Outdoor Kitchen Furniture and Garden Lighting

Outdoor Kitchen Furniture and Garden Lighting

Choosing the outdoor lighting is one of the most important aspects of landscape design. Landscape lighting illuminates dark paths, highlights interesting garden elements and deters intruders. Above all, outdoor lighting creates a welcoming ambience of warmth and safety. That's why Mom always left the light on for you.

Outdoor Kitchen Furniture and Garden Lighting

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Path Lighting: Outdoor lighting keeps driveways, garden paths and stairs safe for walking after dark. Featuring vintage and contemporary designs in impact-resistant plastics and metals, path lights usually have a domed top and pagoda style that directs the light towards the ground. This increases the light's effectiveness and decreases light pollution. For convenience, path lighting is usually sold in sets and includes electric and solar designs. Light sets make great outdoor patio lights and deck lights. While they are bright enough to illuminate a sidewalk, path lights are dimmer than many accent lights.

Low Voltage: These energy efficient outdoor lights use 12 volts or less of electricity. A transformer converts the 120-volt electric power line to 12 volts for a set of lights. As a popular option for path lighting, low-voltage light sets often include their own power packs. An experienced do-it-yourselfer can assemble this system; however, Overstock.com recommends professional installation of these lights.

Solar Lights: This outdoor lighting uses sunlight to charge Ni-Cad batteries which power the light fixture. Solar lights automatically switch on at dusk and will generally stay lighted for up to 10 hours. This safe, wireless design doesn't use electricity, making solar outdoor lights an excellent option for the yard. Solar deck lights resemble soft candlelight -- creating a romantic glow. Solar-powered batteries need to be replaced about every three years. The Light Emitting Diode (LED) panels are not replaceable but generally last about 20 years with proper care. Solar lights may not work well in shaded areas or during cloudy weather. However, solar lights emit enough light for adequate path lighting in most regions.

Accent Lighting: Use individual accent lights to showcase interesting design elements in the yard. Spotlights will make a pretty tree look spectacular at night and properly illuminate flags. Floodlights make good house and patio lights, but their brightness will make outlying areas appear darker. Use a set of path lights for garden lights -- multiple low-light lamps will create a soft glow over flower beds.

 

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Lanterns: These garden lights take several forms, the most common being the hanging lantern. Featuring vintage and contemporary designs, hanging lamps dangle from tall stakes or wall and ceiling hooks. Many of today's lanterns use electric or solar power; although lanterns with candles will create a romantic glow as patio lights. Of course, the lantern-style light is still popular for post lamps and porch lights. You'll find a variety of lanterns in the garden d?cor department and in the sconces and vanities section of our lighting department.

Planters

Extend the garden onto your patio with outdoor planters. Using planters for decoration is a great way to add greenery to the patio or balcony, especially for apartment dwellers. Planter styles include stands and hanging baskets for one plant and multi-shelved stands to hold many garden plants. Outdoor planters are made of the same durable materials as outdoor furniture such as cedar wood, bamboo, and iron. Rustic flower planters, made of cedar, add color to the yard, and many are large enough to hold a mini vegetable garden. On the other hand, many iron or mosaic planters are elegant enough for indoor use and double as small patio tables. Of course, Overstock.com has a variety of outdoor planters to accent your garden d?cor. Be sure to fill those planters with live and silk plants from our fine selection.

Bird Feeders

Enhance your bird watching experience with bird feeders. Choose several bird feeders to attract multiple birds and put them out in early spring before the migrating birds arrive. Early placement entices the birds to visit your yard throughout the seasons. Large feeders need fewer refills, but smaller feeders attract small song birds and deter larger birds from dominating the feeding station. Be sure to place pedestal and ground bird feeders at least eight feet from bushes where predators may lurk -- this gives birds room for escape in case the neighbor's cat is hungry.

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Bird feeders come in a variety of sizes and styles. Overstock.com's garden and patio department has great discount prices on quality bird feeders of every variety.

Hummingbird: Crafted just for these charming birds, hummingbird feeders often are as decorative as they are functional. They feature bright colors that attract hummingbirds and can be made of glass or plastics and metals. Most have a bottle design that that dispenses nectar through ports or into a saucer. This bird feeder requires nectar for the food (purchased or made at home).

Hopper: This bird feeder has a large reservoir for birdfeed which it dispenses through port holes. A hopper can have a tray for the birdfeed or poles at the ports for the birds. These bird feeders attract small and large birds, especially jays and blackbirds.

Platform: Featuring a large, flat tray with or without a roof, this feeder attracts many types of birds, allows several birds to feed at once and, often, can be hung or set on a pole. Platform bird feeders also make good ground feeders for goldfinches, cardinals, towhees and doves.

Tube: With long, thin tubes and many small feeding ports, the hanging tube bird feeder is good for attracting small birds such as finches, chickadees, nuthatches, and siskins.

Squirrel-proof: While no bird feeder is completely squirrel-proof, several designs deter these furry critters. Some designs have domes set above and/or below the unit to keep squirrels from climbing onto the feeder. A cage feeder houses the food station in a structure that has openings for small birds. Finally, some bird feeders use a weight-triggered mechanism. When a squirrel steps onto the pole or tray, his heavy weight triggers the bird feeder to close the feeding ports.

Outdoor Kitchen furniture decor

Outdoor Kitchen furniture decor

Outdoor fountains add the relaxing sounds of running water to any setting. Fountains are decorative arrangements where water either jets out or pours out into a basin before being drained away. Fountains range in size from tabletop rock gardens to large pieces of public art. Outdoor fountains help create a sense of privacy by masking traffic and other noises. When choosing an outdoor fountain, first consider the size and how it will fit into your garden d?cor. Most yards will accommodate the larger pedestal outdoor fountains while a smaller fountain will create a focal point in the flower garden. Be aware of how much water noise you want -- the water noise increases with the length of the waterfall. Birds are attracted to the sound of running water and many bird baths are fountains as well.

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Bird baths not only provide clean water for birds; they also make beautiful garden statues. Featuring a multitude of designs, bird baths are usually crafted in metals, ceramic, fiberglass or resins. Cast iron and cast aluminum are especially durable. After finding a bird bath you like, consider a couple of practical design elements. First, the bowl should have a gentle incline of two or three inches in depth. Also, look for a rim with a rough texture -- the birds will have better footing when the rim is wet.

Hanging: This bird bath features a small bowl made of copper, resin or even decorative glass, and hangs from a tree with chains -- a great design for the smaller garden or patio.

Heated: These bird baths use solar or electric energy to heat the water, keeping it thawed and providing drinking water during the winter months.

Mounted: Some bird baths attach to railings or to walls. Also called deck mounted, these baths often feature heaters that can be plugged into an outdoor electrical outlet. Wall-mounted fountains may have classic old world style elements including European, Grecian, and Asian influences.

Pedestal: The most common design in outdoor fountains and bird baths, a pedestal sits on the ground and features a base stand with a bowl set on top. A pedestal needs a weighted base to stay steady on uneven ground.

Solar: A convenient feature for outdoor garden accents, solar-powered products have LED panels that store energy from the sun and use that energy to run motors or pumps. Be sure to place the item in a sunny area. Some outdoor fountains and bird baths still use electrical power so be sure to check the product description carefully.

Tabletop: A small fountain meant to sit on a table or ledge, these are usually indoor models. However, an indoor tabletop fountain is an excellent addition to the covered porch or garden room where the extra humidity will help garden plants.

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Waterfall: These fountains resemble a small stream tumbling over the rocks, yet they circulate the water like a regular outdoor fountain. If you want to keep the garden d?cor natural, choose a waterfall fountain.

