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Cocktail Recipes

My Top 5 Steps to Making Your Bar Cart Party Ready

March 20, 2019

My bar cart plays a couple of different roles in my home. Most days it serves as a simple vignette, but when it comes to entertaining, it’s a hard-working party machine. If it’s happy hour, that sucka needs to be fully stocked. Boozy basics and fun mixers for guests to shake, stir and sip need to be on display. But how does one still make it look pretty? Stirrings asked me the same question, so today I’m sharing my 5 top steps to beautify a hard-working bar cart and make your next gathering extra Insta-worthy.

My 5 top steps to beautify a hard working bar cart and make your next gathering extra Insta-worthy.This post is sponsored by Stirrings.

Let’s start with the foundation…the signature cocktail. When you go out for dinner, do you order the old standby or do you live on the edge and ask for the drink menu? I’m always down for the adventure. Once I find a concoction I love, that restaurant becomes a destination. It’s the only place I can get that cocktail. It’s for this exact reason that I adopted the signature cocktail at home.

I tend to change it up seasonally, but when guests arrive, they know they’re in for a special treat. During the winter months, I was serving up a delicious Blood Orange Old Fashioned, but this week I’m channeling spring by stocking up on champagne to mix up a boozy twist on the French 75. It’s especially light and fresh when made with Stirrings mixers that are lower in sugar and made with real juice, cane sugar, and no artificial preservatives.

Table of Contents

  • 5 Steps To Entertaining With A Bar Cart
    • Bar Cart Styling Step 1 — Start With An Empty Cart
    • Bar Cart Styling Step 2 — Add Core Ingredients
    • Bar Cart Styling Step 3 — Don’t Forget The Tools
    • Bar Cart Styling Step 2 — Add Beautiful Glasses
    • Bar Cart Styling Step 5 — Add Something Weird & Unique

5 Steps To Entertaining With A Bar Cart

Blood Orange French 75 cocktail using Stirrings Blood Orange mixer.

Bar Cart Styling Step 1 — Start With An Empty Cart

Since my Stirring mixers and ingredients need refrigeration, and I don’t always have champagne on ice…although come to think of it, that my friends might be the idea of the day…my bar cart looks very different on party day compared to normal days. It’s time to clear off the books, bust, and other decor items.

Bar Cart Styling Step 2 — Add Core Ingredients

Not sure about you, but I’ve got a fully stocked bar. However, in no way shape or form does that mean every bottle should be displayed. No siree! I only pull out what I absolutely know my guests and I will drink. Yes, there might be the one person who says, “Hey Kyla, can you make me a Tequila Sunrise?”, but I’m not leaving that option on the bar. Only display the boozy bottles and mixers needed to make your special tasty summin’ summin’.

My 5 top steps to beautify a hard working bar cart and make your next gathering extra Insta-worthy.

I personally love the Stirrings Blood Orange Martini Mix and Stirrings Cosmopolitan Mix, and one can never have enough Stirrings Simple Syrup. I use it all the time. For bottles, vodka, gin, rum, and bourbon is what my guests normally drink. I also like to display a couple of rimmers for garnish. It’s those little extra details that will take your cocktail to the next level.

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Bar Cart Styling Step 3 — Don’t Forget The Tools

Mixing a good cocktail requires a few necessary bar tools. First is the shaker. Not only does it improve the taste of your cocktail by fully integrating all the ingredients, but it also adds the perfect amount of water when shaken with ice.

Stirrings Simple Syrup makes the perfect ingredient for any cocktail

When I first met The Boy, he bought me the fun penguin shaker. It’s a great conversation starter, plus the chrome adds a little extra sparkle to your bar cart. Don’t forget the shot glass, strainer, and bottle opener.

Bar Cart Styling Step 2 — Add Beautiful Glasses

I’m sure it doesn’t come as any surprise when I say I loves me some vintage cocktail glasses. So before guests arrive, I like to choose a funky set of glassware…to set the night apart from a normal evening.

Blood Orange Old Fashion with Stirrings cocktail ingredients

Today I picked out my latest estate sale find. The 24k gold detailing and fretwork are spectacular. I also used the matching decanter to jazz up the bourbon.

Blood Orange Old Fashion with Stirrings cocktail ingredients

Bar Cart Styling Step 5 — Add Something Weird & Unique

By this time your bar cart is getting fairly full, so it’s time to get crafty with space. My ice bucket chilling the champagne is an old trophy I picked up at a local vintage shop. The lion head rings on either side add a sculptural element and if you look really close, you can see the engraving of the original owner’s initials.

My 5 top steps to beautify a hard working bar cart and make your next gathering extra Insta-worthy.

To soften the lower shelf, I added a bouquet of white peonies. It distracts the eye from all the bottles. Lastly, to add a bit of height to the bar cart, I added a tall white vase with dehydrated grass. It brings the eye up and keeps the flow from left to right.

