How to Style Your Bar Cart

Entertaining tips & tricks Product Discovery & exploration

How to Style Your Bar Cart

Hey there, party planner extraordinaire! Want to elevate your next get-together? A well-styled bar cart might just be the “party trick” you’re looking for to impress your guests. Not only does it offer a go-to spot for delicious drinks in a jiffy, but it also adds a chic, aesthetic charm to your space. Don’t be surprised if it becomes the focal point of your party – and a conversation starter!  

Need a little inspiration? We’ve got you covered with 3 simple tips on how to prep and style your dream cart, so it’s ready for entertaining.  

1. Keep it Simple: Your bar cart doesn’t need to have every inch completely covered. When it comes to styling, less is more. Think of it as the little black dress of your party – effortlessly stylish and easy to accessorize.

Rose wine in various wines glasses.

Start with the essentials. For cocktail aficionados, a good muddler, strainer, shaker, and stirrer are all you need on the cart. More of a wine lover? Stick to a corkscrew opener, a wine bottle stopper, and a beautiful decanter to aerate those bold tannic reds. And don’t forget to showcase only your favourite bottles and glassware. After all, they're the stars of this show! 

2. Add Freshness: Nature lovers, this one's for you! Freshness breathes life into your cart – and your cocktails. Think big bowls of fresh lemons, limes, and even seasonal fruits, like peaches. They're not just pretty to look at, they're handy for drink prep too.

Fruity cocktail with some spilled ice and a cocktail shaker.

If fruit isn’t your thing, try leafy green plants to add a lush, vibrant vibe. We love the low-maintenance kinds, from aloe vera and philodendron to snake and spider plants. Tight on space? Tiny succulents or a cute cactus can squeeze right in, making for the perfect addition!  

3. Finishing Touches: Once you’ve got the basics covered, it’s time to add the flair. This is where you can let your creativity soar as you find your aesthetic. 

Modern bar with a cocktail pitcher piece of art.

Think of your bar cart as a blank canvas, and the aesthetic is the paint. Have fun playing with pops of colour, different textures, and little details. Things like custom coasters, cloth cocktail napkins, colourful artwork, and metal straws can bring everything together and make a big difference.  

Quick Hosting Hack: The Self-Serve Bar

Pretty cocktails touches of lavender and flowers.

Planning on entertaining family or hosting friends for cocktail hour? Setting up a self-serve bar is the way to go! Here are a few handy tips to get you started: 

  1. Variety is the Spice: When it comes to glassware, offer a variety of cool styles and popular shapes. This way, your guests can pick and choose based on their drink or their mood – maybe a sophisticated flute for sparkling wine or a quirky mason jar for easy cocktails.
  2. Inclusivity Alert: Not everyone may be sipping on alcohol, so be sure to include some non-alcoholic beverages as well. Fill clear bottles with different coloured juices – think cranberry and orange mixed, or a zesty lime punch. Have cans of flavoured sparkling water, a jug of cucumber-lemon water, or even a simple chilled mocktail. This way, non-drinkers and designated drivers have refreshing options too.
  3. Get Garnish-Generous: Remember, the devil is in the details! This is where you can really dazzle and elevate your game with colourful garnishes. Prepare citrus twists, watermelon wedges, berry skewers, or unique cucumber snakes. Pro tip: Make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Fun garnishes can turn a simple drink into a crafted cocktail. 
  4. Mix Up Batch Cocktails: Time to play mixologist! To go the extra mile, prepare batch cocktails before your guests arrive and store them in the fridge. This ensures that a tasty concoction is always ready to be served and will ease your duties as the host, letting you mingle, share a laugh, and create lasting memories.  

Elevate Your Bar Cart with Local Favourites from Wine Rack 

Wine lovers' favourite: Jackson-Triggs Reserve White Wine

So, there you have it – your roadmap to styling a sensational bar cart! Now, what’s a bar cart without a good selection of drinks?  

For wine lovers in Ontario, Wine Rack is your go-to wine spot. With a wide selection of local and award-winning wines, including favourites from Jackson-Triggs and Inniskillin to Sandbanks, you can stock your cart will some of Ontario’s best wines. If you're looking to try something unique, there’s Vintage Ink. Artfully blended and uniquely expressive, Vintage Ink wines offer a distinct taste and flavour that’s deliciously different on purpose. And for those watching their sugar intake, we carry BASK – a wonderful lineup of reds, whites, and rosé at 0g sugar per 3/4 cup (188mL) serving! So, why not head to your neighbourhood Wine Rack or check out our online collection for convenient shopping and wine delivery. After all, your bar cart deserves only the finest.  

Happy hosting, and remember, the best parties are the ones where everyone, including the host, has a blast! 

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