Garden Decorative Accents

Here's the chance to add personality to your garden design. From truly classical, as in Greek goddess garden statues, to American suburban (think pink plastic flamingos), garden art features a boundless sense of style.

Accents and Art: These are the little pieces that complete the garden design. Copper contrasts vividly with a green garden and is featured in a variety of outdoor art: rain gauges and weather vanes; wall art such as suns and moons; and hanging lanterns. For color, choose sun catchers that shine like stained glass or bright flowers and animals that spin when they catch the breeze (a whimsical update of those pink flamingos). Some of these garden accents do double duty as solar lights, adding a colorful glow to the night.

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Wind Chimes: The sweet song of wind chimes, carried on the breeze surely defines comfort noise. Often unseen, wind chimes remind us that there is a well-tended home nearby. However, wind chimes can be as beautiful as they are melodic and can be made of brass, steel, wood, bamboo, even painted gourds. Choose steel wind chimes for higher tones and wood or bamboo for softer, lower tones.

Statuary: Use garden statues to create focal points in the garden. A light-colored stone or ceramic statue balances the dark green of a shaded grove, while bronze deer or rabbits enliven the front lawn. Folk art bowls and figurines will look wonderful on the patio. Remember, bird baths and outdoor fountains also function as attractive statuary.

Outdoor Fireplaces and Grills

Fireplaces: Most outdoor fireplaces are basically portable fire pits; a large bowl set on sturdy legs. A patio fireplace extends the outdoor entertaining season by letting guests enjoy those cooler evenings under the stars. Outdoor fireplaces burn wood or charcoal, and some feature grilling grates. The average outdoor fireplace includes a spark arrestor screen in the lid -- an important safety feature. If you prefer a more elegant look, look for patio tables with small built-in fire pits. After choosing the perfect outdoor fireplace, check out our selection of garden furniture for your patio. Overstock.com's low prices will spark your imagination.

Grills: Sure, the old charcoal charbroil grill will cook up some hamburgers (if the dog doesn't tip it over), but the serious outdoor chef needs a modern gas grill. These outdoor grills use propane or natural gas as the fuel. The natural gas grills cost more, initially; however, you save money long term by using this cost-efficient fuel (and you never need to replace a propane tank). If you don't have a natural gas line on the deck or you don't wish to install one, choose an outdoor grill that uses propane. Today's outdoor grills offer great features including rotisseries and smokers. Cast aluminum is the best material for outdoor grills.

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Choose a portable grill for a small area or tabletop cooking -- portable grills are great for tailgate parties. Many small grills are enclosed units and use charcoal as their fuel. They grill and often bake foods; in fact, modern portable grills can cook a complete meal all at once.

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Common garden decor questions

What are the care instructions for garden d?cor?

With proper care, your garden d?cor will last for years. As with any product, follow the manufacturer's care instructions (found with the packaging or on their websites) for best results in cleaning.

In general, outdoor decorations, such as garden statues, can be rinsed with water to remove dust and debris. Wipe dry with a soft cloth. For heavier cleaning jobs, use a solution of mild detergent and water to clean furniture, then rinse well with clear water and dry. Certain products such as bird feeders require more special care:

Care of bird feeders and bird baths: Birds thrive on fresh food and water, yet garden d?cor can also be a source of bacteria and disease. To keep birds healthy, clean bird feeders and bird baths every two weeks. Use a mild cleanser or a vinegar and water solution for cleaning. Disinfect with a mild bleach solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. Replace the water in a bird bath every 3-4 days and always remove the old food before adding new food to a bird feeder.

Hummingbird feeders need more frequent cleaning than other bird feeders. Clean a hummingbird feeder every five days (every two or three days during especially hot weather) with a mild solution of 5 parts water to 1 part vinegar. Use small brushes to clean the ports and replace the nectar with fresh product. Clean with the bleach solution every two to three weeks.

