Hey hey, party people welcome to FRIYAY! I have been assigned to tackle (yet another) post about alcohol (the last was my easy cocktail making formula for beginners, don’t forget to read it if you haven’t already). Today’s post, however, isn’t about mixing drinks, it’s about creating and styling out the station that houses all the goods to do so. That’s right, we’re talking about…anyone? Anyone? Bueller? THE BAR CART. I know that suspense was killing you, so I won’t make you wait a second more. Let’s get down and dirty on the rocks.
I purchased a bar cart beauty from the one and only Sara so I’m excited to say that it’s being passed down from EHD generation to generation. It’s kind of like your Grandma’s family heirlooms getting passed down except for your Grandma has impeccable style and is only 29. Anyway, Sara was selling this beauty and I pounced on the deal very quickly. Here’s my new bar cart in action (from Sara’s perfectly styled house reveal):
Ain’t she cute?? Now here she is in my empty pile o bricks apartment:
A lil different without the cute styling, professional photography and good lighting…but I’d say this bar cart is still a looker. I saw its potential very early on (well at Sara’s shoot to be exact) and since then I wanted to make it look as good as possible, BUT HOW? I needed some inspiration, so I dug into the EHD archives and pulled some cute styled bar carts from back when Ginny and Brady did their MOTOs. Let’s take a peek:
There’s no denying these bar carts are swoon-worthy…so let’s dissect what makes them SO GREAT. I studied and I fought and I killed for a bar cart formula we now get to build…(is Hamilton suck in your heads too since it came out on Disney plus???). Also, I had some expert help from Julie too:) Anyway here’s the magical EHD no-fail bar cart styling formula:
OUR FOOL-PROOF BAR CART STYLING FORMULA
TOP SHELF:
On one Side: Something tall and sculptural (a vase with greenery is a great option)
In the Middle: Bar tools to actually make your drink (shaker, mixing glass, cocktail spoon, jigger, muddler, etc), everyday glasses and citrus bowl
On the Other Side (because we want to create levels): Most used liquor bottles (either decanted or not, YOU CHOOSE)
BOTTOM SHELF:
On one Side: Tall extra/specialty liquor bottles
In the Middle: Tray (the rug of the bar cart) with extra glassware on top with something small like a candle
On the Other Side: A fun, tall sculptural decor piece (again levels are your design eye’s friend)
So that’s how it’s done. But clearly, I’ve talked the talk but now it’s time to walk the walk… so here it is you guys. My bar cart styling formula in action (with photography by me so please don’t judge):
I told you my photography skills are not quite professional, but look how cute this lil cart looks! Compared to that first photo where it’s empty, I’d say I’m pretty proud of how she turned out. Also, yes I put a decent helping of Casamigos on it bc it’s my favorite and no this is #notsponsored. If you guys want to see me build it check em’s Instagram this afternoon for a styling IGTV!
Now let’s be real. It wouldn’t be a bar cart post if I didn’t round up a bunch of awesome bar cart accessories (P.S. these might look similar if you shopped my how to make a cocktail for beginners post). If you didn’t read that post and still haven’t clicked on it even though I linked it twice then these will look very fresh cute and new to you (but still read the cocktail post and enjoy the best at-home drinks of your life). Please enjoy these goodies!
1. Cocktail Kingdom Set | 2. Gold Cocktail Tool Set + Gold Cocktail Shaker | 3. 12 Piece Cocktail Set | 4. Gunmetal Cocktail Set | 5. Rose Gold Cocktail Set | 6. Black Marble Bar Tool Set + Champagne Gold Cocktail Shaker
1. Walnut Wood Muddler | 2. West Elm Thatcher Jigger | 3. Hammered Metal Muddler | 4. Stainless Steel Jiggers (Various Measurements) | 5. Winco Netted Head Muddler | 6. Gold Jigger with Handle
1. Nugget Ice Maker | 2. Peak Extra-Large Ice Cube Tray | 3. Silicone Round Ice Tray | 4. Short Tumbler (set of 4) | 5. Mexican Recycled Luster Highball Glasses (set of 4) | 6. Blush Pink Coupe Glass (set of 6)
Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Concerns? Hope this was a fun post to round out your week –– happy bar cart styling everyone!
