When the temperatures warm up, there is a greater pull to spend more time outside relaxing and entertaining. You might already have your comfortable outdoor space, but what about a place to prepare and mix your favorite libations? Here are some tips for setting up your outdoor bar furniture for Summertime entertaining.
Choose Space for Your Outdoor Bar Setup
The first thing you need to do is survey your space and choose the spot for your outdoor bar setup. Ideally, this should be a shaded area that is also sheltered from the elements. If you don’t have shade, you can make some with large freestanding umbrellas. Other considerations are proximity to a source of water and your outdoor dining area.
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Bar Tables and Chairs
Once you’ve planned your space, it’s time to pick out your outdoor bar furniture. Fortunately, you have many choices. Whether you want a round, square, or rectangular bar table, you can incorporate this into your space and combine it with traditional bar stools and bar chairs, either with or without arms.
The Ventura Bar Table is a rectangular bar table that is available in several sizes and is made from powder-coated aluminum combined with premium teak. The matching chair is a modern silhouette chair with arms. These tables and chairs come in different colors to suit your preferences such as charcoal, coffee, and white.
Pictured Above: The Ventura Bar Table in Charcoal with matching Ventura Bar Stools in Charcoal
Plan Your Storage
If you don’t want to pull everything out of your home each time you entertain or want to use your outdoor bar, you’ll need some storage options. Find some aesthetically-pleasing bins that also offer airtight storage. You can find these in different size, shapes, and styles to meet your needs and complement your decor.
You are also going to need a cold storage option. This can be as simple as a cooler that you stock with ice when you decide to entertain. You can also purchase a mini-fridge to keep outside, but will also have to locate a power source. Large drink dispensers are an excellent way to store and serve up drinks during an event.
Stocking the Bar
Put some careful planning and consideration into making sure you have a well-stocked bar. Are you planning to offer just beer and wine or pull out all the stops with every possible mixed drink? If choosing option number two, you’ll need to select your vodkas, rums, whiskeys, tequilas, gins, and bourbons, to name a few. Add to these your various mixers, and you’ll be well on the way to having an admirable outdoor bar.
You will also need cocktail napkins, garnishes, and a wide variety of bar tools. You might need to purchase shakers, measuring devices, and even have a blender on hand for those delicious frozen concoctions.
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What About Snacks?
When people drink, they often like to snack as well. Unless you also have an outdoor kitchen that is serving up culinary delights, you should also consider stocking your bar with some snacks. These can be as simple as peanuts, chips, crackers, popcorn, and olives. When you have food outside, make sure that you store it properly and keep it covered.
Get Your Stemware
You’ll need something to pour your drinks into and some serving ware for your snacks. If you want your outdoor bar to be authentic, you’ll need the right glasses for each type of drink. This might include beer mugs, wine glasses, shot glasses, and high and lowball glasses.
You can also keep some outdoor-friendly bowls, plates, and other serving ware handy for snacks and appetizers.
Checklist for an outdoor bar: portable flat surface. Quality stemware. Ice cold beverages. Check, check & check #esp pic.twitter.com/6xgEKNwAcG
— ESP Events (@ESP_Events) January 14, 2015
Don’t Forget the Decor
You can spruce and spice up your outdoor bar with decor that matches the rest of your outdoor patio. What’s your style? Do have a beach, modern, or classic theme in your outdoor space? You can complement any theme with some additional artwork, outdoor rugs, and bar table centerpieces.
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Other Outdoor Bar Necessities
Anytime you are serving drinks or food outside, things can get messy and out of hand quickly. It pays to plan ahead. Have a few cleaning supplies on hand to wipe up spills so that you don’t attract pesky critters.
Speaking of unwanted guests, a key part of outdoor bar set up is finding a place for waste disposal. You might have boxes, napkins, and other refuse that requires safe disposal. And don’t forget a few bins for recycling.
An outdoor bar is a perfect addition to any home and outdoor space. Once you’ve planned and chosen the right pieces for your outdoor area, you’ll be anxious to relax, enjoy a cocktail, and invite guests over for a drink on the patio.