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Ideas from Overstock.com

Calming Visions

From the lush greens of trees to the bright pinks of roses, gardens delight our senses. To make your own yard a true oasis, enhance and structure outdoor living places with garden d?cor. Use outdoor area rugs to define the space for patio furniture. Featuring many of the classic patterns of indoor rugs, outdoor rugs are made of durable materials, and resist mold, mildew and sun damage. (Yes, Overstock.com has amazingly low prices on rugs, too!) Grouping artistic birdhouses creates a charming display -- you'll find unique handcrafted birdhouses and other garden art in our Worldstock store. Stately or whimsical by day and mysterious by night, a beautiful visual landscape calms the soul.

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Soothing Sounds

Every patio or garden needs a setting for quiet meditation or afternoon naps. Too bad the traffic, barking dogs and kids keep disrupting those rare moments of relaxation. Many people wouldn't consider sound an element of garden design, but noise significantly affects our enjoyment of the outdoors. Wind chimes and chirping birds blend well with neighborhood noises. Mask louder sounds with the gentle splashing of a fountain. Don't forget the evening hours. Who can resist the crackle of a campfire? An outdoor fireplace will bring back memories.

Begin your journey to relaxation with a stop in Overstock.com's home d?cor. Our selection of garden d?cor and our discount prices will put a smile on your face. We make decorating the home easier than you ever imagined.

Kitchen Knives

 Kitchen Knives

Knives are amongst the most important tools in the  Kitchen and will last a lifetime when well-maintained. Kitchen knife blades are typically made of high-carbon stainless steel alloys, which stay well-sharpened and are easy to maintain. However, some knives are made of pure carbon steel, which keep a sharper edge but are also prone to rust and discoloration. Regardless of what type of  Kitchen cutlery you prefer, care guidelines remain the same. Proper care of kitchen cutlery ensures a long life of use.

Caring for Cutlery:

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1. Wash your knives. Clean your  Kitchen knives immediately after use to prevent damage caused by dried food residue or the need for unnecessary scrubbing of the blade. Rub each side of the blade and handle gently with a soft-bristle brush and soapy water.

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2. Rinse and dry your knives. Rinse your knives in warm running water, being sure to remove all soapy residues. Place your knives in a dish rack or on a clean towel to dry. Blot any remaining water from the blade using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to prevent rust. Avoid wiping as this can damage the cutting edge.

3.Store your knives. Put your kitchen knives away immediately after the handle is dry. Store your knives in a knife block or on a magnetic knife rack. Avoid storing your cutlery in a drawer where they will bump into the sides of the drawer and other utensils, causing the blade to dull quickly.

4. Sharpen your knives. To keep your knives in peak performance, sharpen your kitchen knives briefly before every use. Hold the sharpening steel in one hand and hold the knife in the other at a 20 to 30 degree angle to the steel. Run the edge of the blade along the length of the steel two or three times per session.

Cutlery Warnings and Tips:

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1. Always use a cutting board for chopping to avoid dulling your Kitchen knives. A hard or abrasive surface, such as a countertop, will degrade the cutting edge more quickly than any food.

2. A sharpening steel is a round, oval or flat sharpening tool made of high-carbon steel. A sharpening stone may be used in place of a sharpening steel. It is used in the same way but sits on a counter rather than being held in the hand.

3.Do not place  Kitchen knives in a sink filled with water as this can cause serious accidents and damage the blade by knocking it against other utensils. Instead, always clean knives on the edge of the sink.

 

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4. Do not wash your Kitchenknives in the dishwasher. The blade will be knocked against other items, which will dull the cutting edge, and steel knives may even begin to warp or rust after several washes.

How to Choose Kitchen Lighting

How to Choose  Kitchen Lighting

It is easy to overlook the importance of Lighting when decorating your  Kitchen. You spend all that time picking out the best cabinets and appliances and then stick with the same flickering fluorescent fixture that came with the house. Kitchen Lightingand ceiling fans can do more than just illuminate your  Kitchen; they can also decorate as well as accent the best parts of your  Kitchen design.

