Prepping the Bar

It’s me again.  Jordan is having a busy week which includes getting ready to fly down and spend the holidays here with us in the south.  So, I told her that I would handle the blog this week.

 

 

One of the things I always do before a big holiday is to make sure our bar (more photos here) is stocked and prepped.  I buy everyone’s favorite wine, and check to see if there are plenty of selections for mixed drinks.

 

 

I make sure the barware is sparkling.  (By the way, I have plans for updating these shelves next month.  Stay tuned to see the improvements).

 

I stock up on bottled water like these that Jordan had ready for us on our last visit.  She removed the labels and added a strip of paper that she had printed their specially-designed monogram on.  (We hired an artist to design their monogram for their engagement gift).

 

Even though I like to use cotton or linen cocktail napkins, I always make sure there are some seasonal paper napkins on hand.

 

There are always some dish/hand towels nearby.  I use the ones I bought at a little street market in France.

 

The wine opener will be in bar drawer.

 

I always shine the silver ice scoop and check the condition of the ice bucket.

 

This week I bought a wine aerator since using one at Jordan’s.  I am truly a wine novice, but during a blind taste test, even I could tell the difference in a glass of wine poured with an aerator and one that was not.  This little device is designed to take the place of letting a bottle of wine breathe.  It adds air when the wine is being poured.  There are several styles, but I chose this one because of its price and good reviews.

 

 

Now all I need to do is light the candles and add some ice, and we’ll be ready to entertain.

 

Take care.

Photo of aerator from here.