Planning drinks for your next party...

A standard guest will consume two drinks during the first hour and one drink during each following hour.
When planning an event serving wine, beer and spirits, the general rule is that:

50% will prefer wine
30% will prefer beer
20% will prefer mixed drinks

If you are not serving mixed drinks, then you should plan on your guests consuming 60% wine and 40% beer.

Buying Wine...

There are three common sizes for buying wine. Knowing how many servings are in each bottle will help ensure that you are purchasing enough for you and your guests.

750ml = 5 servings
1.5L = 10 servings
1 case (twelve 750ml bottles) = 60 servings

The Temperature of Wine...

To ensure you are serving your wine at the correct temperature, follow these guidelines:

Whites and Blushes: 55-60(F)
Reds: 60-65(F), refrigerate for 15 minutes or chill in an ice bucket for 5 minutes
Champagne/Sparkling: refrigerate and keep chilled in an ice bucket

Buying Spirits...

There are three common sizes for buying Spirits. Knowing how many servings are in each bottle will help ensure you are buying enough for you and your guests. (a serving = 1.5oz jigger)

Fifth = 750ml = 15 servings
Quart = 1 L = 20 servings
Half Gallon = 1.75L = 35 servings

Setting up the bar...

Setting up your bar with the essentials is important. Below is a breakdown of the most popular drinks and garnishes:

Bourbon, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Blended Scotch, Tequila, Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, Triple Sec

Mixers
Sour mix, orange juice, cranberry juice, tonic water, soda water, ginger ale, cola, lemon/lime soda

Garnishes
Bitters, olives, lemons and limes, maraschino cherries, grenadine, lime juice, sweet and sour mix