Choosing Kitchen Lighting:

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1. Decide what the most valuable function of your  Kitchen lighting is. For some people, just being able to see what you are cooking may be all you need from  Kitchen lighting. If you tend to eat in your Kitchena lot, you may want the power to dim theLightingto create a romantic ambiance. If you have a large Kitchen, you may want to be able to provide more lights in one area than another, so you should consider taskLighting fixtures, such as pendant lights.

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2. Choose fluorescent Lighting if efficiency and the need to go extended periods without changing bulbs is foremost. Pop a fluorescent bulb into the fixture and just forget about it for months at a time. To get the most out of these lights, you need to install them so that the light bounces off the ceiling. Get a proper fixture and you won't have the problem of the bulbs blinding you when you turn them on. Fluorescent bulbs work best in compact kitchens and with light-colored walls.

3. Buy incandescent lights to endow your kitchen with a warmer, cozier feel. There are two important considerations to incandescent bulbs, however. The most important may be that they burn out much more quickly than fluorescent lights. The other consideration may either be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on where you live. Incandescent lights generate more heat than other types of bulbs, making them preferable for those living in cooler climates but not so great for those living in warmer regions.

4. Consider halogen lights for large kitchens where you want to decorate with accent Lightingor specific task lighting. Halogen lights are a terrific choice for placing over islands, cabinets or long countertops where you prepare food. You can use halogen bulbs in track lights or directional fixtures. Halogen lamps are also excellent for motion control fixtures that automatically turn on when you move to a different area of the kitchen.

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5. Use accent Lighting to highlight a particular aesthetic element of your  Kitchen. Adding Lighting above or beneath your cabinets is also a way to add a decorative touch to your  Kitchen. Directional track lighting is one easy way to cast a light upon a pretty picture hanging on the wall or a shiny new appliance. If you have a large  Kitchen, another consideration is to add a little flair with chandelier lighting or a ceiling fan.

How to Select Kitchen Flooring

How to Select Kitchen Flooring

Selecting kitchen flooring is a personal choice and one that depends in large part on the dynamics of your  Kitchen and the size of your budget. v Kitchen floors can be made from beautiful but somewhat fragile solid wood, traditional porcelain tiles or more durable vinyl and laminate options. The flooring in your  Kitchen should ideally be both beautiful and durable. Select  Kitchen flooring that will complement the decor of your Kitchenand stand up to the spills, scuffs and scratches of everyday life.

Selecting  Kitchen Flooring:

 

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1. Set a budget. Having a budget will immediately narrow down your options and let you focus on what you can afford.

2. Think about the dynamics of your home. If your  Kitchen gets heavy use and a lot of traffic, you will want to choose a more durable type of flooring. This is especially true if you have children or large dogs in your home.

3. Think about the style of your  Kitchen. A sleek, modern kitchen will need a different type of flooring than a French country-inspired  Kitchen.

 

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4. Choose the type of flooring you want. Vinyl is the most inexpensive, is durable and is easy to clean. Laminate can be made to look like hardwood or even tile and is also durable, but it is not as easy to clean as vinyl. Real hardwood flooring is unmatched in beauty but is also expensive. Real tile floors give a  Kitchen a timeless, classic look but can crack or break easily if struck with something hard.

5. Select a pattern, style, type and color. The prices for different styles or types can vary dramatically, even within the same type of flooring. For example, laminate floors are inexpensive if purchased as sheets but are more expensive if purchased as individual "boards" (in the case of laminate wood-look flooring) and even more expensive if purchased as individual "tiles."

Home Improvement Tip:

 

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1. Don't forget to include the cost of labor when figuring your budget. Be sure to ask your contractor if he or she has installed that type of flooring before.

How to Set a Kitchen Formal Table

How to Set a Kitchen Formal Table

Whether you're planning a formal dinner party at home or need to know the proper way to set a formal table for a larger event, such as a wedding reception or charity event, you'll need to know the items to include and the steps to follow to get it right. If you've never done it before, don't worry; no experience is necessary. You will need enough formal dinnerware, also known as place settings, as well as enough flatware and stemware to accommodate each of your guests.

