Happy Hour Home Decor: Turning Your Pad into Party City

There's nothing like a local pub for blowing off steam and fraternizing with the neighbors! I dig those old-fashioned bar tops and tables with grainy woods that have absorbed many a tear and whiskey-endowed story, trimmed with bright, shiny brass. I like a sweet, perky jukebox in the corner; filled with all the classic songs I know the words to, so that I might sing to my unabashed heart's content! I especially enjoy a tipsy game of darts or billiards with my fellow fearless patrons!

All within reason, of course…But what if you don't feel like going out and you're running out of taxi and tip money? Ever thought of bringin' that party home?

If you want to be popular, this is a good way to get started: Happy Hour! Location: Your house! What was once a snore bore of a guest room can now be a swinging party pad! Yes, I'm serious!

To create your new Party Space or the more professional term, "Recreation Room," scour the classified ads, flea markets and garage sales for a cool bar that fits your space. I've seen some great deals out there, complete with bar stools. If you want to start fresh, you can check out some of the sets at BuyingBarStools.com or MoreBarStools.com. When you're choosing your bar, think about how it will look in the space and try to avoid height if your space has low ceilings. High-top bars in a small space will dominate the room and smother the coziness.

Next, I'd start working on the theme and create a space where you can relax and have fun. The possibilities are endless! For instance, if you wanted to go with classic Rock n' Roll, you could hang some old LPs on the wall, stick a jukebox in the corner, throw a black and white checkered or zebra rug on the floor, and then browse Target or Walmart for a Darts Game! If the space allows for it, you can get a billiard table which comes in standard or smaller sizes for compact spaces. This is also a good place to set up your Wii game for hours of fun and frolic and a little sweat, even!

The traditional sports bar style is an easy choice, as you can fill the walls with memorabilia from your favorite teams. Check out MLB.com for a good variety. If Sports Bar is your theme, I'd definitely invest in a flat screen TV and have the games running in the background. What a pro! The only trouble I foresee here is that you may never get rid of your new found friends. You can try all the yawning and the famed "it's a school night" comment, but for the stubborn guests who can't take a hint, I'd go with the "oh-no, it looks like the power just went out" trick. It works every time! (not to be used on family members, by the way...)

For you wine connoisseurs, a wine fridge next to the bar is a nice choice, accompanied by some gorgeous crystal glasses and a wine/cheese plate, you can schedule weekly "tastings" at your own home! Here I would go with more of a traditional style bar with beveled glass mirrors on the walls, maybe some authentic pictures of Tuscany, gold and burgundy accents on the furniture and rugs.

Aquariums are a great addition to rooms like this if the mood is right. You can even use this as your decorating focal point and create a subtle tropical theme. I say "subtle" because what you don't want are shells on every table and piece of fabric. Tropical theme can mean artwork showcasing beach life, sheer, breezy white linens and a hot bar tender waiting for you in the corner…holding a coconut-rum drink. I digress…

Bringing the party home and transforming an unused guest room or den can be a fun weekend project and bring hours of laughter into your home.

Here's to your Happy, Happy Hour…let the party begin!