Friday Find

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The newest and most beloved addition to my bar setup. 

If you've spent any time in my company or on The Guide, you know how much I love entertaining and having bar essentials that are both functional and reflect my personality. I recently fell in love with this skull bottle opener purchased from the Cupcakes & Cashmere Shop. Not only can it screw into the wall to make uncapping a breeze, but it's perfectly kitschy and classic for my bar cart. I love the weight and size of it, and it's been a conversation starter for sure. The price tag makes it a no brainer (a little punny -- not sorry). I'm looking forward to pulling it out this weekend and letting it make a statement beside some chilled bottles.  

Shop the Item Here: Skull Bottle Opener, $20.

How Much Alcohol to Serve at a Party

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Sometimes it's as simple as numbers in, numbers out. Who said math couldn't be fun as an adult? 

There is always a moment before a party where you wonder if you've pulled together too much or too little alcohol, where you're unsure if you'll be forced to make someone drive for ice (because hellloooo sun), and where you're hoping the bar setup doesn't look straight out of Animal House. I might not be able to help with the latter two, but the first one, we'll cover today. This calculation is adapted from Lauren Conrad's out of her latest book, Celebrate. It has been adjusted after my previous party experiences using her original. 

It goes as follows:

(AVERAGE # of DRINKS x # of GUESTS) x 1.30 = Total Drink Count

Depending on the party, the average number of drinks may change. For example, at a dinner party each guest might consume 1 or 1.5 drinks per hour versus a bbq where they might consume 2.5 to 3 per hour. The average mixed cocktail contains 1.5 to 2 ounces of alcohol, but if it's more of a wine/beer situation, know that a bottle of wine contains about four glasses each. Since I never pour that carefully, I usually estimate about three healthy glasses and know that if it is all running low, I can squeeze an extra glass in there. A fifth of alcohol contains just over 25 ounces. To calculate the average number of drinks, determine how much each person will consume per hour and the number of hours spent drinking; multiply these together. The 1.30 is a 30% buffer for any last-minute guests or friends staying extra late and drinking after the party ends. Just a tip, better to have a little extra booze left over than run out in the middle of the party. 

A Quick Example: 
I'll certainly be using this for my upcoming party, and I can rest assured I won't be scrambling for last minute drinks (thank goodness). I estimated my guests would drink about three drinks an hour, for a duration of about three hours, so nine drinks per guest. 

(NINE drinks x 17 guests) x 1.30 = 198.9 or about 200 drinks. 

I know I will be serving about 200 drinks to all my friends and family - lots of fun to be had! I wanted a variety of drinks, so I am serving:

+ Grapefruit Punch
+ Wine
+ Beer
+ Champagne
+ Soda and Pink Lemonade

With the 30 percent buffer, I'll be shopping for about 23 guests instead of 17, so after the necessary math, my shopping list is:

+ 12 Bottles of Champagne
+ 10 12-Packs of Beer
+ 2 Bottles of Grapefruit Secco
+ 2 Bottles of Pino Grigio
+ 2 Bottles of Sparkling Water
+ 2 Boxes of White Wine
+ 1 Bottle of Pink Lemonade
+ Assortment of Sodas

Note: I overestimated in some areas, because I would rather have extra to use at a later time than not have enough at the party now. Who said math couldn't be fun as an adult? 

+What do you think? Helpful or not helpful?

A Fun Entertaining Tip

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Three things I always have on hand for a last minute party. 

I have a habit of inviting people back to my place to toast someone's promotion, to celebrate a birthday, or just when I want to liven up an exhausting or not so great day. Because of this, I always keep a few things on hand to make sure my guests are relaxed and in the party mood, and I don't have to do any last minute running around. I've already talked previously here on keeping my house party ready, so in those 10 minutes, I know I can have all of my essentials chilling or defrosting for what is going to be a great time. Without further ado, here are my three party essentials for the best impromptu celebration...

1. Champagne. Would this really be a Great Vibes party tip without champagne? Of course not. Here's why: nothing says quintessential party like popping a bottle of champagne and toasting each other in pretty glasses. It's classic and simple. I always keep one chilling in the refrigerator and one nearby to cool down quickly if the party is larger than I expected or goes longer than originally planned. 

2. Vanilla Ice Cream. Vanilla ice cream creates an excellent base to stir in anything you have on hand in your cabinet, like sprinkles or chocolate chips or caramel sauce. Serve it up in small ramekins or big bowls depending on the tone of the get together. My favorite is to pull out all the mini bowls I have (I love bowls, so I have a collection), do one scoop of vanilla with lemon zest and top it with chocolate chips. It looks pretty, tastes delicious, and is super super easy to make. 

3. Frozen Waffles. Stay with me here. These are the newest addition to my party arsenal, and oh my goodness, what a game changer. Aside from throwing an Eleven vibe, these help make a party really lighthearted and fun. They heat up super easily in the oven while the ice cream is defrosting on the counter, and you're popping the cork on that bottle of champagne. While yes, serving them the traditional way with maple syrup is delicious, they also are excellent quartered and used to make ice cream sandwiches with the aforementioned essential.

The next morning, have yourself a Bloody Mary beside a waffle topped with a fried egg to feel like you're living your best life without breaking the bank at brunch or having to do too much work (I recommend the Bloody Mary mix from Whole Foods - not expensive, great ingredients, delicious beyond belief).  

Cheers to a summer of fun! Xx. 

+ what's your go-to entertaining essentials?