Tag: Brunswick County events

Posted on

How to Host a Seamless Backyard Celebration in Brunswick County, NC

Backyard celebrations have always held a special kind of magic—whether it’s a milestone birthday, a bridal shower, a summer cocktail night, or a simple gathering with close friends. Especially in Brunswick County, where the breeze from the coast and the warm, relaxed vibe invite outdoor connection, more hosts are choosing to create private, meaningful events at home.

But planning a backyard celebration that feels intentional, elevated, and stress-free requires just the right blend of preparation and creativity. Here’s how to make your next home-based event in Shallotte, Oak Island, or Southport feel like a curated experience without the need for a large venue.

🪴 1. Start with a Flexible Layout

Space planning is everything. Use zones to make the flow natural:

  • Lounge area: Outdoor furniture, cushions, or picnic blankets
  • Food station: Grazing boards or light bites arranged beautifully
  • Bar area: Mobile bar or drink table setup
  • Activity zone: A lawn game area, photo booth, or mini spa station

If possible, incorporate natural shade or rent a canopy. The North Carolina sun can be strong—even in spring and fall.

🥂 2. Create a Thoughtful Beverage Experience

Even small gatherings benefit from a curated drink menu. A backyard setting offers the chance to personalize the bar experience with local ingredients and crowd-friendly formats.

Ideas include:

  • Signature cocktails named after the guest(s) of honor
  • Batch cocktails or infused waters for easy self-serve
  • Non-alcoholic options like mocktails and sparkling teas
  • Ice buckets with local NC beers or spritzes

POUR THE PEOPLE Mobile Bartending can help set up an aesthetic and functional bar, complete with bartenders or self-serve guidance—perfect for intimate events in relaxed spaces.

🧖‍♀️ 3. Add a Wellness Element for a Calming Touch

Want your celebration to feel rejuvenating, not just fun? Integrate a spa-inspired moment your guests can enjoy.

Try adding:

  • A chair massage corner
  • An aromatherapy station with essential oils or diffuser blends
  • A reiki or reflexology mini-session
  • DIY foot soaks with herbs, salts, and petals

If you’d like professional support, consider booking services from Sunrise Spa, which specializes in mobile wellness experiences throughout Brunswick County.

🎶 4. Don’t Skip the Ambiance

The most memorable backyard events are built on details that engage the senses:

  • Lighting: Twinkle lights, tea candles, or lanterns
  • Sound: A curated playlist or soft instrumental background
  • Scent: Fresh herbs, florals, or subtle incense
  • Texture: Use linen, woven baskets, or layered fabrics in your setup

These soft elements elevate even the most casual gatherings into intentional, feel-good spaces.

đź“‹ 5. Keep Hosting Simple with Smart Planning

A seamless event doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. Don’t hesitate to:

  • Hire help for bar or food service
  • Prep seating and settings the night before
  • Keep the menu light and serve-yourself
  • Use compostable, elegant single-use drinkware to simplify cleanup

The more you offload, the more present you can be during your event.

👩‍💼 About the Author

This blog was written by Charity Sunrise, owner of POUR THE PEOPLE Mobile Bartending and Sunrise Spa, both based in Shallotte, NC.

Charity blends her passion for wellness, hospitality, and mindful connection by offering both custom bar services and holistic spa experiences across Brunswick County—including Leland, Oak Island, Sunset Beach, and Southport.

Whether she’s crafting herbal mocktails or offering energy healing, her focus remains the same: creating meaningful moments that make people feel good.

Posted on

Creating a Memorable Cocktail Menu for Your Brunswick County Event

Whether you’re planning a wedding in Ocean Isle Beach, a birthday celebration in Leland, or a holiday party in Southport, curating the right cocktail menu can elevate your event from simple to spectacular.

Guests often remember the drinks just as much as the food—and a thoughtfully planned menu can help reflect your style, theme, and the local Brunswick County vibe.

Here’s how to design a custom cocktail list that delights your guests and enhances your event experience.

