Crestwood Cabinetry, Inc.

Include a pre–printed menu at each place setting with wine information and food pairings.

Make pencils available for guests to jot down wine notes on the backs of their menus.

Each pour should be two ounces, so plan on one bottle of wine serving approximately ten guests.

Use the proper stemware for each flight. For tips, see our Illustrated Guide to Wine Glasses.

When tasting sparkling wines, a large red wine glass rather than a flute will allow the aromas to fully develop.

Set up the wines at the center of the table for easy reference during each flight.

Chill white and sparkling wines in wine buckets.

Keep your guests hydrated: include a water glass at each place setting and pitchers of iced water on the table.

For fun, try a blind tasting. Mask the identity of each wine with paper bags and challenge your guests to name the wine, its region or its varietal.

For entertaining ease, serve accompaniments family–style on large, passable platters.

Throwing a sangria party is an easy way to casually entertain. Not only is this Spanish wine punch made in batches, but it can be made the day before your party and left to chill overnight. Red and white versions offer variety without requiring a full bar setup.

Mise–en–place (the French culinary concept of having your ingredients in order) is as important for bar setup as it is in your kitchen. Cut all of your fruit and garnishes in advance, store in covered containers and group together with the other ingredients in each drink at your bar station.

Put pouring spouts on all liquor and mixer bottles. Designate one cocktail shaker for each drink recipe that requires one.

For a casual gathering, print drink recipes on 4 x 6 and display in frames at your bar station. That way, guests can mix their own cocktails once the party is in full swing.

If you're serving Vespers, photocopy the page from Casino Royal when James Bond orders the drink, and cut the copies for use as fun coasters.

Rather than pouring beer and wine yourself, set up a station with red and white wine glasses, beer glasses, champagne flutes and ice buckets. Uncork white wine and champagne, plug with decorative stoppers and place in wine buckets with ice. Decant red wine. Put bottles of beer in a larger beverage bucket with ice. Be sure to set out wine keys and bottle openers. The table can be a decorative focal point where guests can easily serve themselves.

Set up several water stations with pitchers of iced–water and goblets for easy self–service.

Use small bouquets of flowers, votive candles and low background music to add comfort and warmth to your gathering.