. Simpler is almost always better, and this approach will make things a lot easier on you and is less confusing for guests.

THREE.
Keep ingredients organized and separated. It will just looks so much better, but also having an organized palette inspires creativity.

FOUR.
Prepare for messes. You’ll want to have plenty of napkins and use low-profile cups that are harder to tip over. They are often called tumblers, but I don’t know why because they really are much less prone to tumbling over than the taller cups.

FIVE.
Make sure to have plenty of disposable cups and use smaller ones. I hate small cups that need to be constantly refilled as much as anyone, but this is not the time when you want a big drink. Your guests will want to mix and try a lot of small drinks so go for the smaller cups (I think these 9-ounce plastic cups are perfect.)

Sources for Christmas Cocktails Drink Bar

Stainless Steel Fusti Beverage Dispenser
Hollowed Birch Log
Small Glass Pitchers
Chinet® disposable compartment tray
Chinet® Cut Crystal® 9 oz. cups
Torani Vanilla Syrup