HOW TO STYLE YOUR BAR CART FOR EFFICIENT HOSTING

Happy Friday friends! We finally made it! The weekend is here (almost)… This weekend I plan on hosting a few friends for a happy hour! I have the bar fully stocked and ready to go. I know you might ask - well don’t you normally have your bar stocked? Yes, just not for *hosting*! I usually style my bar cart for decorative display and storing wine and liquor. However, for hosting I like to clean it all off, start over, and style it for functionality. By actually using my bar cart as a drink station, I can keep the rest of my counter space relatively clean and clutter free (or ready for food!).

When doing so I always place the most popular drinks of the night on the top shelf. I start with what cocktail or drink we will be having, any other necessities of the night (like water - lol), then I style practically from there!

Here is everything you need for styling your bar cart for hosting.

Looking for a faster reference? Check out the reel I did on our Instagram!

Start with florals and/or Seasonal Decor

Since our bar cart is smaller I always add flowers on the top shelf. Then I’ll style seasonal decor on the ground usually. Today’s bar cart has all the pumpkins gathered around it

Top Shelf | Essentials

Again, cocktail or wine of the hour (decanted), and water. Make sure all of the glasses are easily accessible and ready to go. On the top shelf I would also put any garnishes or pics if we were doing a specialty cocktail. Make sure your ice bucket is up here next to the water! No one likes Luke warm water.

*pro tip - while you’re setting up your bar cart go ahead and decant any red wine that needs it. This way it’s ready to drink when the guest get there! (Ok, it’ll be ready for you to drink while you’re getting ready too).

Lower Shelf | Secondary Essentials and Decor

On the lower shelf I styled our favorite cook books and cocktail crafting books. I also stated the liquor and cocktail tools incase anyone wants something stronger later into the night. If you don’t even want to offer any cocktails you can style your favorite books and more wine bottles to fill the decanter with.

Finishing Touches | Candles

You know I’m a sucker for candles - specifically tiered candles. I placed mine in a group of 3 on the top shelf behind the wine. I really love how it added height to the vignette and added light so you can see the wine better!