Sooner or later, one of the great challenges that home bar owners face, is planning cocktail parties.As the number of guests increase, so do the challenges involved with planning the party. Consequently, this article will focus on planning a large cocktail party featuring between 40-50 invited guests. The "rule of thumb" is to plan on having each guest consuming approximately 4 beverages. I say "beverages" because they could be bottles of beer or non-alcoholic beverages in addition to wine and mixed drinks.

We'll start with our suggestions about types and quantities of liquor. Generally you'll want more Vodka than Gin. We suggest 2 1.75 liters of Vodka and one of Gin. One liter of Scotch should do the trick and 2 bottles of Rum, preferably one dark and one light. Tequila has dramatically increased in popularity, so you'll want at least 2 liters. More, if you plan on featuring Margaritas. A bottle of Canadian Whiskey and Bourbon should do nicely. For the Martini drinkers, you'll need 2 bottles of Vermouth,(one sweet and one dry). It always handy to have a small bottle of Brandy or Cognac,( one pint)

You'll need to have plenty of Wine and beer. In many circles wine is far more popular than mixed drinks. Five bottles of red wine should be adequate. Merlots and Cabernets are popular choices. As far as white wine, 4 bottles should be enough. Most of the white wines should be Chardonnays and Pinot Grigios. You'll want 4 cases of assorted beers, (light beers, Pilsners, Lagers and Ales).

The non alcohol drinkers will want 6 liters of Coca-Cola and 3 liters of 7-Up. The Gin and Vodka drinkers will need 4 liters of tonic water and a case of sparkling water. Don't forget a case of spring water as well. For fruit mixers, 6 small cans of grapefruit juice and the same amount of cranberry juice will be needed. Fresh orange juice is always a big hit, so keep 2 liters on hand. Finally, have enough coffee for 6 pots, and a quart of cream.

Needless to say, you'll need plenty of supplies in addition to the beverages. Make totally sure that you have an average of 1 lb of ice per guest. A dozen lemons and a dozen limes, along with bottles of cocktail olives and Mararchino cherries. Last, but not least, have cocktail onions,(one jar), plenty of stir sticks and straws. Oops! you'll need cocktail napkins aplenty!

Did we forget anything? I'm sure we did. It's obvious that you'll need plenty of appropriate glassware and shot glasses. And, for heaven's sake, don't leave out the wine opener! Hopefully these suggestions will make your cocktail party a big success. You'll be glad that you have a home bar with plenty of storage and ample serving area. Most of all, have fun, and remember that it's better to have too much of something than too little!