styling your bar cart

Styling a bar cart can be a fun and creative way to enhance the decor of your home while also making it functional for serving drinks and entertaining guests. Here are some steps and tips for styling your bar cart:

  1. Select the Right Bar Cart:
    • Choose a bar cart that fits your space and complements your home’s decor. You can find bar carts in various styles, from vintage to modern, so pick one that suits your aesthetic.
  2. Gather Your Supplies:
    • Gather all the items you’ll need for your bar cart, including glassware, liquor bottles, mixers, tools, and decor items.
  3. Start with a Clean Slate:
    • Begin with a clean and empty bar cart. Remove any old items or clutter before you start styling.
  4. Group Similar Items:
    • Group similar items together to create a cohesive look. For example, place all your glassware together, your bottles of alcohol together, and your mixers and garnishes in another area.
  5. Add Glassware:
    • Start by arranging your glassware neatly on the cart. Consider using different types of glasses for various cocktails, such as wine glasses, cocktail glasses, and highball glasses.
  6. Organize Liquor Bottles:
    • Arrange your liquor bottles on the cart. You can organize them by type (e.g., whiskey, vodka, gin) or by color. Use a tray or coaster underneath to protect the cart’s surface.
  7. Include Mixers and Garnishes:
    • Place mixers like soda, tonic water, and fruit juices on the cart. Add garnishes such as lemons, limes, olives, and cocktail cherries in decorative containers.
  8. Add Bar Tools:
    • Include essential bar tools like a cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, bottle opener, and a stirring spoon. You can hang some of these tools on hooks or store them in a dedicated container.
  9. Decorate and Personalize:
    • Add decorative elements to enhance the style of your bar cart. Consider items like:
      • Fresh flowers or a small potted plant
      • Artwork or a framed cocktail recipe
      • Unique coasters or cocktail napkins
      • Decorative bowls or trays for small snacks
      • Candles or string lights for ambiance
      • Vintage barware or collectibles
  10. Keep it Balanced:
    • Make sure the items are balanced and not overcrowded. Leave some open space for practicality and aesthetics.
  11. Rotate Seasonally or for Special Occasions:
    • Change up the items on your bar cart seasonally or for special occasions to keep it fresh and exciting.
  12. Personalize Your Bar Cart:
    • Make your bar cart reflect your personal style. Whether it’s a sleek and modern look or a cozy, vintage feel, choose items that resonate with you.
  13. Functionality and Accessibility:
    • Ensure that everything on your bar cart is accessible and functional. You don’t want to hide away the essentials.
  14. Maintenance:
    • Regularly clean and dust your bar cart to keep it looking fresh and inviting.

Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to styling a bar cart. It’s a creative process, so feel free to experiment with different arrangements and decorations until you find a look that you love and that suits your space.

 I just recently restyled my bar (side board) Actually, Gio came in and said, “this is too crowded” he then proceeded to streamline the contents on the sideboard and I LOVE it! There are some functional items I need to add and I have the space to create seasonal themes and it is not a mishmash of misplaced décor.  Every time I walk into the living room and see it, I am happy.