50th birthday in 1950 Hollywood style

This past weekend I bartended a 50th birthday party for a great lady.  She had old school 1950 Hollywood theme.   It was estimated 160 people would drink alcohol out of 220 guests.   From the get go the bar was slammed  I think everyone in attendance decided to come to the bar.  

The client decided on 1 signature cocktail and 4 others standard cocktails.  A keg of beer and a couple wines were also available.  We set up a self serve station with water, lemonade, and sweet tea.  The drinks were a hit and the party kept going till the closing time.  Alcohol service stopped 1 hour before the end to give people sober up time before leaving the venue.  

During the night we ran out of the raspberries for the signature cocktail.   I even overestimated the amount but still ran short.  The Scarlett O'Hare cocktail was a huge hit of the party.  

The bar was set up as shown. 

 

The Menu

Lessons from the night, speed up the processes.  I thing I will pre mix my sweet and sour formula in advance rather than have to measure and mix the 2 ingredients then and there.  

I thing more clear signage to direct guests is needed.  Clearly show wine and beer at one station while cocktails at another and the self serve table marked more noticeably.