🍹 1. Consider the Season and Location

Start by looking at the time of year and event setting.

  • Summer events in Oak Island call for refreshing, light drinks like mojitos, cucumber coolers, or spiked lemonades.
  • Fall weddings might lean into flavors like apple, cinnamon, and bourbon.
  • Beachfront parties love tropical vibes—think rum punch, pineapple mules, or coconut margaritas.

Let the natural atmosphere of Brunswick County inspire the flavor profiles you choose.

🥂 2. Offer Variety Without Overcomplicating

A good rule of thumb is to offer:

  • One signature cocktail
  • One beer option
  • One wine or sparkling option
  • A non-alcoholic mocktail

This keeps your menu accessible while still making it interesting. One or two curated signature cocktails can be far more impactful than a long, generic list.

✅ Bonus Tip: Give your signature drinks a fun name that matches the theme of the event or the couple’s personality.

🍊 3. Use Local Ingredients When Possible

Support Brunswick County’s local markets and farms by incorporating fresh, locally grown herbs and fruit.

  • Strawberries from a spring market
  • Mint from your backyard garden
  • Honey from a local apiary

Local ingredients elevate the freshness and offer a unique personal touch your guests will notice.

🧊 4. Think About Presentation

A beautiful drink is a drink people talk about. Consider:

  • Garnishes like edible flowers, citrus wheels, or herb sprigs
  • Specialty glassware that fits your vibe (mason jars, coupes, rocks glasses)
  • Custom cocktail napkins or drink stirrers for branding or a personal message

Presentation is part of the experience, and even the simplest drinks look elevated with the right styling.

đź“ť 5. Plan for Dietary Needs and Preferences

Don’t forget:

  • Gluten-free options
  • Low-sugar or keto-friendly mixers
  • Alcohol-free options for kids or non-drinkers

A mocktail bar with fresh juices and herbs can be a thoughtful and inclusive feature.

🎨 6. Match Your Menu to the Theme

Is your event rustic? Try whiskey-based cocktails in smoked glasses.
Hosting a coastal affair? Go with citrus-forward gin drinks and tiki classics.
Throwing a retro party? Bring back old-school favorites like Tom Collins, Sidecars, or Grasshoppers.

When your drink menu complements the event design, it ties everything together beautifully.

👩‍💼 About POUR THE PEOPLE Mobile Bartending

Based in Shallotte, POUR THE PEOPLE Mobile Bartending specializes in creating unforgettable bar experiences throughout Brunswick County, NC—including Oak Island, Southport, Leland, and beyond.

Founded by Charity Sunrise, our team collaborates with each client to craft personalized cocktail menus that match their event’s mood, setting, and audience. We use fresh ingredients, serve with style, and help bring your vision to life one drink at a time.

Ready to elevate your bar experience?
Learn more at pourthepeople.com

Posted on

Understanding North Carolina Alcohol Laws for Private Events in Brunswick County

Planning a private event like a wedding in Oak Island, a birthday party in Shallotte, or a corporate mixer in Leland? If you’re serving alcohol, it’s important to understand North Carolina’s alcohol laws—especially if you’re hosting at a private residence or renting a venue that doesn’t have its own liquor license.

Here’s a clear, helpful breakdown of what you need to know about alcohol regulations in Brunswick County and across NC, so you can party smart and stay legal.

🍷 1. No Permit Needed for Private Parties (Most of the Time)

In North Carolina, if you’re hosting a private event (like a backyard party, wedding, or reunion) where alcohol is provided at no cost to guests, you typically do not need a special permit.

That means if you’re:

  • Buying the alcohol yourself
  • Not charging for drinks or entry
  • Inviting specific people (not the general public)

You’re allowed to serve alcohol without a permit, even if you hire a bartender or mobile bar service.

✅ Tip: Even without a permit, you’re still responsible for serving responsibly—especially with underage guests or heavy drinkers.

🍺 2. What If You Want to Sell Alcohol at Your Event?

