There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a bank holiday - especially when it’s the last of the summer. It has to be big! It’s the perfect excuse to gather your friends and family, enjoy some great food and drinks, and reminisce about memories over this summer. Even if they are memories of sitting inside in front of the lit fire in July. Hopefully - this bank holiday will be a sunny weekend to remember. But who knows with the ever-so-unpredictable British weather. As any seasoned host knows, the key to a successful party lies in the details, from setting the scene, to keeping the drinks chilled. So, let’s dive into our bank holiday party essentials - from one host to another!
Keep Drinks Cools & Accessible: Wine Coolers & Drink Dispensers
Wine Coolers: A Refreshing Centrepiece
Every successful gathering has a steady supply of chilled drinks, so of course, a wine cooler is an undeniable party essential. Not only does a good-quality wine cooler keep your wine at the perfect temperature, but it also doubles as a stunning centrepiece. Between us, it also takes hosting duties off the host, and puts it on the trusty wine cooler. It gives the impression that you’ve gone that extra mile, when it’s a quick fix, that pays off! Place your wine cooler near the dining area, or outside in the patio with some glasses aside so that people can help themselves as and when.
Drinks Dispensers: Self-serve in Style
Kilner Clip Top Round Drink Dispensers
In the spirit of continuing to keep making your life as easy as possible, a trusty drink dispenser will take 10 minutes of prep, and last the afternoon. Whether your drinks dispenser will be filled with fruit-infused water, sangria, or a zingy mojito, it’ll look great, and keep everyone hydrated. The 5 or 8 Litre Kilner Drink Dispensers are the perfect, great-value drinks dispensers that will no doubt become a staple party essential in your home.
If the weather turns out, why not set up a table outside, fill up a wine cooler and drinks dispenser, set aside some glasses and you’re all set. All you have to worry about is a little mid-afternoon top up.
Glassware Sets for Every Occasion
No party is complete without the right glassware. Why go to all the effort of filling up drinks dispensers and wine coolers if you’re going to serve in poor glassware? So of course, considered glassware sets are a party essential. Or an everyday essential! We’re firm believers that drinks taste better in the right glass, so investing in high-quality glassware is sure to make your guests think that your drinks taste extra delicious.
Invest in glassware sets that match your style, and cover different drinks. Red wine glasses, cocktail glasses, or short tumblers, each are important, particularly for a party. Coloured glassware sets are fun for parties with a more modern style. More classic glassware, like the Sandvig Collection are timeless and sophisticated, yet have a little whimsical flare. Pairing the right glasses alongside your drinks shows that you’ve thought of everything.
Cocktail Accessories
Henry Stoneware Cocktail Gift Set
If you’re somewhat of a mixologist, invest in some cocktail accessories to mix up something exciting. A good jigger or a muddler set will add a little flair to your bar area, and help you be prepared if someone asks for an unexpected drink. Anything to have the bank holiday party of the year.
Keeping Hungry Tummies at Bay
Serving Board Platters
Charleston Elm Wood Chopping Board
Serving boards are the unsung heroes of entertaining. Whether you’re laying out a grazing board, canapes, or even desserts, serving boards are the absolute party essential in this department. Serving boards can be passed around, or set up on a table for a buffet style feel. Remember, the key to successful hosting - whilst genuinely enjoying the party yourself - is to prepare as much as you can before, and allow everything to run without you needing to do anything. We particularly love wooden serving boards, since they add a cosy, rustic feel, and make even the simplest of snacks look delicious. Always try to arrange your serving boards in a way that’s visually appealing. It’s these little details that will make your bank holiday one to remember.
Creating an Inviting Atmosphere
Ambient Lighting: Setting the Mood
We mention this a lot, but lighting is the absolute key to transforming a space and preparing it for a gathering. It’s one of our favourite ways to set the mood for a party - making it a clear party essential. If you’re indoors, moody lighting is always a great way to set the tone. Avoid the big light, and add some table lamps, or even lanterns to light the way.
Aluna Candle Lanterns - Set of 2
Outside, mix and match different lighting sources to keep the garden well lit and welcoming. Soft string lighting, lanterns, and all important outdoor wall lights for when the night truly hits. For a touch of warmth and a little extra light, the Cosiscoop Black Fire Lantern is the perfect party essential to escape the summer evening chill. The aim is to create a cosy environment that encourages your guests to stick around, relax, and feel at home.
Finishing Touches
A beautifully set table is the heart of any bank holiday gathering. Start with a tablecloth or runner, and build up with plates, napkins, and anything else that matches the theme of the party. Adding a centrepiece - other than your wine cooler of course - ties everything together. Whether it be a floral arrangement, a cluster of candles, or a seasonal decoration, these final party essentials will be what makes your gathering special.
Prepare, Relax and Enjoy Your Bank Holiday With These Party Essentials
With these party essentials on hand, you’re all set to host a bank holiday party that your guests will talk about for summers to come. Remember, the key is in the preparation! Fill a beverages table with a wine cooler, drinks dispenser, and a variety of glasses. Make serving board platters to pass out to your guests, and ensure a cosy environment with lighting and final touches. Why not start planning now? The more you have prepared before, the more you can relax and enjoy the day along with your guests.
