Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Bar Cart Styling


How do you keep a bar car stylish from season to season? 







     A few years ago, I had a lot of fun refurbishing an old bar cart that seemed to be asking to be revived: After all, we received this old piece from theatre friends to use as a candy cart for our Willy Wonka play...I did not even know what the original purpose was, so it ended up doing many things:

  • Holding Boxes of Art Supplies
  • Filling in as a makeshift bookcase 
  • Collecting dust

It was finally one day when this interesting retro contraption was being used to hold the stereo in my ballet class, that it caught my eye (Actually, I had been watching Mad Men the previous afternoon)...

This is a bar cart! It was missing a key element: glass!

I immediately became excited...I could make this old bar cart look like new! I could give it a new life!   So that's what I did. Check out my video on my YouTube channel for my bar cart summer project here.  




This makeover of my summer cart was great for family activities and get togethers during the warm weather. With that in mind, I did not include any alcoholic beverages.  But during the holiday season, spirits and signature drinks become a major part of hosting grown-up parties, so once again, the excitement built to a fever pitch, stocking up on both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, sparkling water and fruit gave everyone a variety of delights to choose from, with items that sparked conversation and humor. 



A holiday bar cart is a great way to make beverages available to your guests without them crowding the kitchen, and keeps everyone located in a central area to enjoy the festivities.  

When the New Year rolled around, I changed the theme to silver and gold details to symbolize cherishing the old and welcoming the new of the upcoming year. I even added a string of fairy lights and bottles of champagne to round out the festive look. Styling a bar cart is truly about including the items that bring you and your guests enjoyment, and all things can bring a signature look that sets your cart apart from all others. Be unique and creative!




Here are some things you will need to make your bar cart pop to set yours apart from any other:   1. Glasses are a no-brainer, but including glasses that have personality draws guests to the cart, if only out of curiosity. These glasses from J.C. Penny have a bit of a retro flair, and can be used for a variety of beverages.  2. A cocktail shaker. This one from Off Fifth is shaped like a pineapple.  I like to have shakers of different sizes available. 3. I love cut glass decanters. They add luster to the set, and allow spirits to aerate. 4. While I do not have any bar tools on my cart, having a set helps to measure and mix beverages. 5. Have some fun coasters for guests to use to protect your furniture. 6. A personal piece of art or whimsy gives creative flair, and says, "This is my cart!" 7. Pretty cocktail napkins invite conversation. I like to have a few with funny, cheeky sayings that make people laugh. 8. Fill your bucket with ice to keep traffic down in your kitchen. Fresh flowers are elegant, and add the natural element to your cart, you can also add artificial grass arrangements for a modern zen feeling.  10. Bar carts come in a variety of styles and have a wide range of price points, so you can find one that suits your taste and budget. 11. These gold hammered champagne glasses complete the Silver and Gold theme, ringing out the old and bringing in the new with every sip! 12. And always keep the most important tool handy, a corkscrew to open those bottles of wine! 


If Pinterest is any indication, bar carts have made a strong comeback, and will be around for a long time. They are an instant upgrade to the decor of your home, and they can be outfitted for a variety of occasions and uses: Hot Chocolate/Coffee Bar, Soda Stand, Wine Tasting, Tea Table...all are a useful way to easily store beverages and create a social atmosphere for gatherings.

And after the Holidays are over, simply streamline your bar cart design to include only the essentials handy.

Your bar cart can express your unique personality and be styled for all seasons and occasions as the focal point for all social events in your home. 



Have any ideas on how to outfit a bar cart? Leave them in the comments below! 

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Thursday, December 22, 2016

Bringing the Hotel Home


     There is nothing that exhausts me more than returning to an untidy bedroom after a long trip away from home. Oftentimes we do not pay attention to the messes we make when preparing for an extended travel adventure, leaving clothes and toiletries out that we decided not to take along, things on the floor and the bed unmade. We are in such a hurry to leave that we forget to pick up, and what awaits us is work to be done and no time for relaxing after a long time away. It can put a damper on the return to familiar surroundings, and the memory of a well-kept hotel room, where everything was always neat when you walked in, and well appointed services and creature comforts were at your fingertips. 

     Keeping the serenity is easy, if we plan ahead to make our homecoming like checking into another 5-star suite. Making your room "hotel ready" keeps a relaxing atmosphere available to you at any time:
  • Returning from vacation or a long business trip
  • Coming home after a stressful day at work
  • After the hustle and bustle of shopping, especially during the holiday season
  • A romantic evening
  • Enjoying a "Staycation"
  • Just because!

     First, you'll want to CLEAN up your room. Make it spotless. Dust, wax, vacuum, and clean the mirrors and glass. If you are departing on a trip, do this a couple of days before you leave so you will not have to worry about organization while you are packing.  

   Next, create an atmosphere of 5-star luxury...and when you come home, you'll breathe a sigh of relief as you open the door to your own sanctuary. 


There is nothing like a neat, tightly tucked bed with white linens, big pillows and a throw to evoke boutique hotel quality.  For more information about how to make your bed feel like one from a hotel, visit Apartment Therapy's link here.


No room is complete without a cozy cup of tea (or coffee). Bring hot water and bags from the kitchen, or plug up an electric teapot close by to stay in the comfort of your "hotel" room. 



Every posh hotel room needs its share of amenities. Use what you have around the house to add flair to your bathroom.  Chill water in a pretty glass bottle to have it ready for a sip!


Your everyday white towels take on a whole new look when folded and stacked. Add a towel in a different color for a more personalized look. 



I used an empty Trader Joe's vinegar bottle and a spout to make this mouthwash decanter. Add a highball glass for a classy touch next to your sink...you'll feel transported to luxury!



Be the envy of any room service; add crystal glasses turned upside-down on a linen napkin. 





Bring your guest soaps home from the hotel to store in a glamorous apothecary jar. Collect bars from every hotel visited throughout the year, and when you open the jar, the fragrance will bring back beautiful memories!  Use the bars to wash your hands at your sink



Once again, those vinegar bottles come in handy to store bubble bath and body wash. Mixed bath salts and silk flowers invite soaking away the day. Unwind and indulge in tranquility...




... and don't forget to treat yourself. 




Finally, remind everyone else in the house to keep down the noise by hanging out your "Do Not Disturb" sign. Create one using the postcard setting on Canva.com. Just download the app onto your iPad! This sign was printed on photo paper, trimmed with sparkly washi tape, and a ribbon was glued to hang on the doorknob. 

 Recovering from the stresses of being away from home requires rest and calm.  


Days can be filled with stressors, from someone cutting you off in traffic to last minute office drama to suddenly missing your flight.  What better way to restore balance than to create a space where we can find ourselves again and be ready to face the challenges of every day life. Having that quiet time to reflect and unplug gives us a place to rejuvenate in peace and comfort! 

Have any ideas that you have tried for a hotel-esque bedroom? Share in the comments below! 

For more ways to make your room hotel-chic, visit Apartment Therapy for additional tips and tricks!

Or check out these links for "hotel to home" merchandise:














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