If you plan to:

  • Charge a cover fee that includes drinks
  • Sell drinks at a ticketed public event
  • Open your event to the public

You’ll likely need a Limited Special Occasion Permit from the North Carolina ABC Commission. This permit allows nonprofits, businesses, or individuals to sell or serve alcohol legally for a one-time event.

đź“ť Visit https://abc.nc.gov for current application rules and forms.

🥂 3. Bartenders Must Follow ABC Laws, Too

Even though mobile bartenders are not licensed to sell alcohol in NC, they must follow state ABC guidelines, including:

  • Refusing service to intoxicated guests
  • Checking IDs
  • Avoiding service to minors
  • Not bringing or supplying alcohol directly

Bartenders hired for private events serve alcohol that you, the host, provide—this is a standard practice across NC.

🧾 4. Consider Host Liquor Liability Insurance

While not required by law, host liquor liability insurance is a smart move, especially for weddings, company events, or large gatherings.

This coverage can protect you if:

  • A guest becomes intoxicated and causes harm
  • Alcohol-related injuries occur
  • Property damage happens due to alcohol use

You can often add this coverage through your event insurance provider or venue.

🔍 5. Know Your Venue’s Rules

Some rental venues in Brunswick County (like event barns, beach houses, and community centers) have strict alcohol policies, even if the state doesn’t require a permit.

Always check:

  • If outside alcohol is allowed
  • If bartenders must be insured
  • If you need a security guard or police officer present
  • What hours alcohol can be served

đź‘Ś Plan Ahead to Stay Safe and Legal

North Carolina’s alcohol laws are fairly flexible for private events—but they do come with responsibilities. Be sure to:

  • Serve responsibly
  • Educate your bartenders
  • Check your venue policies
  • Keep underage drinking in check
  • Have a safe transportation plan

🧑‍💼 About POUR THE PEOPLE Mobile Bartending

Based in Shallotte, NC, POUR THE PEOPLE Mobile Bartending proudly serves all of Brunswick County, including Oak Island, Ocean Isle, Southport, and beyond. Founded by Charity Sunrise, a licensed bodyworker turned event expert, our team brings professionalism, creativity, and compliance to every event we serve.

We specialize in custom cocktail menus, mobile bar setups, and expert guidance to help clients navigate alcohol laws and logistics with ease—all while creating unforgettable drink experiences.

Ready to plan an event that’s as smart as it is stylish?
Visit pourthepeople.com to learn more about our services or request a quote.

Posted on

How to Estimate Alcohol for Your Event: A Guide for Brunswick County Hosts

Planning the perfect celebration—whether it’s a wedding in Oak Island, a birthday party in Shallotte, or a reunion in Southport—often comes with one big question:

How much alcohol do you actually need?

It’s easy to overspend or underestimate without a bit of planning. Here’s a helpful guide to estimating alcohol for your event so that your bar is stocked efficiently and responsibly.

🥂 Start with Guest Count and Timeframe

The two biggest factors to consider are:

  • How many people are attending?
  • How long is your event?

A general rule:
One guest = one drink per hour
(plus a buffer for early arrivals and late-night toasts)

Example:

50 guests Ă— 4 hours = 200 drinks minimum
Add a 10–15% buffer: plan for about 225–230 drinks total.

🍸 Break It Down by Drink Type

Depending on your crowd, you’ll want to divide the total into wine, beer, and liquor. A common breakdown:

  • Beer: 40%
  • Wine: 30%
  • Spirits: 30%

For 225 drinks:

  • Beer: ~90 servings
  • Wine: ~67 servings
  • Liquor: ~68 servings

Adjust this based on what your guests prefer—beach wedding crowds might lean more toward light beer and spritzers, while backyard BBQs might favor bourbon and rum-based drinks.

🍷 Bottle & Can Equivalents

Here’s what each standard serving looks like:

  • Wine bottle: ~5 glasses
  • 750ml liquor bottle: ~16 cocktails
  • Beer can or bottle: 1 drink per unit
  • Champagne bottle: ~6 flute servings

Knowing this helps you translate your totals into actual shopping quantities.

