How many of you have taken the plunge and purchased a bar cart? We scored a vintage one on Craigslist a couple years ago, and since then have used it countless times, painting it a new color between uses. And when it’s not being used at a party or in a photo shoot, the cart stands pretty in our office, displaying gorgeous glassware, fun party accessories and of course, booze! By now, I think it’s safe to say that bar carts are breaking out of the trendy category and becoming something of a furniture staple… so in light of this this tectonic shift in interiors, we thought we’d turn to blogger and online shop owner Mandy Kellogg Rye of Waiting on Martha for a crash course in styling the perfect bar cart. Mandy styled this beauty (photographed by Rustic White Photography) and is sharing her 10 tips for bring a bar cart into your space seamlessly…
1. Let your bar cart tell the story of you. Mix in personal items that represent your personal style. On my cart I have monogrammed mint julep cups that hold straws, vintage swizzle sticks from my great grandmother, wine corks from my favorite bottles of wine and vintage bartending books that I fell in love with while antiquing.
2. Don’t overdo it. You don’t have to cram every barware item you own on to your cart. Keep it flexible and switch out the colors, napkins, glasses and other components for easy entertaining designed for each gathering and/or season.
3. Mix it up. By mixing colors, textures, metals, vintage and modern items your cart will be full of personality (and won’t look like you ran out and bought everything for it in one fell swoop).
4. Consider investing in the actual cart. A good one will last you a lifetime! And from my experience, get one on wheels. Though it’ll likely live in one room in your home, it’s nice to be able to move it to a different space when entertaining.
5. Get the right tools! I am a firm believer that every bar cart should have all the tools necessary to make the perfect drink. Start with a shaker, muddler, opener, stirrer, strainer, ice bucket and tongs (or take the guesswork out by buying a complete set).
6. Pick bottles that will look gorgeous when displayed. Even if you’re not a fan of the liquor itself, you can always refill the display-worthy bottles with your preferred scotch, whisky, vodka, gin, brandy, tequila, or rum.
7. Pick wines that you plan on drinking within 3-6 months. Anything you plan on holiding on to longer should be stored on its side, preferably at a 55 degree angle (yes, even red!).
8. Fresh flowers make everything better. Include a pretty arrangement in a really fabulous vase on your bar cart to help brighten up the design.
9. Don’t limit your bar cart to just booze! Most carts would make for a lovely coffee and tea spread, dessert or appetizer cart or even a place to hold gifts at a shower.
10. It should be both functional and beautiful. Your bar cart serves a very distinct purpose, but it should also be a piece that you love looking at.
