Nothing says festive like a well-stocked bar cart. A beautifully stocked bar can be the center of conversation and activity, as well as a place to gather and greet your guests. From tiny trays of crystal glasses and champagne to multiple levels of bottles and beers, there’s a bar cart built for every need and for every social event on your packed holiday calendar. With your entire bar needs stored in one easily accessible area you can relieve yourself of bar duty, and focus your attention on your guests like the dutiful host you are!

First of all don’t let your booze station be limited by the size of your venue, from small NYC apartments to sprawling suburban homes there’s a bar cart built for every need and every budget. If your space is large, and your guest list lengthy, opt for a more multi-functional car with plenty of storage like this seriously stylish kitchen island cart by Wildon. Lots of storage means less re-stocking for you, and more variety for some of your more picky guests. When the celebratory season is over, you can keep the cart stocked for personal use, or restock with kitchen items and move it into the kitchen to help with prep work.

If you have a smaller home or apartment choose a cart that more tall than it is wide. More vertical storage will give you enough shelving to house the necessities without compromising valuable party space. To stock, store a variety of liquors as well as glasses appropriate for each. You might have to re-stock throughout the night, so keep a few bottles hidden nearby to replenish when your guests have reached the bottom of the glass. Look for some great options and examples like this sleek Demetres Serving Cart by Mercury Row.

If your venue looks more like a NYC apartment or studio, you’re going to have to get creative with your storage. Again, vertical space is going to be your best friend. Taller pieces with multiple shelves will allow you to squeeze in as much boozy options as you can while keeping as much of the room open for socializing as possible. Choose pieces that have lipped shelves, so swerving guests are less likely to knock over bottles and glasses. Since these carts are small, re-stocking might be more frequent, opt for a cart with wheels so you can easily whiz the cart into the kitchen and back out for easy replenishment. You can find seriously affordable options at Ikea that will also be easy on your budget.

What to Keep on Your Bar Cart:

• Liquor: gin, white rum, vodka, bourbon, tequila, and brandy.
• Accents: soda water, limes and/or lemons, olives, simple syrup.
• Barware: short and tall glasses, coupes, wine glasses.
• Tools: shaker, strainer, jigger, corkscrew, bar spoon.

Extras for Added Flair!:

• Cocktail tray
• Straws or swizzle sticks
• Cocktail napkins
• A mirror (placed behind the bottles to add depth)
• Holiday decorations
• Bar-side snack

Need some boozy inspiration? Try this Candy Cane Cocktail recipe to get your guests started!

Send us some inspiration too; we would love to see photos of your holiday bar cart or festive celebration!

xo Amanda