Erin Lane Blog

Nothing is more fun than entertaining with essentials you can be proud of and that are ready for guests in a moment's notice like this Culver Barware Set: Anyone would be happy if this was under the tree on Christmas morning.

This holiday season make sure you have your bar & home stocked with the basics.

[caption id="attachment_5850" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo Credit: blissathome.com[/caption]

One thing I have learned over many years of entertaining during the month of December is just simply to have your fridge and pantry stocked and your house clean and festive. I use to plan these elaborate dinners and half the time people would end up sick, not show up at all, have kid emergencies, etc. and it would drive me crazy.  I would spend a month planning these events down to handwriting the place cards, buying gifts for each place setting,  pressing the linen napkins and not to mention decking my home out to the nines.

So my advice is this: Do small impromptu entertaining, its way more fun and relaxed. I will buy nice cheeses, fruits, prawns, a nice nitrate free ham, artisan rolls, and desserts and when people stop by I'm prepared. For your bar set-up get your basics: vodka, rum, whiskey, scotch, and gin as well as your basic mixers like soda water, sparkling water, juices, and some non-alcoholic options. Don't forget about your wine drinkers (that's me) and grab some nice Napa Valley Chardonnay & some reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa or even some Chilean reds which are always a big hit. Take an inventory of your barware and make sure everything is clean and polished and ready to party. Add some festive cocktail napkins and get that playlist ready. Its so enjoyable to actually be able to sit down and visit with your guests. When you have a big party you're the bartender, hostess, chef, and coat check. Make it easy on yourself this year.

[caption id="attachment_5841" align="aligncenter" width="612"] A Few Shots Around My Home[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5845" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Me second from the left enjoying my guests at a last minute holiday party.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5844" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Guests Love Bringing Things Too![/caption] [caption id="attachment_5843" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Quick and easy table set-up with a festive centerpiece of vintage balls and greenery. The bar is stocked and set-up all season for impromptu visitors.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5842" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Its fun to have a signature cocktail. Last years cocktail was a Peppermint Mocha Martini with sprinkles on the rim. Details matter and your guests will always remember those extra special touches.[/caption]

Have any great tips you'd like to add? Please comment down below.

Happy Holidays, Erin