Voila! You have yourself a bonkers good bar cart! But let’s say you aren’t hosting…looking for the perfect hostess gift? Well, I gotcha. The Stirrings Cocktail Gift Set is the perfect something special to bring to your next party. It’s fun, festive, and totally delish.

Stirrings Cocktail Gift Set

There you have it folks. Easy peasy, am I right? Now go grab some mixers…I’ve got my eye on that Stirrings Peach Bellini Mix…invite some friends over for happy hour and get toasting! Chin-chin!

My 5 top steps to beautify a hard working bar cart and make your next gathering extra Insta-worthy.

 

TAGS:bar cartbar cart stylingCocktail Recipes
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Kyla Herbes

Kyla Herbes is an interior designer and home decor content creator based in Chicago. She shares daily doses of home decor, corners of her home, interior styling tips, and will inspire you to do it yourself. House Of Hipsters won Best Written Blog from the Amara Interior Blogger Awards and her home has been featured in Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, HGTV, The Huffington Post, Refinery29, Rue Magazine, and Style Me Pretty Living. Kyla has also made appearances on BravoTV and WGN TV and was named a Better Homes and Gardens Style Maker 3 years in a row. Kyla sits on the Design Influencers Board Of Directors and was hired by TikTok to become a Creative Learning Partner. When she isn’t blogging or speaking about social media, you’ll find her scouring flea markets for vintage treasures or pushing furniture around her home.

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  • blank
    Jewel
    March 20, 2019

    You are the master stylist♥️

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Jewel
      March 20, 2019

      You are awesome! Thank you <3

      Reply
  • blank
    Corinna - TheBohoAbode
    March 20, 2019

    I’m saving that French 75 recipe for later, sounds so refreshing and delicious! Their products are beautiful. Love the pairing of the vintage barware with the bright look of the drink products.

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Corinna – TheBohoAbode
      March 20, 2019

      OMG, it’s soooooo delish!

      Reply
  • blank
    Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living
    March 20, 2019

    Yummmm it all looks delish! I can’t wait to get a bar cart to style it. Great tips!!! Finally have room for one! Yay!

    Reply
    • blank
      kyla
      Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living
      March 20, 2019

      I never realized how much I’d actually use a bar cart!

      Reply
  • blank
    Rachael @ This is our Bliss
    March 20, 2019

    You had me at peach Bellini! Love your cocktail glasses! And Everything is styled fabulously!

    Reply
  • blank
    JoAnn
    March 21, 2019

    Where did you get that fabulous bar cart?

    Reply
  • blank
    Charlotte Smith
    March 21, 2019

    Do I need to seek help if I want EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE with dinner tonight?! Why do they all look so amazing?! Well done! xx

    Reply

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Kyla Herbes - House of Hipsters

Welcome to my little corner of the internet where I share daily doses of home decor, corners of my home, styling tips, and inspire you to decorate with me.

