Here is a quick checklist for all those setting up a bar in their own homes. The equipment listed here will enable you to set up a basic bar with all the essential ‘tools of the trade’.

The first thing you need is the bar counter itself. You could either buy one or get it made to order. A good way to start is by adapting your liquor cabinet by adding on an extension counter this could be something as simple as placing a small table near the cabinet.

Now that you have a basic bar counter, here’s what you will need to get started:

A bottle-opener: Choose the variety with a corkscrew attached; you won’t need a separate piece of equipment for opening wine/champagne bottles.

An effective ice bucket: One that doesn’t let all the ice melt evenbefore you’ve fixed the first drink. You’ll also need a pair of ice tongs (someof your guests may not like the idea of your picking the cubes out with your fingers!)

A peg measure: An absolute necessity if you plan to fix cocktails. It also helps immensely when your guests don’t like their drinks too stiff. If you tend to spill drinks while pouring them into the measure, you should go for an ‘automatic’ peg measure the kind that fits on to the neck of the bottle. All you have to do is turn the bottle upside down, and the device pours out a standard peg.

A shaker: Very important if you plan to make cocktails, especially in summer (using crushed ice). A wide variety of these are available, from simple plastic shakers to ornamental (and expensive) silver ones.

Cocktail stirrers: These come in a range of designs and colours. Avid cocktail buffs usually have a large collection of these some bought, some swiped from five-star restaurants.

Decanters: Very useful when you don’t want your guests to find out what brand of whisky you’re serving. In addition to this, they add a distinct touch of class to your bar counter. Available in a wide range, from simple glass decanters to expensive cut-glass and crystal ones.

Variety of glasses: You will need beer mugs or beer goblets (for beer, of course), standard tumblers, tall glasses for serving various cocktails, whisky glasses, wine glasses, small crystal glasses for liqueurs and Tequila shots, and long-stemmed glasses for champagne.

Coasters: Essential for ensuring that your guests don’t leave messy rings all over your finely polished tables. Coasters come in a great variety of shapes, colours and materials and themes. Build your own collection.

Jugs: You will need these for water and various fruit juices (especially when you make cocktails). Some people also keep soda in jugs but this isn’t a very good idea the soda goes flat very quickly. It is better to keep soda in bottles with stoppers.

So get started right away. As you already know, perhaps, a well-stocked bar could well be the life of your next party.