Crafthouse by Fortessa Bar Collection - Entertaining often means that you need to have bar tools on hand, to not only make that perfect cocktail, but also to pour the perfect glass of wine, or open your favourite beer. Playing bartender can be a bit of a challenge, especially when you’re entertaining a large group, and it’s always best to have a number of different tools on hand, because you never know exactly what a bar recipe is going to call for. Every drink from an old fashioned to a martini requires some tools, and if you’re gearing up to entertain for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you want not only your bar to be well stocked, but you want to have the correct tools on hand as well. To take the role of bartender, it’s a terrific idea to use the tools that bartenders use themselves. That’s why Williams-Sonoma provides you with the Crafthouse by Fortessa Bar Collection, so you never miss a step in your cocktail making or beer pouring.

If this is one of your first times entertaining, or you need to up the ante in your bar tools set, it’s a good idea to opt for a complete set to start you off on the right foot. There are several different sets available in the Crafthouse collection. Opt for an actual bar tool set that provides you with such tools as a strainer for making straight up cocktails, a cutting board for cutting bar fruit such as lemons and limes, a knife to cute the fruit with, a peeler for the fruit and a channel knife. This set allows you to create the martini of anyone’s choice – a straight-up version with vodka (shaken, not stirred) or a cosmopolitan martini that comes with a twist of lemon. Another bar set from Crafthouse includes items to help you shake the perfect cocktail. Opt for this collection that includes a shaker, a strainer, a muddler and a jigger. Pour into a glass and voila – the perfect cocktail. Use the jigger for making sure that you have the perfect pour of alcohol in each drink, and the strainer to pour straight-up shots or drinks. Use a muddler for many types of cocktails that involve crushed fruit, such as an old fashioned.

If you don’t require a complete set and just want to bulk up your ensemble of bar tools piece by piece, there are many tools available to help complement your drink-making. A small mixing glass set allows you to craft each drink inside of the glass, with a small stirrer/spoon and strainer. This is a great set for making a Tom Collins or other cocktail that’s already over ice. Or, opt for a cocktail shaker completely on its own, not as part of a set, to replace your old shaker or simply to give yourself an upgrade. If you want to give mint julep drinks a try, choose a special strainer that allows you to make the right mint julep cocktail every time. For opening that bottle of wine, no fancy wine tools are necessary. Simply choose a Crafthouse by Fortessa corkscrew, and easily present your wine at table. You may also purchase jiggers, muddlers and strainers separately, should you need these small pieces.

When it comes to serving drinks, you want to get some professional equipment as well. Opt for a glassware set that includes several different types of glasses for every cocktail, or a bar serving tray that works well for a decanter, or for glasses and tools. When it comes to entertaining, don’t forget the ice bucket and scoop. The Crafthouse collection features both in durable stainless-steel, meant for hosting large parties for years to come.