Six Tips for Packing a Better Party Cooler

1.  Get it started early.  You should pack a cooler about two hours before guests arrive.  That gives plenty of time for beer to get cold, but not enough for all the ice to melt.  (And for HEAVEN'S SAKE, serve a decent beer!  NO, I repeat NO Natty Lights, please!)

2.  Use bagged ice.  Don't take ice out of your fridge for the cooler.  You'll need it for cocktails later.  And the bagged ice is a better size for fitting in between cans.  (Besides, your well is WAY too close to your septic tank.  Get bagged ice.)

3.  Build layers.  Beer cans should go in first, then ice.  You keep it more even that way, and you can pack more in the cooler.  After that, put in bottled beer, and put wine on the top because it shouldn't be as cold.  (And remember to keep it well stocked.  Don't make me come and beg you for a beer, okay?  It's awkward for both of us.)

4.  Pour cold water over the ice.  A pitcher of cold water will help cool drinks down faster.  For beer the ideal is a slushy mixture.  (THIS is a true PRO TIP.  Read it and implement.)

5.  Keep extra drinks on deck in the sink, or in a second fridge.  When the cooler goes empty, you need to have cold drinks ready to go.  No one wants to wait for beer to get cold AFTER they've started drinking.  (Please make reference to number 3 above to reinforce importance of number 5.)

6.  Have a separate ice supply for drinks.  Don't make people grab ice out of the cooler with their bare hands.  We're not animals here.  (Did you wash your hands after your potty.)  

Now, kindly invite us over.