Add charm and glamour to your bar cart with these simple tricks

Is there anything more glamorous than a carefully curated bar cart? From chic glasses, potent garnishes, and, of course, the most sippable tipples, here’s how to add style and charm to your festive cocktail station.

Image captured by Scott Clark Photography

Having been an integral piece of furniture in the 1960s, the drinks trolley fell out of favour for a significant time. But, like all design classics, it’s back and, in our opinion, has never looked better. So, if you enjoy entertaining at home and want to serve in style, it’s integral you add one to your living room or dining area. 

The bar cart is a functional piece of furniture, meaning it can’t and shouldn’t be style over substance. Choose the right cart for your home; for example, if you plan on moving it from room to room, look for an option on wheels. There are a host of styles and sizes to suit almost every interior aesthetic. From vintage gold to minimalist black steel; there’s sure to be one for you.

You’ll need the basics to help you whip up a Martini or an Old Fashioned at a moment’s notice (the latter of which we can help you with on p54). As such, a cocktail shaker is a must, along with an ice bucket and a set of tools. Vintage bar accessories always look chic, as does colourful glassware—use them to make your bar cart all the more personal and tailored to its surroundings. 

Next, adorn its shelves or free space with your collection of cocktail books. That way, you’ll have all your favourite recipes and mixology methods at your fingertips. What’s more, books are a great way to add interest, height, and colour to your trolley. Pop a vase, pretty bottle, or candle on a stack for instant Instagram appeal.

The addition of a tray to your cocktail station brings elegance and organisation to the area. Use your ingredients as décor; display citrus fruits, or even a growing herb such as mint, basil, rosemary or thyme to add colour to the space and a delectable scent to the air. That, or embrace all things festive with a bowl of cranberries and cinnamon sticks.

Now it’s time for the main event; the drinks. We’re lucky to have so many notable distilleries on our doorstep that not only produce the highest quality spirits, but some of the best bottles to boot, bringing beauty and originality to every bar cart this Christmas.