Belly Up to the Bar

Admittedly I am terrible at remembering to take pictures at different get togethers, especially when I'm the hostess. I usually get tied up in make sure every little detail is perfect before the guests arrive that the thought of a picture to commemorate the day completely slips my mind. Rob's birthday this year was no different. I was rushing around the house making sure everything was taken care of that I forgot to take pictures of everything except the Whiskey Bar. At least I got the most important part, right? Specialty bars are becoming a huge trend right now and I'm loving the idea of incorporating it into every party. While beer and wine were also available to our guests, Rob's favorite is a nice bourbon on the rocks.

I set up a variety of whiskeys including some bourbons, blended whiskeys and scotches so there was something for everybody's taste. Knowing some of our guests weren't keen on drinking their whiskey straight, I enhanced the bar with ginger ale, coke, diet coke and the signature cocktail of the evening, bourbon and peach.

This idea can also be adapted to your favorite liquor. Try a specialty bar stocked with gin, rum, or vodkas depending upon your tastes. Include a variety of mixers and a signature cocktail to take it over the top!

Color Me {Whiskey & Cigars}

It's hard to believe that it is already October. It seems like just yesterday we were complaining about the blistering heat while enjoying it at the same time. Now, cooler weather has set in and fall activities are in full swing. We are enjoying spending time outside on the back deck just relaxing with a good book or stack of magazines. It has been so nice that we actually went and bought a picnic table this past weekend and ended up sitting out there most of the day Saturday and Sunday. The weather was gorgeous and I couldn't have planned a better way to spend the days. While sitting under the pine trees, I started thinking about R's birthday that will be here in just over a month! For the celebration this year, he has decided he wants to spend it doing some of his favorite things, sitting outside smoking cigars and drinking whiskey. Clearly, I have turned this into the theme and plan on mixing up a few whiskey cocktails, creating a cigar bar, and serving up his favorite chocolate chip cookie cake. With planning now in full swing, I decided to share my inspiration board for the celebration with you today in hopes of inspiring your own fall gatherings and winter birthday get togethers. Whether they be just for fun or parties with meaning, I hope you try and incorporate some of the masculine influence of the whiskey and cigars party into your affair.

Have a great Monday!