Bar carts can add a lot of personality and flavor to any space. Whether they’re placed near a kitchen, an office, or the living room, they can act as a great conversation starter and a versatile stylistic piece. If you’re looking to freshen up or organize a bar cart, you’re in the right place! Today I’m sharing some of my top tips on how to create a great looking cocktail cart.
Historically, cocktail carts actually emerged as an alcoholic variation of Victorian tea trolleys. Bar carts rose in popularity throughout the 1950’s and 60’s as entertaining guests within the home became part of everyday life. Now, there are so many different styles to choose from.
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As you’re choosing a bar cart, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- What style your home is – it’s best to incorporate a bar cart that matches the style of whatever room you’re planning on placing it in. If you have a vintage vibe, an old fashioned cart might look great. If your room leans more boho, a rattan bar cart might look better.
- What items you’d like to place on it – just because it’s a bar cart doesn’t mean it needs to solely hold alcohol. If you prefer coffee over booze, you can transition it into a coffee station with sugar, spoons, and your favorite mug.
- The amount of space you have – bar carts come in all different sizes, so measure first and shop once.
Top Tips for Organizing a Bar Cart
1. Stock Up on Your Spirits
Make sure to stock up on beverages that you enjoy (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) so that you’ll have something to serve your guests when you come over. You don’t have to get anything fancy or super expensive – just pick products that you know and love. Keep in mind what types of alcohol you drink the most so you can have enough storage options if you need them. For example, the cart featured below actually includes a wine rack.
2. Incorporate Accessories
A high-quality cocktail set can make a big difference when organizing your bar cart. Many sets come with everything that you would need to make your own drinks, including a storage stand.
Mixology Set with Rustic Wood Stand
3. Add Some Flowers or Vases
Your bar cart is the perfect place to display a new bouquet or an attractive vase. Make sure to choose one that compliments the color or style of both your cart and the room that it’s placed in.
4. Make it Multi-Functional
If you prefer coffee over alcoholic beverages, you can easily create a stylish bar cart for your coffee instead. Just incorporate your coffee maker, some stirrers, and your favorite mug.
5. Incorporate Seasonal Decor
Don’t leave your bar cart out of all the festivities! You can add seasonal pieces to your bar cart as often as you’d like. The gold rolling bar cart below looks great with some added Christmastime flair.
6. Keep it Clean
As you work on organizing your bar cart, you might find that you actually have a little too many elements in the picture. For some, it might be easier to focus on keeping it simple and clean. Too many bottles or decorative items can start looking cluttered very quickly. If you feel stuck, just remember this perfect Don Draper quote: “Think about it deeply, then forget it, and an idea will jump up in your face.”
