With spring in full effect and summer just around the corner, you will soon be hosting all the neighborhood kids and their parents. The summer heat calls for fruity cocktails and fresh squeezed lemonade. It’s the perfect time to round up some of my favorite bar cart essentials and list out exactly how to style the perfect bar cart.
Bar carts have been around for years. Over time their use has evolved, and now bar carts can be used for just about anything. When hosting parties, I personally love creating a chic bar cart for the adult gathering but also love creating a whimsical bar cart for the kids. No matter if you’re styling the bar cart for the kids or the adults, the formula is simple. Bar carts are now available in just about every retail store, but you can also score one at your local thrift store or maybe even Facebook market place. Now, let’s break down the easy to follow steps on how to style the perfect bar cart.
DRINKS
First things first round up the basic boozes. This can range from vodka to gin, to lemonade, to juice, and the mixers, whatever you need. To add to the set, I like to have the mixers, or any premade drinks poured into a chic beverage dispenser garnished with fresh fruit and clearly labeled.
TOOLS
Shaker, bottle opener, koozies, ice bucket and tongs, corkscrew, coasters, stirrers (the list is endless here). I like to display these with their intended use in mind but also, I make sure they add a fun statement. Gather only what you and your guest will need, or the bar cart will become unsightly. One tip, purchase ice molds and use those instead of buying bagged ice. They keep your drinks cold without watering them down…they’re also cute!
SERVEWARE
Serveware can include (but isn’t limited to) wine glasses, champagne flutes, high ball glasses, decanters, & cups. Once again, display only what you will need so that the cart doesn’t become cluttered. I also have this blog post which includes ALL of my favorite items for your wine bar! You can even style them on a tray for easy serving!
ACCESSORIES
I like to create mini vignettes within the cart itself. Adding in quirky décor and fresh flowers will level up your chic bar cart. Throw in a couple of monogrammed napkins and a decorative tray (which can easily double as a tray to serve the drinks on) to add more depth to the display. Select décor pieces that vary in height and shapes, bringing more variety to the styled bar cart which curates a perfectly, polished cart.
Let the bar cart become a decorative touch by customizing it to fit the party theme. Chic décor and pretty drink essentials will wow your guests but also make serving an easy task. I have even made my bar cart into a hot cocoa bar for our family Christmas party last year; it was a hit! One thing I love about styling my bar cart is that I always have most of the essentials on hand. Typically, I just need to purchase the ingredients and fresh flowers then I am ready to serve! I also have many of my favorite bar cart essentials saved on my Amazon page. CHEERS!