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I started decorating Zozo’s bedroom but never finished. Since, she’s decided she no longer likes pink. “Mom, can I get a blue bed?” @jcpenney helped me find a comprise that was not only blue but also affordable and very much this little lady’s bohemian’s style. The bedding and pillows are all from the new Distant Lands Collection. She’s obsessed with the tiger print pillow and the tassels. Side note, she is not a top sheet gal which I’ve been hearing more and more people talk about this. Do you sleep with a top sheet or no? Inquiring minds what to know. SPONSORED
I started decorating Zozo’s bedroom but never finished. Since, she’s decided she no longer likes pink. “Mom, can I get a blue bed?” @jcpenney helped me find a comprise that was not only blue but also affordable and very much this little lady’s bohemian’s style. The bedding and pillows are all from the new Distant Lands Collection. She’s obsessed with the tiger print pillow and the tassels. Side note, she is not a top sheet gal which I’ve been hearing more and more people talk about this. Do you sleep with a top sheet or no? Inquiring minds what to know. SPONSORED
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I started decorating Zozo’s bedroom but never finished. Since, she’s decided she no longer likes pink. “Mom, can I get a blue bed?” @jcpenney helped me find a comprise that was not only blue but also affordable and very much this little lady’s bohemian’s style. The bedding and pillows are all from the new Distant Lands Collection. She’s obsessed with the tiger print pillow and the tassels. Side note, she is not a top sheet gal which I’ve been hearing more and more people talk about this. Do you sleep with a top sheet or no? Inquiring minds what to know. SPONSORED
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SWIPE 👆🏻 Finally loving the living room again. Although I’m still missing the built ins. I shopped the @serenaandlily sale for that tray and blanket - there’s a whole round up of favorites over on HouseOfHipsters.com - and I love how the blanket balances out the green chair and the tray softens the black coffee table. What do you think of the new look? #liketkit #LTKhome #LTKsalealert @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/3G7VE
SWIPE 👆🏻 Finally loving the living room again. Although I’m still missing the built ins. I shopped the @serenaandlily sale for that tray and blanket - there’s a whole round up of favorites over on HouseOfHipsters.com - and I love how the blanket balances out the green chair and the tray softens the black coffee table. What do you think of the new look? #liketkit #LTKhome #LTKsalealert @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/3G7VE
SWIPE 👆🏻 Finally loving the living room again. Although I’m still missing the built ins. I shopped the @serenaandlily sale for that tray and blanket - there’s a whole round up of favorites over on HouseOfHipsters.com - and I love how the blanket balances out the green chair and the tray softens the black coffee table. What do you think of the new look? #liketkit #LTKhome #LTKsalealert @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/3G7VE
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SWIPE 👆🏻 Finally loving the living room again. Although I’m still missing the built ins. I shopped the @serenaandlily sale for that tray and blanket - there’s a whole round up of favorites over on HouseOfHipsters.com - and I love how the blanket balances out the green chair and the tray softens the black coffee table. What do you think of the new look? #liketkit #LTKhome #LTKsalealert @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/3G7VE
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(AD) SWIPE FOR ROOM REFRESH 👉🏻 If you’ve been watching Stories that you know I’ve been working hard on this room and I gotta give a shoutout to @JaipurLiving for the new rug in their #KLwithJaipurLiving collection. This is Davina from their new collection with Kate Lester @klinteriors and it really brightened up the entire space. Although they recently showed this one with Harman layered over the top and it’s absolutely dreamy. If you haven’t seen the full collection, head over to their profile and check it out or tap the link below to shop the collection on @rugs_direct. While your there, give them a follow and tell ‘em I say hi. http://bit.ly/3tZgE8p
(AD) SWIPE FOR ROOM REFRESH 👉🏻 If you’ve been watching Stories that you know I’ve been working hard on this room and I gotta give a shoutout to @JaipurLiving for the new rug in their #KLwithJaipurLiving collection. This is Davina from their new collection with Kate Lester @klinteriors and it really brightened up the entire space. Although they recently showed this one with Harman layered over the top and it’s absolutely dreamy. If you haven’t seen the full collection, head over to their profile and check it out or tap the link below to shop the collection on @rugs_direct. While your there, give them a follow and tell ‘em I say hi. http://bit.ly/3tZgE8p
(AD) SWIPE FOR ROOM REFRESH 👉🏻 If you’ve been watching Stories that you know I’ve been working hard on this room and I gotta give a shoutout to @JaipurLiving for the new rug in their #KLwithJaipurLiving collection. This is Davina from their new collection with Kate Lester @klinteriors and it really brightened up the entire space. Although they recently showed this one with Harman layered over the top and it’s absolutely dreamy. If you haven’t seen the full collection, head over to their profile and check it out or tap the link below to shop the collection on @rugs_direct. While your there, give them a follow and tell ‘em I say hi. http://bit.ly/3tZgE8p
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(AD) SWIPE FOR ROOM REFRESH 👉🏻 If you’ve been watching Stories that you know I’ve been working hard on this room and I gotta give a shoutout to @JaipurLiving for the new rug in their #KLwithJaipurLiving collection. This is Davina from their new collection with Kate Lester @klinteriors and it really brightened up the entire space. Although they recently showed this one with Harman layered over the top and it’s absolutely dreamy. If you haven’t seen the full collection, head over to their profile and check it out or tap the link below to shop the collection on @rugs_direct. While your there, give them a follow and tell ‘em I say hi. http://bit.ly/3tZgE8p
