Follow these five rules to create the best-dressed bar cart for any big party

Title image: Melody Maison

Image: Good Homes/Oliver Gordon

With staying in hailed as the new going out, add a touch of five-star dining to your home with our step-by-step guide to the perfect party essential.

The cart itself

Image: Debenhams

Don’t worry if you haven’t got a bar cart, a sideboard or tabletop (try a folding one if you’re short on space) work just as well, and can be left out all year round.

Keep it simple

Don’t overstyle – this is a place to prepare cocktails and drinks, so leave enough free space for shaking, cutting and mixing. Separate items such as glasses, tools and bottles into their own groups – arrange on trays or in glasses to keep everything organised.

Personalise your bar

As well as all the must haves, it’s the quirky items such as coasters, drink toppers, colourful straws and napkins that give your bar trolley individuality.

Location, location, location

Image: Homesense

Where you position the bar is important. Stay clear of the entrance to a room as people will continuously bump into you and the cart. If it’s on wheels, you can bring it out post-dinner to create a real showstopper, or, place in another room to continue the party elsewhere and away from the dirty dishes! If you have a large hallway – welcome your guests with a homemade cocktail.

The menu

Image: John Lewis & Partners

To limit the amount of alcohol you need to buy, why not theme your bar cart around a particular drink; gin, whiskey and vodka are a popular base for most on-trend cocktails. Create non-alcoholic versions with fresh juices and fizzy drinks – great for children and those who aren’t drinking.

 

Have you styled a bar cart for your New Year’s festivities? Let us see how you’ve decorated it by tagging us on Instagram with #thisgoodhome, tweeting us @goodhomesmag or posting a comment on our Facebook page.

 

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