How To Style A Bar Cart
A bar cart has become a style icon in the living room corner, and is quickly moving into being an essential part of home decor. These fun and revamped furnishings in anything from mid-century style through to contemporary chrome, are now must-haves but require a certain level of attention when it comes to styling them. It’s not just about loading up on bottles and glassware, there are so many factors to consider when presenting your party-wares and these are our top tips for creating the ultimate in chic, party-ready and stylish bar carts.
Keep it simple
The last thing you want in your home is a stunning brand new bar cart overloaded with too many bottles and glasses. The idea of a bar cart, if you want to style effectively, is efficiency. A bar cart should display your personal favourite range of spirits and glassware. When considering purchasing a bar cart make sure you think about what you want to showcase and buy a particular size or shape accordingly.
Balancing the booze
It’s not just about making sure the bottom shelf weighs the same as the top, it’s about creating an aesthetically pleasing balance of bottles and props. For instance, keeping the vast majority of your favourite spirits and wine on the bottom shelf, and styling your statement glassware and floral arrangement on top is key to creating a look that offers the “wow” factor.
Style for the seasons
There are different occasions that call for different ingredients present on a bar cart. The holiday season, where children are generally around, may call for a range of alcoholic options as well as juices, soft drinks or chilled water. Equally, in winter time you may wish to lay out your best port or brandy, together with the accompanying glassware. Or, in summer time, you may show off bottles of Pimms and champagne with nearby servings of chopped fruits.
Go green
Aside from the more obvious components of a well-styled bar cart, a hint of nature can bring an even deeper element of sophistication. A bouquet of flowers, a bowl of seasonal fruits or just simple greenery is a good idea and brings the outdoors in. A permanent plant is always a nice styling approach, or even herbs such as rosemary, mint or basil. Aside from the pleasant smell, these will also act as at-the-ready cocktail ingredients on your cart.
Statement glassware
Some people absolutely love coloured glassware which can be a striking addition to your bar cart. Others prefer crystal clear options, while many people look to more expensive or exclusive glassware on such a formal piece of furniture. Regardless of where you shop, or what the cost is, you can either stick to one brand or mix, match and style using a collection of different sizes, patterns, colours and types of glasses. Whatever your preference, you should make sure your glassware reflects the personality of both you and your cart so it’s a stand out.
The right tools
Generally speaking, having a bar cart means you’re most likely to be in a room other than the kitchen when serving. So having the right tools at-hand is going to amplify functionality and the styling approach. Your shopping list should include things such as cocktail shakers, mixing glasses, bar spoons, strainers, jiggers and of course glassware.
Remember, House & Garden stocks a stunning range of glassware, barware, bar carts and accessories to help you design your perfect bar cart.
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