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I started decorating Zozo’s bedroom but never finished. Since, she’s decided she no longer likes pink. “Mom, can I get a blue bed?” @jcpenney helped me find a comprise that was not only blue but also affordable and very much this little lady’s bohemian’s style. The bedding and pillows are all from the new Distant Lands Collection. She’s obsessed with the tiger print pillow and the tassels. Side note, she is not a top sheet gal which I’ve been hearing more and more people talk about this. Do you sleep with a top sheet or no? Inquiring minds what to know. SPONSORED
I started decorating Zozo’s bedroom but never finished. Since, she’s decided she no longer likes pink. “Mom, can I get a blue bed?” @jcpenney helped me find a comprise that was not only blue but also affordable and very much this little lady’s bohemian’s style. The bedding and pillows are all from the new Distant Lands Collection. She’s obsessed with the tiger print pillow and the tassels. Side note, she is not a top sheet gal which I’ve been hearing more and more people talk about this. Do you sleep with a top sheet or no? Inquiring minds what to know. SPONSORED
houseofhipstersblog
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•
Follow
I started decorating Zozo’s bedroom but never finished. Since, she’s decided she no longer likes pink. “Mom, can I get a blue bed?” @jcpenney helped me find a comprise that was not only blue but also affordable and very much this little lady’s bohemian’s style. The bedding and pillows are all from the new Distant Lands Collection. She’s obsessed with the tiger print pillow and the tassels. Side note, she is not a top sheet gal which I’ve been hearing more and more people talk about this. Do you sleep with a top sheet or no? Inquiring minds what to know. SPONSORED
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
SWIPE 👆🏻 Finally loving the living room again. Although I’m still missing the built ins. I shopped the @serenaandlily sale for that tray and blanket - there’s a whole round up of favorites over on HouseOfHipsters.com - and I love how the blanket balances out the green chair and the tray softens the black coffee table. What do you think of the new look? #liketkit #LTKhome #LTKsalealert @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/3G7VE
SWIPE 👆🏻 Finally loving the living room again. Although I’m still missing the built ins. I shopped the @serenaandlily sale for that tray and blanket - there’s a whole round up of favorites over on HouseOfHipsters.com - and I love how the blanket balances out the green chair and the tray softens the black coffee table. What do you think of the new look? #liketkit #LTKhome #LTKsalealert @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/3G7VE
SWIPE 👆🏻 Finally loving the living room again. Although I’m still missing the built ins. I shopped the @serenaandlily sale for that tray and blanket - there’s a whole round up of favorites over on HouseOfHipsters.com - and I love how the blanket balances out the green chair and the tray softens the black coffee table. What do you think of the new look? #liketkit #LTKhome #LTKsalealert @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/3G7VE
houseofhipstersblog
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Follow
SWIPE 👆🏻 Finally loving the living room again. Although I’m still missing the built ins. I shopped the @serenaandlily sale for that tray and blanket - there’s a whole round up of favorites over on HouseOfHipsters.com - and I love how the blanket balances out the green chair and the tray softens the black coffee table. What do you think of the new look? #liketkit #LTKhome #LTKsalealert @shop.ltk https://liketk.it/3G7VE
1 month ago
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Months worth of work with a dash of frustration in 12 seconds. It really is all about trusting the process.
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Follow
Months worth of work with a dash of frustration in 12 seconds. It really is all about trusting the process.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
(AD) SWIPE FOR ROOM REFRESH 👉🏻 If you’ve been watching Stories that you know I’ve been working hard on this room and I gotta give a shoutout to @JaipurLiving for the new rug in their #KLwithJaipurLiving collection. This is Davina from their new collection with Kate Lester @klinteriors and it really brightened up the entire space. Although they recently showed this one with Harman layered over the top and it’s absolutely dreamy. If you haven’t seen the full collection, head over to their profile and check it out or tap the link below to shop the collection on @rugs_direct. While your there, give them a follow and tell ‘em I say hi. http://bit.ly/3tZgE8p
(AD) SWIPE FOR ROOM REFRESH 👉🏻 If you’ve been watching Stories that you know I’ve been working hard on this room and I gotta give a shoutout to @JaipurLiving for the new rug in their #KLwithJaipurLiving collection. This is Davina from their new collection with Kate Lester @klinteriors and it really brightened up the entire space. Although they recently showed this one with Harman layered over the top and it’s absolutely dreamy. If you haven’t seen the full collection, head over to their profile and check it out or tap the link below to shop the collection on @rugs_direct. While your there, give them a follow and tell ‘em I say hi. http://bit.ly/3tZgE8p
(AD) SWIPE FOR ROOM REFRESH 👉🏻 If you’ve been watching Stories that you know I’ve been working hard on this room and I gotta give a shoutout to @JaipurLiving for the new rug in their #KLwithJaipurLiving collection. This is Davina from their new collection with Kate Lester @klinteriors and it really brightened up the entire space. Although they recently showed this one with Harman layered over the top and it’s absolutely dreamy. If you haven’t seen the full collection, head over to their profile and check it out or tap the link below to shop the collection on @rugs_direct. While your there, give them a follow and tell ‘em I say hi. http://bit.ly/3tZgE8p
houseofhipstersblog
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•
Follow
(AD) SWIPE FOR ROOM REFRESH 👉🏻 If you’ve been watching Stories that you know I’ve been working hard on this room and I gotta give a shoutout to @JaipurLiving for the new rug in their #KLwithJaipurLiving collection. This is Davina from their new collection with Kate Lester @klinteriors and it really brightened up the entire space. Although they recently showed this one with Harman layered over the top and it’s absolutely dreamy. If you haven’t seen the full collection, head over to their profile and check it out or tap the link below to shop the collection on @rugs_direct. While your there, give them a follow and tell ‘em I say hi. http://bit.ly/3tZgE8p
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
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