Raising the Bar

PHOTOS BY ALAINA MULLIN

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a craft cocktail without ever leaving the house. Whether it’s that ‘take the edge off’ or ‘welcome home’ libation at the end of a long day, or offerings to kick off a small dinner with friends, having your cocktail set-up’s on display encourages a celebratory mood—and who doesn’t need a little bit of that most days?

Rather than sticking with just one theme or arrangement, you can consider many ways to create a look to suit the interior surroundings/space or the occasion. We fell in love with some one-of-a-kind antique cart designs, which inspired a desire to style different looks centered around a more sophisticated aesthetic. While many of the carts featured on sites like Pinterest include bright colors, useless accessories, and glassware that would work for a child’s birthday (instead of adult beverages), that’s not the EDIT way. We take our cocktails seriously and style even more so, which is why we devoted an afternoon to creating our versions of the ultimate bar cart display.

Pop the Cork

Credits: Italian Vintage Goat Skin Bar Cart with Rare attached ice bucket by ALDO TURA. Circa 1970’s, ($4,600) from ROBIN RAINS INTERIOR DESIGN; Vietri Gold Stem Champagne Flutes, Gold Mille Nuits Votives, CORZINE AND CO.; Cocktail Napkins and small gold-tone tray from COLOR; JO MALONE LONDON candle from DILLARD’S, The Mall at Green Hills. Bouchaine Vineyards wines.

If you don’t have space for a full cart, create your own version with a tray placed on any flat surface, from an entry console to a bedroom dresser or kitchen island. Start with a tray that’s sturdy, stylish, and allows space for your spirits (or wine) and add coordinating or complementary accents for service. Place party-ready. This is also a reliable option for those who don’t want to leave a stocked cart out in the house that’s often full of curious teenagers (or disapproving relatives). Transport to a cabinet or simply break down when not in use. One tip is to choose spirit bottles smaller in size unless your tray allows for the big guns. On some occasions (especially those mom nights or showers), the service doesn’t include the hard stuff. Sticking with just wine and/or Champagne is perfectly acceptable as long as you offer plenty of water as an option (still and sparkling). To take it up a notch, include options so that guests can create their own Champagne cocktail with liqueurs to splash into the glass for added flavor. This cart’s design is genius with a deep-set bucket holding ample quantities of ice—big enough for this magnum of our favorite your ice bucket on the side and voilà—you’re bottle of Krug Champagne. Cheers!

Flexible But Fabulous

Credits: Silver tray, ice bucket, stir spoon, and shaker by SOUTHERN LIVING from DILLARD’S, The Mall at Green Hills; Sequence Art Deco black accent pitcher and MOSER pebbles smoke shot glass from CORZINE AND CO.

Shaken or Stirred

Credits: Italian Wood and Copper Cart with Mirrored Trays, circa 1940s ($1200) from ROBIN RAINS INTERIOR DESIGN; Citrus Bowl and tall red decanter, GASLAMP ANTIQUES; Lismore Black Square Decanter by WATERFORD from CORZINE AND CO.; Quartz Coasters and Drink Mixing Accessories, ANTHROPOLOGIE

When it’s cold outside, nothing beats the soothing warmth of a premium cocktail (or just a shot) with WOODFORD RESERVE, JACK DANIEL'S, or CINCORO TEQUILA. Our intention with this set-up is for it to be on display throughout the winter season. Easy access to spirits, bitters, and stylish blending essentials stay put, with the only need being to add ice and a few cold mixer options when entertaining guests. The cart design and dark colors combined with goldtone accents create instant ambiance that will sit well in any home throughout the season.

IT STARTS WITH THE CART

First realized on the big screen in Hollywood movies in the 1930s, the idea of a cocktail cart is traditionally associated with class and society. Initially, the bar cart stemmed from households using former tea carts to tote their spirits postprohibition. Since built-in home bars were non-existent, finding another use for this somewhat dated item in most households was commonplace by the 1950s when the carts were truly mainstream in homes, cart, consider the function along with the offices, and upscale hotel suites.

In the mid-1970s, things shifted with builtins being the rage and homeowners and builders choosing to put bars right into the layout of a home’s interior or as a kitchen add-on. This trend was prominent for years until the small service saviors made a comeback in the late 2000s. According to the New York Times, the trend spawned from more conservative living spaces and renovation budgets post-recession (2008-2009). Using a cart was just more accessible and affordable—and the country ‘rediscovered’ just how much of a chic vibe these rolling parties provide to most any environment. They are a little bit camp, a Instead of cheaper, roll-out versions you can find at almost every discount store, why not consider investing in a cart that serves as a permanent piece of furniture that adds personality to your home’s décor year-round? Antique versions can be quite dramatic and also collector’s items with considerable value. These finds are lower in height than the newer versions, making them less obtrusive in specific spaces.

When seeking a vintage or antique bar cart, consider the function along with the quality. For instance, if you always serve Champagne, ice and glassware needs are different from if your house drink is a martini. Ditto with the accessories. Suppose you fall in love with more than one gorgeous find from the past. In that case, you can always use a traditional cart for displays in the bath (towels and toiletries), as a coffee cart in your breakfast area, or as a music station for your vintage turntable and vinyl records.

WOODFORD RESERVE Baccarat Edition

Gold Basso coasters and Sophia Flute set by AERIN available at G & G INTERIORS