The six-foot-long marble-topped sideboard in my living room is a perfect platform for the gleaming platters and bowls that I use to corral liquors, mixers, and bartending tools. In addition, I set out cake stands; I find that a little elevation instantly adds visual interest. I'm not one to decant liquor, especially because the labels on bottles these days are so beautifully designed. Since I serve only a few types of drinks, I always have multiples of those gorgeous bottles, creating a great graphic effect. 7-piece bar tool set; recipe cocktail shaker; ice bucket with tongs, Martha Stewart Collection, macys.com. Vintage swizzle sticks, in Black; in Amber; moodindigonewyork.com. Vertigo tray, christofle.com

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Some of my friends think it's crazy (bordering on cruel) that I serve only clear cocktails. But the neutral palette in my apartment could never forgive a red wine or dark-liquor spill. It doesn't matter if I have one couple or a whole crew over: It takes just one tipped glass to kill the carpet. So I stick with vodka, gin, and Champagne. Those three allow for plenty of range: all manner of gimlets, martinis, gin-and-tonics, and of course Champagne cocktails. I also do a lot of prepping -- I mix several batches of whatever cocktail I'm serving, set out glasses, slice up the garnishes -- because I want to have cocktails ready when my guests arrive. There's nothing like being offered a drink in a beautiful glass when you walk through the door. It's the ultimate welcome. All spirits from Pasanella and Son Vintners, pasanellaandson.com

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Highballs, old-fashioned glasses, coupes, flutes, tumblers -- there are dozens of types of glasses. Choose based on what you most like to drink and serve. For me, Champagne flutes and martini glasses are essential. Even with something as minimal as a martini glass, it's easy for the design to go wrong. It's a bit like decorating a modern apartment; you can't hide the flaws, because the lines are simple to begin with. That's why I prefer to stick with classic designs that have just a dash of dazzle: A faceted stem, for example, can make all the difference between boring and brilliant. It's important to pick out glasses in person, to hold them and feel how they sit in your hand. Once you know what you love, you can always order more online.

The right pieces can make shaking and stirring nearly as much fun as sipping. "The handle recalls a very expensive men's razor." (part of Darby 2-piece set), aerostudios.com

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"This stealth tool is like a fine ink pen. It makes mixing ridiculously pleasant." alessi-shop.com

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"It's great for much more than mint juleps -- really, you can never have too many." jamaligarden.com

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The Thomas O'Brien-designed glass "has a to-die-for faceted stem." aerostudios.com

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"The pencil skirt of barware, it works in formal or informal settings." Martha Stewart Collection, macys.com

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"The retro styling recalls an era when it was de rigueur to dress for cocktail parties." aerostudios.com

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The ridged silver-plate handle on this workhorse tool "begs to be noticed." tiffany.com

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This simple stunner has perfect proportions. Martha Stewart Collection, macys.com

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Shake or stir 4 ounces vodka (or gin) and a dash of olive brine with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives.

Shake or stir 2 1/2 ounces gin with 3/4 ounce lime juice, and strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Shake or stir 4 ounces vodka and 1 ounce vermouth with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with cocktail onions.

Pour 1/2 ounce creme de cassis into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne.

Pour 1 1/2 ounces St-Germain into a flute. Top with 4 ounces Champagne and 1 ounce club soda.

Shake 2 ounces gin, 1 sugar cube, and 1/2 ounce lemon juice with ice. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass, and top with Champagne.