Party Basics

Decide on a theme for your party.

Pick a day and time. Be sure to leave enough time for you to plan, cook and/or order everything you'll need.

Write out a guest list. (Keep in mind that people may bring dates)

Send invitations. Make sure to include directions, or even a map, to your house. Don't forget to include your phone number and let people know where they should park.

Decide what you want to serve and make a grocery list

• Take inventory of condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, barbecue sauce, etc. These are the easiest items to forget when you're planning your menu.
• Be sure to stock up on paper products like napkins, paper towels and paper plates.
• If you plan on barbecuing, check your supply of charcoal or propane for the gas grill.
• Don't forget the drinks! You'll need:
  • Keg
    • 1/4 Barrel equals 82 12-oz servings
    • 1/2 Barrel equals 165 12-oz servings
  • Plastic Tub
  • 5 bags of ice
  • Picnic Pump (the 'tapper')

On the day of the party, allow time to pick up last minute items... like more ice.

Tips For a Great Party

• Part of being a good host means making sure your guests are comfortable and cared for. Be sure to watch out for over-consumption. Drinking responsibly will make your party memorable for the right reasons. Look out for your friends. We all make a difference.
• Make Sure Your Glassware is "Beer Clean."
  - When serving beer, it's important to have glasses that are "beer clean," that is, free from any residue that will effect the beer's flavor or appearance. For this level of glassware purity, an automatic dishwasher is ideal. Be careful to wash your glassware separately from other dishes, and use a sanitizing detergent so that all you taste is the fresh and flavorful Budweiser.
• Preparing Serving Trays.
  - Always use metal, tin, glass, plastic or aluminum serving trays at your party. Never use paper plates, as they will hold very little and will warp, sending all of the hors d'oeuvres into a pile in the middle. Doilies dress up any tray, plain or fancy. Small bunches of fresh cut flowers can really dress up the tray.
• Have you ever thrown a party, and afterwards realized you were too stressed to enjoy yourself? Here are several tips on how to enjoy your party as much as your guests:
  • Plan a menu that can be prepared entirely in advance. For example, soups, stews, chili and gumbo actually taste better when they're made ahead of time and they allow you the freedom to mingle with your guests.
  • Switch throughout the evening so you have a chance to talk to everyone.
  • Hire someone to clean up.
  • Squirrel away a cold frosty glass of Budweiser or a piece of desert so you can celebrate the successful party after your guests have gone home.

• An unsecured keg of beer can destroy the trunk of your car. Secure the keg from rolling around. At 161 lbs., a half barrel shouldn't be taken lightly.
• It's okay to roll your keg for easier transportation. The beer won't be affected (and it's a lot easier on your back).
• Since the beer is drawn through the bottom of the keg, it is not
  necessary to put ice on the top of the keg.
• It is possible to over-pump a keg. Too much air in the keg will result in overly foamy beer.
• Beer also foams more when it comes into contact with a warm surface, which is why it's important to keep the picnic pump cold before tapping the barrel.
• If your keg does get warm (not recommended), it is possible to chill it completely in just 30 minutes. First, place the barrel in your tub, surrounded by three bags of ice. Then, add water to the ice so that the surface of the keg is submerged as much as possible. In one half hour your beer will be ready to serve and enjoy.
• Once the keg is tapped and air is pumped in, the beer is good for approximately 24 hours before the CO2 escapes and renders the beer flat.

• Chill your keg to 36-38ºF. One hour before the party, fill the bottom of a tub with two bags of ice.
• Add the keg and pour three bags of ice around the keg.
• Keep the picnic pump (the "tapper") cold and run cold water through the lines prior to tapping your keg to prevent overfoaming when you pour.
• Remove the cap from the top of the barrel and position the pump at the opening.
• Turn the valve clockwise until it stops and the tap is secure.
• Pump four times to pressurize the keg.
• Insulate the keg by wrapping a blanket over the top of the keg.
• Pour. Enjoy. Pour. Enjoy.

Add a little excitement and variety to your party by using a theme! A few suggestions are: