Holiday Entertaining: 3 Ways to Style a Bar Cart

Setting up a separate beverage station away from the food makes entertaining much easier and it gives guests another place to mingle. See how to set up a traditional bar cart, a beer table and a hot chocolate buffet.

By: Laurie March

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Cart of Cheer

The holidays are all about keeping in good spirits! A gorgeous bar cart sets a fun and fancy tone at any holiday celebration. If you’re planning to offer a full bar, be sure the cart is big enough to hold all of that cheer.

Cart of Cheer

The top tier of your bar cart should serve as a workspace. You’ll need an ice bucket, cocktail tools, garnishes and the space to make a drink.

Cart of Cheer

Everyone loves a drink in a martini glass. One tip: don’t fill these beauties to the brim. They are as elegant and festive … as they are spillable. Set your guests up to clink with confidence.

Cart of Cheer

While peppermint is a popular “red” flavor during the holidays, don’t forget about cherry. A sweet cherry martini can be delicious, decorative and unexpected.

Winter greenery sets a joyful mood and can help to break up a sea of glass on your bar cart. If you’re trimming a tree this year, consider repurposing the clippings in a vase.

Cart of Cheer

According to feng shui, even numbers are more inviting. Group your glasses in sets of 4, 6 or 8, depending on how many guests you’re hosting.

Cart of Cheer

If you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your night, just apply some glitter and Mod Podge to your every day stemware. Can you say "shimmering champagne" five times fast?

Cart of Cheer

Set the stage with an unusual backdrop. This brown piece of wood used to be the backing to a vintage mirror. With a copper triangular bunting draped over it, it adds warmth and charm.

Beer Cart

If you want to manage your crowd, why not add a separate beer cart to your next holiday party? Whether you love ales or lagers – offering a selection of beer for guests adds an appreciated charm to a holiday celebration.

Beer Cart

The friendliest pubs offer quick and easy bar snacks with their beer. Placing your little noshes on tiny trays helps to make clean up easier as well.

Beer Cart

When it’s cold and frosty outside, consider keeping things cold and frosty inside. It will take a little bit of extra work on your part as a host, but working in a little extra ice upkeep might make your beer cart a big hit.

Beer Cart

Feel free to remind guests whose house they’re in! Whether you’re displaying hometown pride, sports team loyalty or just sporting a chic monogram, customized stemware is sure to bring a smile to your guests’ faces.

Beer Cart

Don’t limit your own concept of “ice bucket” or “beer cooler.” This beautiful planter looks fantastic and retains the chill needed to keep these beers cold enough for your connoisseurs.

Beer Cart

If you don’t want to get tapped on the shoulder every five minutes, be sure to leave visible bottle openers all over your beer cart. Self-serve = less stress for everyone.

Beer Cart

Give your beer glasses some momentary mojo. Wrapping your stemware in leather strips will create an impermanent, yet distinct and stylish statement.

Hot Chocolate Bar

Whether you choose to add some Schnapps to your hot chocolate or you decide to keep the cart for the kiddies, a converted bookshelf and a spray-painted rolling cart can make an excellent beverage station.

Hot Chocolate Bar

An impromptu addition of a cake stand becomes an invaluable work surface. Be sure to secure each aspect of your bar carts before your party begins. You want to keep all of that stemware intact for next year.

Hot Chocolate Bar

Who doesn’t love a hot chocolate bar? They keep your kiddos and designated drivers feeling warm and welcome. Marshmallows, cinnamon sticks and peppermints transform the ordinary to extraordinary.

Hot Chocolate Bar

An everyday soup tureen and ladle make the perfect vessels for this sweet treat. Consider keeping a candy thermometer nearby so you know when to reheat your velvety beverage.

Hot Chocolate Bar

Comforting earth tones allow the peppermints to pop on this hot chocolate bar cart. Stylish stoneware completes this delicious and decorative beverage station.

Hot Chocolate Bar

Don’t underestimate the power of the pipe cleaner. A simple wrap converts these plain mugs into merry masterpieces.

Hot Chocolate Bar

Yes, a cart can come in very handy, but don’t be afraid to change your entire library or living room into a libation station. All will feel welcome with this sort of sweet and savory spread.

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Photo By: Marc Kelly

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Don't Miss:

Holiday Entertaining: 3 Ways to Style a Bar Cart

Related To:

Cart of Cheer

Cart of Cheer

Cart of Cheer

Cart of Cheer

Cart of Cheer

Cart of Cheer

Cart of Cheer

Beer Cart

Beer Cart

Beer Cart

Beer Cart

Beer Cart

Beer Cart

Beer Cart

Hot Chocolate Bar

Hot Chocolate Bar

Hot Chocolate Bar

Hot Chocolate Bar

Hot Chocolate Bar

Hot Chocolate Bar

Hot Chocolate Bar

Shop This Look