Ann and I co-hosted a joint birthday party of couple of years ago. Since so many people were involved, it wound up being a large-ish party of about fifty people. Ann's only request? That we hire a bartender. At first I balked, saying that guests could help themselves, or we could do it. It turned out to be the best thing we've ever done.
The bartender arrived a little early and completely took over the bar, setting it up in advance and breaking it down at the end of the night. During the party, she also walked around and picked up abandoned glasses.
We felt more like guests ourselves, free to chat with others and not worry about replenishing cocktails. Like buying my first sofa, it also made me feel strangely adult.
If you decide to go this route, here are a couple of things to think about:
Hiring: We have tons of bartender friends, and even more friends that could use a little extra cash, especially right around the holidays. Asking someone you know saves the hassle of finding a stranger, and helps out a friend.
Timing: Ask your friend to arrive early so you can show them where everything is, and talk about what you'd like them to do that evening. Don't have them come too early, however; to get the most bang for your buck, you want most of their paid time to occur during the actual party.
Tipping: Don't suggest guests tip via a not-so-subtle tip jar. Tip your bartender yourself at the end of the evening.
Have you ever hired someone to help you for an event? If so, were you happy you did?
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I didn't hire but I ordered a Christmas Eve dinner. I picked up, set up and the family served themselves. My sister said she never thought of ordering a take out for Christmas but it was a hit. And I didn't use paper plates...combination of china and Christmas ware.
I would love to hire a bartender for a party! I hosted a pretty large party early in the summer for about 30 people. It wasn't in my budget to actually hire a bartender, so I made a list of three cocktails that were relatively easy to serve up and matched the theme of the Bon Voyage party. One was the aviation, I recall. Anyway, I tried to premix ingredients as much as I could. With a list of only three simple cocktails, I was able to keep up with the demand and party goers could help themselves to beer and wine. It was a more casual outdoor party, though. I had co-hosts and help too.
If it's not in your budget, I advise to make a menu of three cocktails and stick to it.
I ordered 2 shirtless model mail bartenders for a New Years party once. Worth every penny.
While I have hired bartenders for parties in the past, my one regret was for my sister's bridal shower last year. Had I known how much work it would have been serving and replenishing drinks and that I would miss out on most of the festivities that I planned, I would have hired a bartender and someone to serve the food. Would have been worth every cent.
For anything over 30 people I usually hire at least one person. A few times it's been a bar tender but more often someone to pull stuff out of the oven, replenish trays of food, pick up stray plates and napkins, etc. It makes the whole thing a million times easier and I actually get to enjoy some of the party. I typically ask a local restaurant that I'm a regular at if they have any waiters who don't work that night and would like to make a little extra money.
Your tip advice is right on and I can see easily how it would make everyone more comfortable.
Any advice on hiring a bartender who isn't a friend? We moved here recently so our friend group maxes out at about thirty and they would all be invited, not serving.
If you're in NYC, I highly recommend the Barnard Bartending Agency:
http://www.barnardbartending.com/clients
We used them for our apartment-warming party a couple of years ago, at my mom's recommendation--she's used them for many parties over the years. The two young women who helped us were extremely hard working, professional, unobtrusive, and sweet. They helped us set up, served drinks and food, cleared and washed empty glasses and plates, and left us pretty much free to enjoy our own party.
Columbia has a similar agency. They might be great too, but I've never used them myself.
Another great thing about hiring a bartender, at least when I've done it, is that they can advise, especially for large parties, what alcohol and how much to buy. You can also work this with a store so you can take back unopened extra, etc...
I've covered a few parties as the bartender-- they're great jobs and usually tons of fun! Expect to pay around $20/hr, less if you hire 2, more if it's a holiday.
@michelleb I love, LOVE the idea of essentially hiring a waiter for the evening, great tip!
Thank you, I was just wondering what a usual rate would be. What's considered a decent tip from the hosts for a typical party?
I'm someone who really doesn't like parties but I adore bartending...you get to see all the guests, you have something to do, and no one comments on your lack of drinking. It's an awesome cover for someone shy and/or not drinking.
I think it's a great idea to hire someone if the party is pushing your limits for tending. Luckily I have a ton of friends in the food & wine industry so they're always naturally jumping in at parties. I also have a husband who finds mixing up old fashioned cocktails some type of therapy from his constant medical school studying. I've hired random entertainers for past theme parties (belly dancer, tarot card readers, henna tattoo artists) and guests seem to love that you've taken that extra step to entertain and take care of them. I love throwing parties though, what can I say?
It's a brilliant idea! The help with serving and clean up seems to ease so much stress especially when it comes to getting ready for guests to arrive. I've known many people to hire bar tending and serving help, who have spoken well of the experience too.
Similarly, depending on the type of occasion, I recommend hiring help to babysit or occupy children during family events... If the event is child-free, hiring a babysitter (or two) for several families is also an option. I had babysat several times for multiple local families who were all going to the same party. The kids loved having their own little play "party." The "visiting children" camped out at bed time until their parents came to pick them up. The parents were glad to swap out times to check in as well... and believe it or not, the check ins weren't really necessarily because the time went smoothly and quickly!
Tips are usually $20-$50-- usually just round up to the nearest $50 total and throw in a bottle of champagne if you guests bring way too many bottles as is typical!