10 Things Every Bachelor Owns

New Series //Every so often we feature our must-have items for successful bachelorhood. Because frankly, the HNman has different standards than your average singleton or even your average gay guy for that matter.

The HNman is a gentleman first and foremost, but that doesn’t make him a prude. It just means that he’s savvy in the art of sex and seduction. And why should any gentleman settle for less?

The discerning single bloke about town stocks his palatial pad with the following:

10. One well-fitting, all-season blazer.
A given for any man about town, a classic, navy blue, notched lapel, brass-button, single-breasted, center vent blazer will never let you down. You can always dress-up/down your blazer with accessories and pieces from trendier labels — but bottom line, you’ll always need a blue blazer. Pair this with a black turtle neck and black slacks for a chic casual look. [Hart Schaffner Marx Classic Navy Blazer | $350]

9. Venerable knowledge of local bars and restaurants.
Choosing a restaurant is an art form. And the single man about town must know what venue will best complement not only his wallet, but also his over all sense of style. But don’t worry, no one expects the HN Bachelor to know everything, this is why we suggest a subscription to Zagat or anything from Eater, GrubStreet, or Urban Daddy. [Try 'The Randolph,' 349 Broome St., nr. Elizabeth St. SoHo; 212-274-0667]

8. Bottle Opener.
This may sound like a given, but younger men are particularly bad about this one. Every man. No matter how small his bank account should own a good quality bottle opener that works for both beer and wine. [Classic Herbert Allen, Screwpull Corkscrew @ Moma | $30]

7. Gym membership.
A good friend once said to me: “no pecks, no sex.” These are words to live by gentlemen. Make a mental image of the kind of physique that turns you on, and then become that physique. [David Barton | $100/mo]

6. Passport.
The HN bachelor is well versed in travel (even if he’s relegated to coach). Owning a passport is required for any man who needs to make a quick getaway to Saint Maarten (the French side for the world-class food and the Dutch side for the beautiful beaches).

5. Flatware/Cutlery/Stemware to host a dinner party for 4.
It is in a bachelor’s blood to entertain. And what a better excuse to showcase the bachelor’s chivalry and charisma than with a small dinner party at home. Go straight for Ikea for this one minus the stemware. Wine doesn’t taste the same in a mug or highball glass. Head to Pottery Barn or Williams Sonoma for inexpensive yet durable “barware,” but don’t go overboard. Start with a set of 4 wine glasses, and work your way up to crystal snifters over time. (Williams All-Purpose Balloon Wineglasses | $60]

4. Spare Toothbrush.
Oral health is invaluable. Always keep a spare toothbrush in your apartment. It’s just plain hospitable to have a brand new toothbrush on hand for any last minute overnight guest. Your new friend will thank you in the morning. Set of 4 Preserve Recycled Plasitc Toothbrushes | $11]

3. Quality, clean, crisp linens.
There are few things worse than climbing into bed with a man who clearly hasn’t changed his sheets in weeks. It’s rank. It’s dirty. It’s unacceptable. If you want this guy to “open up,” then you’ll need to supply him with an environment that is cozy, welcoming, soft, and above all freshly laundered. No need to spend a fortune here, but always avoid sheets made of satin, sateen, polyester, or low-grade cotton. So reach for 500-thread count Egyptian cotton bedding (there is a reason it’s dubbed “Bed, Bath, and Boyfriend”) and soft enviro-friendly bamboo towels. (See #1)

2. A diverse selection of music.
You don’t have to be a Mozart expert, but a shoddy selection of show-tunes and Kylie won’t impress anyone. Fill up your iTunes with a few classic jazz legends like Coltrane, or Duke Ellington, and balance out your music library with current indie-electronic bands (check out Phoenix, Melody Gardot and Matt Albers) and pop music is always welcome (but beware of Beyonce overkill). Music sans words will always compliment your dinner party or late-night booty-call better than R. Kelly’s Chocolate Factory. Trust us on this one. [See our music section]

1. Premium lubricant.
Having spare condoms on hand is one thing. But forgetting to stock good lube is unacceptable. There’s nothing sexy about KY. And the last thing you want is to introduce medical anxiety in the bedroom (unless of course you’re going for a Doctor/Patient role play). KY is for prostate exams, not sexy foreplay. Stick to a silicone based lubricant like Eros (or the less expensive, equally potent alternative Gun Oil). But remember that Silicone based lube will stain your sheets (see above), so have towels on hand or use a water-based lube, which may not last as long but will keep the bedding neat).

To submit your own list of 10 Bachelor Must Haves email us. *HN = homo-neurotic

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