Staying in is the new going out; and what better way to make sure that yours is the house people choose to stay in then to create your very own in-home bar. The question is where to start and what items should you add to ensure that your friends never want to leave. Jukeboxes, cocktail table arcade games, TVs and memorabilia are always good things to consider.

The Basics

Every good bar starts with the basics; you need drinks, somewhere to serve them and something to sit on while you enjoy them. While the liquid refreshment is the most important item in the bar- it is probably the last item you will add. Start with the bar and the seating. A good bar needs to be solid, at the right height to lean on and easy to clean. A varnished hardwood is the perfect material to choose and can be stained before varnishing to fit the decor of the room. How big of a bar you aim for depends greatly on the size of the room, whether you want a long bar or a corner set up, and how much room your other amenities are going to need. Bar stools need to fit in with the overall theme of your bar and more specifically be the right height for your bar or tables; there is nothing worse than not being able to reach your beer.

Making it individual

You have finished your bar seating, but, your in-home bar is a little flat and not very exciting; you need to personalize it. Decide on a theme; do you want sports, rustic, or disco themed bar? It’s good to hang memorabilia or pictures that relate to you theme; it will give it character and give your friends something to talk about over their drinks. It is also a good idea to make odd changes and then to see if your guests notice them; you can do this by updating sports cuttings or changing the color of the lighting over your bar area.

Music, television and games

Think carefully before you spend a fortune on items and consider the amount of space you have and the theme you have chosen. If you have decided on having a games bar then cocktail table arcade games and a pool or foosball table will be perfect. Adding a jukebox is an easy way to add atmosphere, which could also cause outbursts of out of tune singing late at night. If you are having a sport themed bar then a television that you can watch sports on with your friends is perfect.

And Finally

All that is left to do is make sure you are stocked with your friends’ favorite drinks; don’t forget something for the drivers, and invite your friends around for an amazing evening in with you, your new bar, and your cocktail table arcade games.

Chuck Stevens is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @chuckstevens12.