If you like to entertain in your home or even just throw the occasional get-together, you might want to add a bar cart into the mix. A bar cart is a nice way to feel a bit more grown-up and stylish (cheers to that!). So, go ahead and grab all that liquor you have in the cabinet above the fridge and let's set up a bar cart instead! If you're not sure how to set up a bar cart, don't worry I've got you!
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What Is A Bar Cart Used For?
A bar cart is a piece of furniture that cane be used for serving and storing alcoholic beverages, glassware and related accessories. It typically consists of a flat surface on top for holding drinks and bar tools, as well as shelves or racks for storing bottles, glasses, and other items you need to fix a drink.
You roll out your bar cart when entertaining guests. Many have wheels which makes it easy to move room to room and provide an easy and stylish way to offer drinks and snacks. They can also be used for personal use, such as for creating a mini bar area in a home or apartment that is more permanent.
Depending on your home's size, your style, and your overall use of a cart, it can be a permanent set up or something you bring out when entertaining. (Personally, mine is tucked away and only wheeled out when I'm entertaining).
In addition to their practical uses, bar carts are often chosen because they look great. They come in a variety of styles and designs that can complement a range of home decor styles.
What To Stock A Bar Cart With When Entertaining
Setting up a bar cart can be a fun and stylish way to entertain guests at home. Once you've found a bar cart you like you'll need to stock it with the right essentials. Here's a simple guide for you on how to set up a bar cart with all the essentials:
- Stock up on barware: You'll need a variety of barware to make different drinks, including a cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, mixing spoon, muddler, and bottle opener. You can also add unique and fun bar tools such as a citrus zester, garnish scissors, or a cocktail smoker if you really want to get fancy.
- Choose your glassware: For a party, you'll need a variety of glasses to serve different types of drinks, such as martini glasses, highball glasses, wine glasses, and shot glasses. Make sure you have enough glasses for the number of guests you plan to entertain. For an everyday bar cart in your home, stock it with the glassware you use most often.
- Select your spirits: Choose a selection of spirits that you and your guests enjoy, including vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, and liqueurs. Don't forget to also have mixers like tonic water, soda water, cola, and fruit juices.
- Add some garnishes: Fresh garnishes such as lemon and lime wedges, mint leaves, and cocktail cherries can add a touch of flavor and color to your drinks. You can also experiment with other ingredients like edible flowers, herbs, or even bacon.
- Provide ice: Add an ice bucket and some tongs. If you're feeling extra, make these flower ice cubes.
- Add the extras: Provide paper napkins, stir sticks and straws so guests have everything they need all in one place.
The Pros And Cons Of Setting Up A Bar Cart
Setting up a bar cart at home can be a great way to create a dedicated space for entertaining and enjoying easy cocktail recipes with friends and family. But, a dedicated bar cart isn't for everyone. Here are some pros and cons of setting up a bar cart at home:
Pros
- Convenience: A bar cart makes it easy to have all of your barware, glassware, and spirits in one place.
- Style: A bar cart can add a touch of style and sophistication to your home decor. With so many different styles and designs to choose from, you can find one that complements your style and aesthetic.
- Entertaining: A bar cart is perfect for entertaining guests. You can serve drinks and snacks from the cart, and you can move it to different rooms.
- Storage: A bar cart can provide extra storage space for your liquor, glassware, and bar accessories. This can help keep your kitchen or dining area more organized.
Cons
- Cost: Depending on the style and quality of the bar cart you choose, it can be expensive to set up a home bar cart. This is especially true if you also need to purchase new glassware and barware to fill it.
- Space: A bar cart can take up a significant amount of space in your home. You may need to rearrange furniture or get rid of other items to make room for the cart. (This is why I store my in the garage and only wheel it out when I'm hosting guests!)
- Temptation: Having a fully stocked bar cart at home can be tempting. This can make it harder to stick to your goals if you're trying to cut back on alcohol consumption.
- Not exactly family-friendly. If you have little ones at home (or coming to your party), having a cart with a bunch of glass bottles isn't very safe.
What Is The Best Bar Cart?
Wondering which bar carts are best? The short answer is, it depends. There are so many different styles of bar carts I rounded some favorites up here) that it will totally depend on your style and the functionality you'll want it to have.
If you're bar cart will be pernament, you'll want to make sure it fits in with your home decor style. If you'll be moving it around, make sure it has wheels. It also should be the right size for your space and needs. Consider how many shelves and compartments you'll need to hold all your barware, glasses, and bottles. Here are some bar cart designs that I really like:
Gold Bar Carts
Wheeled bar cart with two shelves, racks for wine bottles and glasses.
Only $64.95 and comes in black too. See it here.
This on looks great as a stationery bar cart in your home. The different shelves make it very functional.
$149 and comes in four different color combinations! See it here.
This small bar cart is a space saver and it could double as a side table or nightstand.
$149 this one comes in black, bronze, or silver. See it here.
Outdoor bar carts are perfect for entertaining on the patio or a garden party.
$64.99 and can double for holding food at your outdoor BBQ. See it here.
These are just a few of the best bar carts I've spotted. You can see my full list of bar carts here.
Alternative Uses For A Bar Cart
Beyond the obvious use of serving drinks, I've used my bar cart for many different things. Here are some ideas on how to set up a bar cart that doesn't include alcohol:
- Setting up a hot chocolate bar
- Setting up a dessert bar
- As a way to serve appetizers (like this appetizer buffet)
- My outdoor bar cart is often used to hold baskets of pool towels and sunscreen
- Another use of my outdoor bar cart has been as a bubble and sidewalk chalk station for a kids party
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