New Year's at Home: The Perfect Bar

1. Take Stock:
Check your stock of liquors and mixers. These will be the bulk of your party costs, so see what you already have and use it. Unless you're inviting ever single one of your Facebook "friends", one bottle each of the most common liquors -- vodka, gin and scotch -- will do. You'll also want on bottle each of the most popular mixers: Soda, tonic, and fruit juice.

2. Consider a Signature Cocktail:
We're big fans of having a signature cocktail such as Cranberry Sangria. It simplifies things in so many ways. It cuts down on the cost of buying multiple liquors. It makes serving drinks so much easier. You can keep a pitcher or punch bowl filled and - voila! Also, guests who aren't comfortable creating their own concoctions will be happy to have a pre-made option.

3. Go Shopping

Here's your list:

1. One bottle each of vodka, gin and scotch (if you'd like a mixing bar)
2. Signature cocktail ingredients (if you'd like one)
3. A few bottles of champagne or prosecco (for midnight!)
4. Two beer options, one light and one medium
5. Club soda and tonic water
6. Soda mixers such as Coke and ginger ale
7. Fruit juices such as orange and pomegranate (Tip: decant them into pitchers or tall glass bottles)
8. Garnishes like lemons, limes, oranges and olives

4. Put It Together:
Any small or medium sized table -- a computer desk or kitchen island -- will do. Just clear it off and cover it with a tablecloth or a few yards of fabric. Arrange the bottles on a tray to make the bar look complete.

If you go with a signature cocktail, mix it before guests arrive and decant it into several clean, empty wine bottles. Remove water each bottle's label with soap and warm. For an extra touch, tie a sign around the neck noting the name of the drink and highlighting some of the ingredients so guests know what they're drinking.

It may be tempting to pick up an ice bucket, but don't bother. Instead, fill a thick-walled salad bowl with ice and use tongs or a serving spoon to scoop out cubes.

5. Food:
Make it easy on yourself and don't plan on serving food that you need to prepare. Begin the party later in the evening and that will ensure guests eat before they arrive. Then you can just put out a few nice bowls filled with nuts, olives, and crackers to nibble on.

6. Décor:
If you have the time (and money) to add a few new touches to your home before inviting friends over, here are a few ideas.