How do people typically use a bar cart? I notice they are usually in living spaces, so I’m assuming the idea is to be able to mix drinks without leaving your guests? (remember when we had guests? lol) My kitchen and living room are all one space so I guess it doesn’t apply, but I would worry about leaving spirits out and exposed to more light/heat. Not to mention leaving glasses out in the open – I never realized how dusty things could get until I moved into a place without central air. Is this where the bottles/glasses live all the time, or do you move them to the cart when you are having cocktails?
We just got ours and havent had guests over yet lol, but we basically put it next to our dining area which is as far as possible from the kitchen (we live in a studio apartment) but basically it works great for us so far because we make drinks on the top (we add a cutting board as a drink area and then most of our liquor is stored on the bottom. Honestly it’s so great for having an extra space to make drinks before or after dinner when the dining table is in use and so is the kitchen!
Please store vermouth in the fridge! It’s too low proof to store at room temp without compromising flavor. It’s still safe to drink, but will taste flat versus vermouth stored in a cool place.
oh great to know!
Please store vermouth in the fridge! It’s too low proof to keep at room temp without compromising flavor. It’ll still be safe to drink, but will taste flat versus vermouth stored in a cool place.
i think having liquor bottles out for display is so pretty, but I always prefer liquor straight out of the freezer :/ i’ve also heard the sunlight can lessen the quality of certain type of liquors? who knows. maybe i’ll recycle some of my used bottles and just refill them with water/juice for display purposes lol (jk, sorta)
ooh interesting…I’m a HUGE proponent of putting glasses in the freezer (especially beer mugs) because then your drink is EXTRA cold!
The problem I have with the bar cart styling photo is that there are just too many decorative objects on it (for my liking). It doesn’t even look like a serious bar cart. There should be a wider assortment of liquor for any guest, more glassware options and a cocktail shaker along with an ice bucket. Some color could come from a few green bottles of Perrier along with a larger bowl of lemons and limes? I don’t think candles, tall greenery and decorative objects belong on a bar cart. Just one gal’s opinion since u asked! Love me a well stocked, welcoming bar cart! And your site!
Agree, I don’t get the bar cart trend since so few look like you could actually make a drink on them the way they’re styled.
Hey Patti! Honestly, I agree with this!! I think there’s really one version of this bar cart that looks great for styling in photos (aka this EHD bar cart formula) and another version for entertaining/guests/everyday. We’ve actually styled it out a couple different ways for fun, but I’d love to share a more everyday/entertaining version sometime too!
YOU DID SUCH A GOOD JOB, I’m so happy it went to a good home!
I wish I could live in such houses. This design can be applied to many other rooms, some wall pictures will make the room more brilliant. We have such products: https://wallcorners.com/product-category/wall-art/bed-room-wall-art/
That ice marker is the bomb! Best splurge I’ve done in a long time.
The overly styled bar cart trend seems somewhat dated for 2020. Plus the scale here is just off. The vase with greenery/tchotchke here seem too large and out of place, the candle is unnecessary and impractical on the lower shelf— the three together only clutter the limited space. The art is too low and too small.
I think the key “formula” to styling a bar cart are picking pieces that are useful AND beautiful. A small vase or jar with sprigs of thyme or mint for greenery that could be used as garnish for the cocktails instead of that large vase with a large single leaf. I like your choice of glassware, fruit/garnish bowl, bar tools, and tray. These are the items to style with: create a fun story, or choose moody pieces… play with geometry and height… somehow make a statement with items that make sense being on a bar cart.
TLDR: not every surface needs a tchotchke
A fun color story***
One of my friends had tiny fairy lights on the bottom shelf of his cart. It sheds some light, is cute, and doesn’t take up much space.
I think thats a cute idea! Doesn’t take up a lot of space but still makes an impact
I wish I could live in such houses. This design can be applied to many other rooms, some wall pictures will make the room more brilliant. We have such products: https://wallcorners.com/product-category/wall-art/bed-room-wall-art/
Creativity is unlimited. This design can be applied to many other rooms, some wall pictures will make the room more brilliant. We have such products: //daisycorners.com/product-category/wall-art-decor/living-room-wall-art-decor/
Any thoughts (or previous posts) on how to apply this formula to a dedicated wet bar or dry bar countertop area around 6 ft long?