The Guide to Ridiculously Easy Entertaining - Tips from Marfreless
First and foremost, when it comes to entertaining, you need to think about drinks. For serving drinks when you don’t want to use glassware, and for larger events, plastic-ware is certainly recommended.
These plastic cups provide a suitable vessel for most drinks, and don’t impart an off-taste that Styrofoam cups can. In addition to the versatility, these are inexpensive, and easy to clean up.
A list of supplies to have for most at-home social events (there will be more for dinner parties) should include:
Some stores with a national presence to purchase supplies for your event include:
NOTE – When stocking your pantry for future guests or events, be aware that diet soft drinks usually remain in good shape no more than three months after purchase, less time than most similar products.
- Buy 8 or 10 ounce clear plastic cups for drinks – Plastic is cheap, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning these cups. 10 ounces is a perfect size to minimize waste and discourage drunkenness. These are good for both cocktails and wine. It’s our experience with larger cups, especially the 16 and 20 ounce sizes, that the result will be many barely consumed drinks, and often some quickly inebriated guests.
- For beer from a keg and soft drinks 12 ounce, sturdy plastic cups are recommended – You can use 16 or 20 ounce cups, but much more beer will be wasted with these larger cups. The exception is when you are hosting mostly serious beer drinkers such as rugby players or a great many people with Irish, German or Slavic surnames.
These plastic cups provide a suitable vessel for most drinks, and don’t impart an off-taste that Styrofoam cups can. In addition to the versatility, these are inexpensive, and easy to clean up.
A list of supplies to have for most at-home social events (there will be more for dinner parties) should include:
- Beer Bottle Opener – Depending on whether or not the corkscrew can double as one, and if you have purchased any beer that needs a bottle opener.
- Candles – Especially ones for the bathroom.
- Club Soda – For removing stains.
- Corkscrew – May also contain a beer bottle opener. If not, you need one.
- Duct Tape – You shouldn’t need to ask about this.
- Napkins – Beverage-sized napkins usually do the trick.
- Paper Towels
- Plastic Straws – These are useful for most cocktails, and are a near necessity when serving frozen drinks.
- Plastic Wrap – Necessary if you have food; you will have leftovers.
- Soap for the Bathrooms
- Toilet Paper – It’s always a problem if you run out.
- Trash Bags – Be sure to have the trash cans that these are made for. If not, purchase another trash can, as it will probably come in handy.
- Water (bottled) – Your guests will often want a change from alcohol, and it can help decrease the chance for rampant drunkenness. Bottled water is often a good idea since it is convenient, easier than having to supply glassware for it, and it’s very inexpensive.
Some stores with a national presence to purchase supplies for your event include:
- Costco
- IKEA
- Party City
- Pier One
- Sam’s Club
- Trader Joe’s
- Target
NOTE – When stocking your pantry for future guests or events, be aware that diet soft drinks usually remain in good shape no more than three months after purchase, less time than most similar products.
