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.
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.
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| 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. |
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