Setting a Formal Table:

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1. Before you begin setting out the dinnerware, first things first. Drape a freshly laundered and ironed tablecloth over the table. A white tablecloth is the most classic choice for formal tables.

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2. Arrange the centerpieces on the tables. The general rule of thumb for centerpieces is that you need one centerpiece per round or square table and multiple centerpieces evenly spaced along each rectangular table. Centerpieces should not be so tall that your guests cannot see over them.

3. Place a dinner plate or charger on the table in front of each chair. Dinner plates should be set approximately two inches from the edge of the table.

4. Space the flatware about one-half inch from the plate and two inches from the edge of the table.

5. On the right side of the plate, place up to three knives -- for first course, main course and salad -- with blades facing inward, followed to the right by the soup spoon. On the left side of the plate, place up to three forks -- for first course, main course and salad -- the salad fork being furthest left. At the top of the plate, place the dessert spoon with the stem end to the right and the dessert fork above it with the stem end on the left.

6. Place the salad plate to the left of the dinner plate, above the forks.

7. Place bread plate on the right side of the dinner plate, above the knife setting, left of the glassware and higher than the salad plate. If there's no salad course, place the bread plate on the left side, above the fork setting. Place the butter knife across the bread plate.

 

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8. If there is a soup course, place the soup bowl on top of the dinner plate.

9. Place the stemware above the knives in the following order from left to right: water glass, white wine glass, red wine glass and champagne flute.

10. Place a coffee cup and saucer to the right of the knives and spoon on the right side of the saucer.

Tip:

1. Place a folded napkin in the center of the dinner plate if no soup is being served. Otherwise, place the napkin to the left side of the forks rather than placing it in the soup bowl. Bon appetit!

Kitchen Cocktail Bar

Kitchen Cocktail Bar

A well-stocked cocktail bar can be put together with a few common bar and wine tools and a variety of liquors, mixers and garnishes. This type of bar setup is ideal for any party with adult guests. Your cocktail bar can be self-serve or manned by a designated bartender for the evening. Whether you have a full bar available in your home or you are simply using a regular table set with glasses and barware, you can set up a stunning cocktail bar with ease.

Setting Up a Cocktail Bar:

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1. Select a variety of recipes and make note of the required ingredients. If you want to offer some premixed drinks in pitchers, it will be especially important to calculate the amount of liquor and mixer you will need. Figure that each guest will drink about two drinks per hour for the first two hours and one drink per hour every hour after that.

2. Purchase appropriate liquors and mixers for your cocktails. If you don't have a variety of glasses on hand for drinks, you may need to purchase some of these as well. Make sure you have a bottle each of all the basics: vodka, light rum, gin, tequila (silver or gold) and whiskey. As you grow your cocktail bar and find your favorite recipes you can add more, like flavored vodkas and a variety of liqueurs.

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3. Prepare garnishes for your drinks as needed. This may include fruit slices, cherries and olives. If you have a wide selection of cut fruit on hand, arrange skewers with a variety of fruit chunks on them.

4. Cover a large rectangular table with a tablecloth if you do not have a bar. A dark-colored cloth will help hide spills.

5. Arrange your liquor and mixers at the center of the table. If guests will be making their own drinks, provide two bottles of each item and place one at each side of the table, so guests can approach from all directions. Set garnishes, glasses and barware at the ends of the table.

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6. Set out straws and stirrers at both ends of the table. Provide a corkscrew, bottle opener, jigger, strainer and any other necessary bar and wine tools in the middle of the table to help guests prepare their drinks.

7. Place a bartender's guide or printed drink recipes on your cocktail bar to help guests prepare specific drinks. If you are providing pitchers or premixed drinks, label these clearly to indicate the contents.