Recently I filmed a little online video for RaboDirect's www.commoncents.co.nz website. Essentially, Commoncents is a concept where people who are in business for themselves share some personal tips on how they save money and occasionally splurge. One of the things that I chose to focus on was how to get around the curly conundrum of catering the drinks order for your next event, big or small, without breaking the budget.
I've organised a few events and it's been only through trial, error and the odd success that I've learned how to buy the right amount of liquor to get the party started and keep it going.
We've all been to sad soirees where the hosts have paid little or no attention to the drinking habits of their guests. People end up leaving thirsty and unhappy, and mutter things like "um, sorry, but I really have to stay home and paint my computer" the next time they're invited over to your place for drinkies.
Whether it's just organising drinks after work, or an event for 200, it's not the easiest thing keeping everyone happy. I know loads of people who are trying to organise spring weddings right now, and the alcohol order is turning into a huge headache - a headache normally reserved for the day after. So read on, heed my advice and rest assured your next shindig will be a triumph.
If you have more than a handful of people coming over, it is always a good idea to start with a good bubbly. Think about the style of wine that your guests prefer; if they usually drink dry whites (sauvignon or chardonnay) or dry reds (cabernet, merlot, shiraz) then it's a good idea to serve a dry bubbly (anything with the word "brut" on the label).