Avoid backups at the bar and keep things simple by setting out four coolers with ice: one each for soda, water, beer and wine. This setup does away with the formality and expense of a full bar. On a small table, display your signature drink, Cranberry Sangria.

To prepare, combine 1 cup sugar, 4 cranberry-flavored tea bags, 4 lemon slices, 6 cloves, ½ teaspoon each nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger, and 1½ cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer 10 minutes. Strain and let cool. Add 2 bottles white wine, 2 ounces apple brandy and 1 sliced lemon. Chill 24 hours, and add fresh mint just before serving.

Set up other drinks in pitchers or a cooler with bottles of softdrinks, too.