12 Barware Combos for Every Style

Not all of us can quite have the bar setup like our Griffith Park clients have – I mean talk about a beautiful place to enjoy yourself a cocktail. But, if I had a dollar for every bar cart, dresser, side table, credenza or hutch that I have styled out to include some sort of “bar” setup, I could treat myself to a pretty endless supply of “old fashioneds”. Not only is a good barware setup pretty timeless but it is also something (unlike a lot of other elements of designs) that can be placed just about anywhere in the house and on any surface or piece of furniture. Yes, you can go with the traditional bar cart, but you also have the option of using a dresser (like I did in my old living room), a credenza, a hutch, or even a side table to set one of these puppies on. Here are just a few of some of those examples from the many photoshoots we have done that included some sort of bar area.

If you have an awkward hallway cabinet or alcove like my friend Scott did above or Sara does below you can allocate it as your new bar area.

Or if you have a small dresser, side table or credenza you could turn it into your own little speakeasy like Mel did below.

Or if traditional bar carts are your vibe then this inspiration from a house we shot for the book that Taylor Jacobson designed, or the one from Brady’s house might be more your style.

So to get you started and to give you a bit of inspiration we have pulled together 12 totally different “bar” combos that can go just about anywhere due to the tray they are corralled on.

With all of these, we included in the price a set of 4 of the glasses and everything that you see in each collection will fit on top of the tray that it is paired with. The only thing missing is your favorite spirit, a few garnishes, and friend (or two) to enjoy them with. Let’s get into it:

1. Pretty in Pink: Tray | Coasters (set of 12) | Citrus Reamer | Glassware | Straws (set of 4) | Mixing Pitcher | Spoon with Muddler

For all of you that enjoy a good mojito every once in a while. This is our version of a mojito bar for you. It has a pitcher, spoon with a muddler, juicer and a tall glass with a straw to get you started.

2. Monochromatic Modern: Tray | Decanter | Corkscrew | Wine Glasses | Bottle Stopper (set of 2)

I have this tray in my living room and I love it so much. The size, the shape, and the curves all make it a winner for me. We are envisioning your favorite bottle of red for this one to decant into the large decanter and those wine glasses can stack which makes it very nice if you decide to add a few extra bottles to this setup.

3. Brass and Beer: Tray | Coasters (set of 4) | Glassware | Bottle Opener | Wood Bowls (set of 3)

Because who doesn’t need a bar setup dedicated to beer. Although these glasses are specific to beer I love all the elements in this one and it could be used to stack a bunch of mixed bottles on as well.

4. Copper and Chrome: Tray | Cocktail Shaker | Cocktail Glasses (set of 4) | Coasters (set of 4) | Bowl

At only $58 this is a great option for those of you that are looking to stay within a budget. I have used that copper shaker a few different times in shoots and it is so good in person. I also am a big fan of those marble and rose gold coasters from Target’s Project62 collection.

5. Mixed Metals: Tray | Cocktail Glasses (set of 8) | Coasters (set of 4) | Cocktail Shaker | Jigger

I love mixing metals in design and apparently I love mixing metals in “barware” as well. The smoked chrome jigger and shaker are so good.

6. Whiskey and Wood: Tray | Decanter | Whiskey Stones | Coasters (set of 4) | Old-Fashioned Glass

If you are into whiskey then this one is for you. I have never been a “drink your whiskey with whiskey stones” kinda gal, but these ones were too pretty to pass up. I love the graphic shape of them as well as the fact that they look like mini stone sculptures when they aren’t in use. Brady recently used this whiskey decanter in his Christmas bar setup and it looks much more expensive than the $10 price tag.

7. Backyard Blue: Tray | Margarita Glass | Salt Rimmer | Barware Tools | Pitcher

This one is for those summer gatherings where a large pitcher of margaritas is involved. We included a few tools as well as the salt rimmer to really upgrade your margarita game.

8. Sophisticated Art Deco: Tray | Coupe Glass | Glassware (set of 4) | Coasters (set of 4) | Jigger | Bowl

I am very much into this minty cream combo. It feels soft and glam but is also simple enough to really work in anyone’s space.

9. Casual Wine on a Dime: Tray | Decanter | Coasters (set of 6) | Wine Glasses (set of 4) | Corkscrew

This decanter is from the same collection of decanters in #6 and I love it paired here with the wood tray and brass accessories.

10. Curvy and Copper: Tray | Cocktail Shaker | Martini Glass | Cocktail Picks | Bowl

If you have seen my home then you have definitely seen this shaker. I love it so much and it is such a graphic and beautiful piece to have out on display. If you are making yourself a martini – like we intended for this combo – then you definitely don’t want to do it in any other shaker than this one.

11. Classic in Gold: Tray | Ice Bucket | Ice Tongs | Whiskey Glass | Curved Decanter | Tall Decanter

Your drinking game just got a lot classier with this combo. Faceted cups and an ice bucket paired with black and gold is always a timeless combo.

12. Graphic and Glam: Tray | Wine Chiller | Bar Tools | Glassware | Coasters (set of 4)

Ask a few girlfriends over to watch the Bachelor (can this please come back on already?!), a chilled bottle of Pinot and you have yourself the perfect night to go with this combo of items.

So, which of the combos is your favorite? I am pretty partial to #2, #8, and #10 but I would love to know what all of you are into? Let us know if you have any questions on any of them below or if you have tried any of the products below. Cheers!