Bar Carts Are Back!

With these versatile serving pieces, the party will follow you!

Anticipating and your guests’ needs and making it look effortless are two skills great hosts must possess. Two secrets to “effortless” entertaining are to have as much prepared ahead of time as possible so you can concentrate on your guests, and to remember that, whether it’s sticking a toothpick into the appetizers or making their own drinks, guests like to help out.  Over the years, I have found a guest who has a cocktail in hand is usually a happy guest.  Of course, when they arrive, I always mix their first beverage.  After that,  I show them the bar, and let them take care of refills when they are inclined.

Load It Up! A bar by Tori Mellott featured in Domino

Bar carts are not only a stylish way to present your liquor and glassware, but they are handy, too.  They are mobile, allowing your bar to be anywhere your guests are—even outdoors.  Here are some of my picks:

A Vintage Paul McCobb Bar Cart. Courtesy of 1stDibs.

You can find fabulous vintage bar carts at antique stores and online like this gorgeous rosewood and brass piece by Paul McCobb.   I’ve used the Hickory Chair Aperitif Bar Cart (Below)  for my clients because I like its round shape and the fact it can stand in as an end table.  The gallery on top is quite useful for stopping bottles from tipping.

The Aperitif Bar Cart from Hickory Chair.

Things To Consider:

The more shelves and drawers, the better!

Shelves made of glass or another easy-care surface.

Sturdiness.

Style, of course!

William Sonoma's Beckett Bar Cart

Lastly, I love the Luxembourg Cart!  While made for outdoors, it would be equally at home in a modern interior space.  It’s available in many lively,  smile-inducing colors.

The Luxembourg Bar Cart. Courtesy of Fermob.

Buyer Beware–Once you have one, you’ll be tempted to “cocktail” more often.  Cheers!