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 create our versions of the ultimate bar cart display.
POP THE CORK
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 bottle of Krug Champagne. Cheers!
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.
SHAKEN OR STIRRED
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 gold-tone accents create the instant ambiance that will sit well in any home throughout the season.
Italian Wood and Copper Cart with Mirrored Trays, circa the 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.
FLEXIBLE BUT FABULOUS
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 your ice bucket on the side and voilà—you’re 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.
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.
