To enhance your ‘stay-cation’ this year, why not set up an outdoor bar or home bar and host a party in your own backyard? If you enjoy entertaining, an outdoor bar may be just the thing to liven up the summer and make you the hit of the neighborhood. A tiki-style bar will add a Caribbean feel to any backyard. A bar strategically placed near a fire pit will create warmth and provide a place for conversation. However, the design of your outdoor bar is limited only by your own imagination. An outdoor bar may be a permanent fixture or a temporary structure. In any case, the outdoor bar is a welcome addition to any adult soirée.

First, decide where the stock and seating areas will be located for your outdoor bar. Select an area of the side or backyard that is both noticeable and accessible. You want your guests to be able to find the bar and get to it without climbing over other guests. The bar is a natural gathering place so plan accordingly. If you provide stools for seating, be sure to leave room for standing guests as well.

Next, decorate your outdoor bar. The bar often becomes the focal point of the party so make sure it reflects the style and décor of the party. Outdoor flood lights and other lighting will also enhance the look of the bar. Make sure you have an abundance of lighting so guests are able to find their way around after dusk.

Construct your refrigeration system. A dorm-sized refrigerator or beer fridge will work nicely for the backyard bar. Ice tubs may be sufficient if a small refrigerator is not available. Be sure to plan for replenishing the ice.

Finally, stock your bar considering the guests who will be attending the party. No need to provide a fully stocked bar if most of the guests are beer drinkers or wine connoisseurs – but be sure to have a little of everything on hand just to be prepared. Ask your guests their drink preferences in advance and plan accordingly. You will have some time to learn to prepare a Rob Roy for Uncle Joe and a Pina Colada for Mom.
In addition to alcohol, soft drinks and mixers, you will also need condiments and garnishes. A few lemons, limes, maraschino cherries and olives should be sufficient. To go all out, add pineapples and little umbrellas.

At last, you are ready to invite your guests and open the bar! Have fun!

Choose and Follow a Theme
When planning a party or event, choose a theme and decorate accordingly. For a Cinco de Mayo party, consider a Mexican theme with mariachi music and margaritas prepared in the outside bar - served in traditional glasses. Add a piñata or two and some straw sombreros for festive party fun.

For an island luau, decorate your outside bar with bamboo and palm leaves or straw to create a tiki-style effect. Serve festive tropical drinks, complete with fruit garnishes and tiny umbrellas. Caribbean music will enhance the island feel and create an inviting, tropical paradise for your guests.

Set a Scene
Envision yourself as the director of a movie about your party. Set a scene for the occasion. Beginning with the invitations, set and maintain the tone you wish to convey. Email invitations are perfect for casual gatherings. For more formal affairs, consider mailing proper invitations. Ask that guests RSVP. Expect about 80% of invited guests to attend.

Brighten up the outdoor party setting with lanterns and walls sconces. Around a pool or spa, illuminate the water with floating lights and the walkways with flaming torches. Use citronella to fuel the torches and ward off unwanted insects. Flowers always provide warmth and color to an entertainment setting as well.

Plan the Menu
Plan the menu for your affair in accordance with the theme you have selected. A down-home Texas barbeque calls for brisket, ribs and lots of barbeque sauce. Perfect side dishes include baked beans, potato salad – and if you’re a true Texan – an infinite number of white Wonder bread slices and Lone Star Longnecks.

A casual themed party might be the perfect occasion for a potluck. Ask guests to bring a dish to coincide with the theme of the event. This will not only provide the host with some task relief, but also will offer guests a variety of delicacies from which to choose.

Stock the Bar, Bar Supplies and Bar Equipment
A backyard party is a great time to make use of the outside bar. Stock the bar with your party guests in mind, and according to the theme of the event. Be sure that when you stock the bar to make sure you have the proper beer glasses, wine glasses, beer mugs and cocktail cups on hand. Casual events usually call for casual drinks like beer and wine. Affairs that are more formal should be stocked with a choice of premium liquors and wine, along with an elite selection of beer and ale.

You are a Party Guest, Too!
Remember that you are also a party guest so do not stay so busy preparing, directing and overseeing the affair that you forget to enjoy yourself. Set a time for preparation and direction. Delegate tasks to friends and family and once the guests arrive and are comfortable, relax and enjoy yourself.