🧊 Don’t Forget Mixers, Garnishes & Ice

It’s easy to overlook the bar extras that make drinks shine:

  • Mixers (tonic, club soda, juice, cola)
  • Fresh garnishes (citrus, herbs, fruit)
  • Ice: Plan for at least 1–1.5 pounds per person

đź“‹ Other Factors to Consider

  • Service Style: Will you have a bartender, or is it self-serve? Guests pour less when drinks are made for them.
  • Season & Setting: Outdoor summer events = more drinks and hydration.
  • Glassware: Larger glasses = faster consumption.
  • Mocktails & Non-Alcoholic Options: Essential for designated drivers and younger guests.

🧠 Planning Ahead Prevents Waste

Estimating properly helps:

  • Prevent over-purchasing
  • Avoid running out early
  • Ensure guests drink responsibly
  • Keep your budget on track

đź“Ť Need More Help?

If you’re still unsure how much to order or how to build a drink menu around your event type, you’re not alone. Many hosts in Brunswick County reach out to experienced mobile bartenders for insight into guest preferences and inventory planning.

POUR THE PEOPLE Mobile Bartending provides professional event support across Shallotte, Oak Island, Southport, and surrounding areas. Their team helps clients estimate quantities, create balanced drink menus, and serve events with ease.

Explore more planning resources and bartending insights at pourthepeople.com

Posted on

Why Hiring a Bartender for Your Next Party in Brunswick County Is a Game-Changer

Planning a party in Brunswick County, North Carolina? Whether it’s a birthday bash in Shallotte, a graduation party in Leland, or a holiday celebration on Oak Island, one of the easiest ways to elevate your event is by hiring a professional bartender.

From expertly crafted drinks to stress-free hosting, here’s why bringing in a mobile bartending service is the best decision you can make.

🍸 1. You Get to Actually Enjoy Your Own Party

When you hire a professional, you’re no longer stuck behind the counter mixing drinks or searching for wine keys. Instead, you’re free to:

  • Mingle with guests
  • Relax and enjoy the atmosphere
  • Know everyone’s drink is in expert hands

Let the pros handle the bar while you enjoy the celebration you worked so hard to plan.

🍹 2. Professional Presentation Makes a Statement

A well-styled bar setup instantly makes your event feel more polished. A mobile bartending team can bring:

  • Bar stations and decor
  • Custom signage
  • Stylish glassware
  • Themed garnishes

It’s not just about the drinks—it’s about creating an experience that impresses your guests.

🍷 3. Custom Menus That Match Your Theme

Want a spooky cocktail for Halloween? A romantic drink for an engagement party? A bourbon tasting for a guys’ night? A good bartender can tailor your drink menu to match your vibe perfectly.

Plus, mobile bartenders often provide:

  • Signature cocktails
  • Mocktail options
  • Seasonal drink menus

Your guests will love the personal touch.

🥂 4. Safety and Professionalism Matter

An experienced bartender knows how to:

  • Control alcohol consumption responsibly
  • Verify guest age
  • Handle spills or issues discreetly
  • Keep the bar area clean and stocked

Hiring a licensed, insured bartending team like POUR THE PEOPLE Mobile Bartending helps you stay compliant and stress-free.

🍾 5. It Actually Saves You Time and Money

Think about it: a bartender can help you plan exactly how much alcohol to buy, cutting down on waste and overbuying. They can also provide:

  • Shopping lists
  • Bar setup and breakdown
  • Cooler and ice management

It’s not just convenient—it’s cost-effective.

Host Better, Drink Smarter

Whether you’re planning a big birthday party, a neighborhood block party, or a holiday mixer, hiring a bartender ensures everything flows smoothly.

If you’re looking for reliable, stylish, and friendly mobile bartending services in Brunswick County, we highly recommend POUR THE PEOPLE Mobile Bartending.

Their team brings experience, personality, and custom solutions to every event—from Shallotte to Southport and beyond.

Ready to throw a party your guests will never forget? Visit pourthepeople.com to book your bartender today!