The holidays are a time to spend with family, sharing
recipes, gifts, and even the occasional cocktail. Don't be a Scrooge; if your plans to host a
gathering are hindered by your seriously-lacking bar, spruce it up with these easy solutions:
If your house doesn’t have a built-in area for a bar, make one
yourself! Start with a smallish free-standing island (preferably on wheels so
you can roll it into storage when you need to). You can purchase this custom unit with a steel counter top, which is super easy to clean. Or if you’re looking
for a less expensive alternative, opt for the Ikea island. Both will work.
Purchase standard bar tools. You’ll need:

- a corkscrew
- Shaker
- ice
bucket and tongs
- strainer,
jigger (the ½ oz + 1 oz version is usually best)
- Beer
bottle opener
- Stirring
spoons, lime sqeezers, and muddlers (tools used to mash up mint, lime,
etc) are optional, as you can accomplish those tasks without the tools
In most cases you can purchase these tools all together, like this
chic set from Crate and Barrel.