How to create a stylish cocktail bar at home
Staying in is the new going out, so make your home the hottest new bar in town with these ideas for creating a dedicated cocktail space.
Image: Garden Trading
As we approach the festive period, your thoughts may turn to ensuring your home is all set for entertaining friends and family. If you and yours are prone to a celebratory Christmas tipple, why not create a welcoming bar where company can help themselves to drinks? This means no glasses will go empty and that you can concentrate on whatever is going on in the kitchen without worrying too much about thirsty guests.
From easy ways to set up a drinks bar in your home to some ‘wow-factor’ ideas for serious entertainers, here’s our guide to creating a cocktail corner of your very own.
Opt for a drinks trolley
Image: John Lewis & Partners
This retro classic has definitely had a revival of late, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your cocktail trolley. This design from John Lewis and Swoon may set you back a pretty penny, but you can find cocktail trolleys on the high street from as little as £30.
Choose a cocktail cabinet
Image: Atkin & Thyme
These special cocktail cabinets have everything you need for your home bar, from a bottle rack to glass storage, all in the guise of a stylish piece of furniture. Our pick to shop for the best styles? Try Atkin & Thyme’s stylish selection.
Incorporate a wine fridge
Image: Husky Lifestyle
The new must-have in a kitchen, a dedicated fridge for wine and champagne will come in handy during the festive period. Set up your cocktail bar nearby, ensuring you set out all drinks glasses within easy reach.
You’ll be able to see how we style up this Husky Lifestyle wine fridge in an entertaining space in the GoodHomes room sets at this year’s Ideal Home Show Christmas.
Use existing furniture
Image: Garden Trading
If you just want to create a cocktail bar for a special occasion such as Christmas, you don’t have to go all-in on a cocktail trolley. Clear a sideboard or dresser and set up your cocktail area here instead. Choose a piece with a durable and wipeable top, such as this sideboard from Garden Trading, to ensure that it’s not damaged by any sticky spills.
Add in a drinks rack
Image: Next
Whether it’s a wine rack or somewhere to hang glasses (a must-have to keep dust from settling in your barware), a drinks holder like this Cheers drink shelf from Next is perfect for designating an area to cocktails and entertaining.
Style with cocktail herbs
Image: National Trust
Wherever you create your cocktail bar, fresh herbs make a stylish decoration option. Not only do they look great, they’re perfect for embellishing cocktails. Mint and rosemary are good options that can work for a variety of cocktails.
Create a built-in bar
Image: Connery cocktail cabinet, Masterclass Kitchens
If you entertain often, a built-in cocktail bar will ensure your home is the place to party. You could build an entire bar separate from your kitchen and dining room, but we love the idea of having an integrated bar that can be hidden away when you’re not using it. Masterclass Kitchens specialise in these amazing cocktail bars, which look like normal kitchen cabinetry when the doors are closed.
Do you have a bar in your home? Let us know by tweeting us @goodhomesmag, posting a comment on our Facebook page, or tagging us in your home cocktail bar photos on Instagram.
