I think we can all agree – there’s nothing better than a Monday evening glass of wine or a mid-Saturday margarita. And what’s more fun than playing bartender in your own house? As the season of summer soirées is upon us, I found it fitting to chat about the home’s center of attention and life of the party: the bar cart. It’s easy to feel lost when setting up this casual cocktail corner; where do you begin, how do you avoid clutter, how do you add visual dynamic? Let’s talk.
Before we jump in, I’m assuming we all have a bar cart or cabinet of some sort, but for those who don’t, or for those who are looking to upgrade, here are a few of my favorites:
1. Start With Tools of the Trade
Even though we’re going for aesthetics, it’s important that we visit functionality first. No bar cart is complete without actual bar tools – because how will you look like a legit, live-in bartender without them? These days, there are so many beautiful bar tools available; some of my favorite places to shop for these are Crate and Barrel, cb2, and West Elm. They have an array of tools and sets with various textures, stone, and metals that incorporate beautifully into any style. I recommend getting a cocktail shaker, jigger, muddler/stirring spoon, and a cocktail strainer to start. You might also consider adding a small wine rack if it fits with the overall look.
2. Decorate With Dimension
I love playing with visual dimension on a bar cart – whether it’s with bottles in differing heights or decorative objects, it’s important to create interest to keep your bar cart feeling dynamic. Try using books as a pedestal for a decorative object, or adding a stone or wood tray to house smaller items like coasters and glassware.
3. Create Character
Speaking of glassware – many of you know that I have an unhealthy obsession with it, and I find the bar cart to make the perfect vessel to showcase these beauties. I love glass with raw texture, tangible ridges, and antique-inspired accents. Each glass has its own story and completely elevates your cocktail-drinking experience, in my opinion. I also love to add classy coasters in quartz, marble, concrete and other from-the-earth materials because you can’t have bougie glassware without a bougie coaster for it to sit pretty on. I get most of my glassware and coasters from Anthropologie and cb2, however there are also some really great finds at thrift shops and Home Goods if you’re in for a little treasure hunt.
4. Decant The Distractions
Let’s be honest, some of the booze out there isn’t packed in the most aesthetic bottles… but sometimes it’s what’s on the inside that counts. For those bottles that just ruin the vibe, consider pouring them into a decanter. Personally, I feel very James Bond or gentleman-in-a-library with a decanter on my bar cart and I’m just here for it.
5. Add A Breath Of Life
Plants are literally my answer to everything – from that dead space in the corner and large, empty patio to the corner of my desk and yes, the bar cart. Consider adding a small succulent on the top level of your cart, or a taller potted plant beside it. You may also enjoy adding wall planters with air plants just above the cart. There’s just something about plants that bring fresh energy and perspective into an otherwise monotonous space.
However you choose to style it, make sure your bar cart is its truest reflection of you. This is the ultimate spot to get creative and show off that antique lamp, rare edition book, or collection of heirloom glasses that your family has passed down. You may even change up the space every season or with the upcoming holidays. Either way, I encourage you to have fun styling this unique, interactive part of your home – it’s ultimately the place you’ll continue to return to for any sip-worthy occasion. Cheers!
xx K.
