BAR CART BLUNDERS
Avoiding Common Styling Mistakes
BAR CART BLUNDERS
This article offers expert tips for achieving a flawless bar cart style. Starting from choosing the ideal cart that complements your decor theme, to providing decor suggestions such as glassware and greenery, this post will assist you in crafting a captivating centerpiece.
In the world of home decor, the bar cart has emerged as a stylish and functional centerpiece. However, to truly elevate your space, it’s important to avoid common styling mistakes that can undermine your design efforts. Whether you are starting from scratch, or styling an already functional bar cart, this article is the ultimate guide. From picking out the perfect cart, to decking it out with all the essential bottles and decor, I’ve got you covered. Moreover, it delves into key styling tips like maintaining balance, organization, and layering, while avoiding overcrowding.
The CART
Picking out the perfect bar cart is no easy feat, especially if budget is a factor. However, with the right eye and careful consideration, you are on your way to creating your dream bar cart moment.
Step 1: Seek Inspiration
- Browse Pinterest + save your favourite designs.
Step 2: Market Research
- Begin by browsing online stores such as Wayfair and Amazon, noting what's on the market for your price range. If you find a bar cart that is above your budget, try reverse image searching it to find similar options at a lower cost. After landing on a pricey style, I found an almost identical cart, for much cheaper using this method. Off-price retailers such as HomeSense or Winners are great places to keep an eye out for a cart, however luck will play more of a part in your success.
BOTTLE SERVICE
Initially, I was only going to buy the alcohol that I knew and liked, but was encouraged to buy a wide-range of types, and I’m so happy that I did! I was never a gin or bourbon drinker prior to furnishing my bar cart, but after acquiring them, I became a little bit more adventurous when making drinks, and now they are some of my favourite liquors. I highly encourage others to get one of each type of alcohol to start, as it is great to have onhand for new cocktails or guests, regardless of if you drink it or not.
When selecting bottles, I attempted to pick out ones that are beautiful pieces of art, quality liquor and don’t break the bank. I would consider couple of bottles a “splurge” item, but you can always save drinking those on special occasions and have a cheaper option in your cupboard.
Reyka Vodka
Reyka is an Icelandic vodka and is also world’s first “green” vodka, it being made from glacial water and distilled using sustainable energy from geothermal heat. Great to have on hand for Moscow Mules and Caesars.
Espolon Tequila
Made solely with blue agave from the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico, aged for six months in oak barrels, this shines a golden amber colour. The palate is rich and round with flavours of caramelized agave, ripe tropical fruit, vanilla and a spicy long finish.
Hendrick's Gin
Hendrick’s is clean & dry without being in way astringent. Smooth and superbly balanced botanicals, the complexity of the nose comes through in the taste, citrus and juniper with a subtle, lingering finish of cool, refreshing cucumber and rose.
Woodford Bourbon
The perfectly balanced taste of our Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is comprised of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit & floral notes.
Bacardi Rum
To be honest, I couldn’t really find a beautiful white rum bottle, but I like having it on hand for mojitos, so Bacardi’s classic branding will have to do.
BOOKS
Stacking a pair of books on your bar cart can add variety and height. Prop a bottle or a candle on top, and you have yourself a styled moment.
- WINE FOLLY
- Magnum Edition: The Master Guide
- Gather Around Cocktails
- Drinks to Celebrate Usual and Unusual Holidays
The Mistake: Cluttered Cart
Overloading your bar cart with every alcohol bottle and glassware can lead to a cluttered appearance, leaving minimal space for decorative elements. Whether it’s your collection of glassware or wine bottles, showcasing every item can diminish the overall visual appeal and fails to fully embrace the art of styling a bar cart to its fullest potential.
The FIX: Making Moments
Instead of showcasing the entire glassware collection, opt for displaying just a pair of glasses, rather than the complete set. Safely store the rest behind closed cupboards to prevent dust accumulation. Create distinct moments elsewhere in your dining room, aside from the bar cart. Consider arranging items like a tray, an ice bucket, decanters, and a set of glasses on your dining room hutch to establish additional focal points.
The Mistake: Splurging on Glassware
I’ve been there myself, and I’ll admit it was a mistake. I went all out on pricey glassware, and while I adore my exquisite coupe glasses, I’ve come to realize that there’s a vast selection of equally gorgeous glassware available at much more budget-friendly prices.
The FIX: EMBRACING THRIFT
Thrift stores are a treasure trove for glassware enthusiasts, offering an extensive array of options that won’t break the bank. It’s an opportunity to discover hidden gems and expand your collection without emptying your wallet.
The Mistake: Lack of Life + Depth
Failing to incorporate additional elements such as candles and books to add depth and varying heights can render your bar cart lifeless and devoid of inspiration. It also diminishes the overall functionality of the cart when specific cocktail ingredients are not readily accessible.
The FIX: Shake It Up
Refresh your bar cart by rearranging bottles and decor, showcasing different cocktails, and adjusting the setup to match the season. This offers a simple way to infuse novelty into your bar cart without constantly purchasing new items. While it’s perfectly fine to style your bar cart once and leave it untouched, don’t shy away from moving things around or changing out the bottles to align with your favorite seasonal cocktails. During specific seasons, you’ll often find me arranging the ingredients for my favourite drinks, creating a feature drink menu for guests visiting my home.
EXTRAS
If you are a Whiskey Sour lover like me, Luxardo Maraschino Cherries and Angostura Aromatic Bitters are two bar cart extras that you will want to have on hand.
The Mistake: BOOZY Beliefs
Over the years, I’ve come to identify as sober curious and will sometimes go weeks without touching alcohol. During these times, having alcohol bottles on display in my home doesn’t align with my values and lifestyle.
The FIX: ExplorE AF
Thanks to our local Sobr Market, I can now fully embrace the beauty and uniqueness of a mocktail without the worry of a hangover. Whether you’re sober, sober curious, or simply prefer not to showcase alcohol in your home, remember that a bar cart can serve a broader purpose beyond being solely a space for alcoholic beverages.
TӦST
white tea, white cranberry + ginger
Parch
roasted pineapple, blue weber agave, juicy prickly pear cactus, spicy mole bitters, cocoa extract + desert botanicals
De Soi
tart raspberry, soft, earthy rooibos, lion’s mane + saffron
Bonbuz
nostalgic cola nose, tart citrus + earthiness
ARTWORK
The quickest way to elevate your bar cart is by pairing the most perfect artwork above.
