Stocked & Styled!…..Bar Cart Essentials

Can we all agree that drinking is FUN?  I mean really, is there an activity that doesn’t become more enjoyable as soon as alcohol is added? The befittingly named ‘Happy Hour’ is just that, an hour of happiness and fun.  The resurgence of the chic bar cart got me to thinking about all of the reasons why we drink:  we drink to unwind, to socialize, and because we damn deserve it!

The bar cart dates back to the 1940’s.  After prohibition ended there was no longer a need to imbibe in secret.  During the next decade people often entertained at home.  They loved the convenience of this mobile bar; they could serve their guests, while still mingling. There is a definite function for this hostess on wheels. So, let us discuss its form;  shall we? To recap, here are a couple of my favorite bar carts:

Choosing a bar cart with wheels is essential;  this caddy must be mobile. There should be ample space to house all the essentials. There are quite a few things needed for a well stocked cart, therefore, ample surface space will save you time running back and forth getting fixings. The cart’s material should be sturdy and easily cleaned.  Copious bottles of liquid can be heavy and messy.  A cart made of metal or glass will be essential in keeping your bottles safe and your cart clean.

In my last post on things you can quickly add to your home to up the chic factor, the bar cart was my first recommendation. Therefore, I can’t advise you to purchase a chic cocktail caddy without helping you to style it.

Here are your bar cart essentials:

Emmie Decanter, Tory Burch Candle, Cornelia Bowl, Hexagon Bottle Opener, Newport Ice Bucket, Deco BarwareGeo Bottle Stoppers, Rosy Glow Flute, Hampton Street Rosebowl vase, Art Deco Barware, Monogrammed AcrylicServing Tray

Below, are a couple of cocktail recipes that are crowd pleasers and my personal favorites:

Now that you have your bar styled, let’s get it stocked.  Let’s start with the alcohol:

Here are some great mixers:

 

 This cocktail below is my go-to drink.  This is the one you will see me with most of the time:

No Hangover Vodka Club (I like to add two limes for extra flavor)

Tides Beach Club in Kennebunkport, Maine is one of my FAVORITE places.  I love everything about this quaint beachfront Victorian hotel (it was also decorated by one of my favorite designers, Jonathan Adler). Everything about this place is amazing!  It is low key, yet uber chic!  The lobby bar is fantastic people watching.  They also have the MOST amazing cocktails!

Tides Beach Club, Kennebunkport, ME

Tides Beach Club, Kennebunkport, ME

Tides Beach Club Lobby

Tides Beach Club Lobby

Below, is the recipe for one of my favorite of their cocktails:

I hope you have as much fun reading this post as I had writing it. Hopefully, stocking and styling your bar cart just got a little easier. Let me know what you think of the cocktails listed.

Thanks for reading!

XO Laurie