A well stocked bar.

The moment has arrived. All the invitations are out and you're expecting a big crowd over. You've laid in a supply of mixers, purchased a variety of liquors and have even purchased some orange slices and maraschino cherries for garnish.

You haven't forgotten a thing. Or have you.

Your guests begin to pour in and all you have for glasses are 16 oz. red party cups. There's no muddler for the mojitos and all the martinis have to be stirred -- you don't own a shaker.

You forgot one of the basics of entertainment. A well stocked bar. Suddenly, the party is a bust and everyone is headed to the nearest bar so they can have a real drink.

A well stocked bar is much more than libations and garnish. A retro Tom Collins should be served in the right glass, as should a martini. And a Long Island Iced Tea just isn't the same in a Ronald McDonald sippy glass.

Here's the basics you want to have on so guests can enjoy their drinks in high style:

•     Can and bottle opener
•     Easy to use corkscrew
•     Foil removers
•     Stir-sticks, straws toothpicks, coasters, cocktail napkins
•     Tall, heavy duty mixing glass or shaker
•     Shot glasses
•     Coil rimmed cocktail strainer
•     Small sharp knife to cut fruit
•     Large pitcher
•     Measuring spoons
•     Muddler
•     Ice bucket with tongs
•     Electric blender
•     Bartender guide and recipes
•     Pourers and stoppers

When you're laying in your stock, remember that you get what you pay for. A cheap butterfly corkscrew that falls apart the first time a bottle of wine is uncorked isn't going to impress anyone.

You also want to be sure that you have the proper glassware. An Old Fashion glass doesn't serve the same purpose as a High Ball glass. Get the right glasses for the drinks you plan to serve.

Our recommendations:

• Tulip-Shaped Champagne Flutes
• High Ball Glasses
• Old Fashion Glasses
• Martini Glasses
• Red and White Wine Glasses

This may sound like a lot of entertainment equipment, but if you purchase quality, you can count of these items lasting you for years to come. And you can use your red party cups for what they were meant for -- keggers.