Enough wine for cocktails, lunch and dinner
- Have both red and white wines on hand. Sparkling wine can also be a festive addition. One bottle (750 mL) yields five 5 oz (150 mL) glasses.
- For lunch, allow for 2 glasses per person.
- For dinner or wine-and-cheese party, allow for 3 glasses per person.
- Canadian Living's Complete wine guide will give you pointers on what kinds of wines to buy for your party.
Enough spirits for a party
- One 750 mL bottle yields about eighteen 1-1/2 oz (40 mL) drinks.
- For parties, plan on two drinks per person per hour for the first hour, and one drink per person after that.
- Stock the bar with two or three basic liquors such as vodka, rum and gin.
- Build with additions, such as tequila, scotch or rye whisky.
- Or, cut back completely and serve only wine and beer, plus one signature cocktail served with festive garnishes. Canadian Living's Classic cocktails for Christmas Day gives you 10 cocktail ideas.
- A 341 mL bottle yields one drink.
- Count on 2 bottles per person per hour for the first hour, and one per person after that.
- If serving numerous beer drinkers, consider getting a keg.
- Plan on 8 oz (250 g) of ice per person.
- Have water and mixers (such as soda water, soft drinks, tonic water and fruit juice) available for cocktail mixing and nonalcoholic beverages.
