If you’re on Instagram then you already know bar carts are back in style…
There has been nooo shortage of bloggers talking about how obsessed they are with them, myself included. I’ve had one for about a year now and love its chic functionality. I searched high and low for the right style and finish that I wanted – I was after one that I could dress up to give it an old school, Hollywood glam look that would be versatile enough to use for more than just holding and serving drinks. I’m obsessed with changing up how mine is styled and fill it with flowers, coffee table fashion books, candles, trinkets, OF COURSE WINE, and more.
Just imagine filling up this vintage brass and glass bar cart with your favorite cocktail accoutrements, a delicious candle, and a few stylish trinkets… Or if you work from home like me, it can also double as a way to hide your office supplies in plain sight and add a touch glam to your work space! Now that I think of it, using my cart as an office on wheels is actually a really good idea…
The possibilities for how you can use bar carts are endless – which is exactly the point of this post. Read on for my favorite and must-have items for stocking a bar cart, plus tips for how to style your own.
First of all, decide the vibe for your bar cart. What are you using it for? Traditionally, they’re meant to store liquor and serve cocktails, but they’re capable of much more. I used to use it to hold my wine and styled a pretty flat lay on the top shelf when I lived in Seattle, but here in LA I have it holding a speaker with a coffee table fashion book, candles, an orchid, and a few of my favorite trinkets I want to show off.
If it’s more of a decoration/storage piece as mine is right now, think of what you want to fill it with. I like to put flowers, candles, books, crystals, and sentimental items on display. If you’re planning to use it as a cocktail cart, it’s critical to have a set of glasses – shot, highball, tumblers, wine glasses, whatever… Pick your poison and choose a set of glassware to accompany it. I’m a collector of odd shot glasses and cheeky glasses that I like to hide safely in a cupboard, but some bad ass highball glasses or chic cocktail shaker should be out to remind you that it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere.
Stocking your cart with booze only to realize you’re missing critical items to be able to enjoy said booze would be the biggest buzzkill of all time… besides running OUT of booze, that is. Here’s a starter list of everything one might need to fully stock a proper cocktail cart:
- Set of shot glasses/tumblers/champagne or wine glasses, etc.
- Wine bottle opener
- Cocktail shaker
- Decanter for wine
- Ice bucket – either a small one to serve a cube with your whiskey, or a full size bucket to chill the vino you’ve been keeping on your cart!
- Mixers or liquers for specific cocktails
- Cocktail napkins – paper towels are tacky to hand out with a drink. Keep your bar cart classy, stock it with napkins.
- Coasters
- Flowers, candles, or any item of your choice to add a personal touch
If your bar cart is stuffed to the brim with nothing but alcohol and things to drink it in, it’s going to look boring. Give it some dimension and personal pizazz by adding a few pieces that reflect your personality and style and compliment what’s on your cart, or what’s in your home. It will make the cart look like a cohesive part of any room and bring everything together. I love placing natural items like crystals, flowers, or succulents on mine to balance out my glam vibe. Another favorite is to place a candle somewhere on there – it will add warmth and give your cart a lively glow, plus give your space a delicious smell. I think personal touches are what brings a bar cart from glorified serving tray to a joy bringing, alcohol slinging masterpiece.
What do you guys think about bar carts? I seriously love mine. I think it’s a chic yet functional way to store stuff AND show off your personal home decor style. If you have a bar cart/have thought about getting one, what do you use it for or how do you style it?
xx
STONECOLDBETCH 