Even if you’re not a big drinker, it’s worth taking the time to set up a home bar. Why? “It shows that you care about people having a good time,” said Jessica Schuster, a New York City interior designer.

For clients with large homes, Schuster will often design glamorous built-in bars. But you don’t need a fancy dedicated space: It’s easy to set up a decent bar on just about any flat surface. Here’s how to do it.

Prepare the surface: A console table, credenza or cabinet that’s in the room where you plan to entertain can work. “It could even be on part of your dining table,” Schuster said. Clear the surface by removing all clutter and dusting to create a blank slate. Then add trays. You might use one tray to hold bottles, another for glassware and a third as a work surface.

Curate your bottles: It’s not necessary to display every bottle you own. Try to include a selection that caters to various preferences, including gin, vodka, tequila, whiskey and a nonalcoholic choice, Schuster said, “but choose the prettiest special bottles.”

Choose interesting glasses: Put out a few styles of glasses for different kinds of drinks. And don’t use your everyday glasses. This is a chance to share interesting pieces with guests, including vintage ones with unusual shapes, colors and patterns.

Provide the tools: At the very least, put out a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with a bar spoon, an ice bucket filled with ice, a jigger and a corkscrew. It’s worth searching out antique items or those with a story behind them. Schuster also likes to include bowls filled with citrus wedges.

Style it: The finishing touch: decorative objects that add visual appeal. “Style it up,” said Schuster, who always displays fresh flowers and likes to put them in vintage Scandinavian vases. “Your bar needs to be functional, but also have a considered display,” she said. “It’s the wow moment.”