Creating a Home Bar

Bring the party to your house by creating your own bar at home. There are so many ways to do this. Some prefer trays while others prefer cabinets. Have fun creating!

We recently purchased a Tibetan chest that we have transformed in a bar.

Storing Liquor

Liquor will keep for a long time, particularly in a cool place away from direct sunlight. The lower the liquid level, though, the more quickly you should consume the liquor, as the air in the bottle will leach out the flavors. Vermouth, however, is a wine, and should be refrigerated and drunk fairly quickly.

A 1930's Hong Kong Tourist map that I purchased as one of my wedding presents for my new hubby.

We have this sign hanging above the door next to the bar.  I found this one on eBay. Also available on Amazon.

Here are some additional ideas for inspiration

Use of color

Not ready to purchase a bar but want to have a party? Use a table you already have.  Arranging in lines gives great visual appeal and is easy for serving party guest. My Mom and Matt's parent's use a similar set up for their get togethers.

Nothing fancy about this tray bar and it looks great tucked in the corner.

Short on space? Get creative as they did in this New York Apartment

Love the transformation of this chest

Bar Essentials

Crystal glasses. These below are from Ralph Lauren Home. I recently scored some similar ones from Ralph at TJ Maxx for $7 a pop

Monogrammed Ice Bucket at Williams Sonoma

Stemless wine glasses.  Pier One always carries them and at $2 a glass, you can't beat 'em

I love these vintage shot glasses made to measure the perfect drink. My Papa used to use one and now I have a growing collection. Lots of different variations on eBay and antique stores.

If you don't own a nice wine opener, you are out of excuses. Suck it up and spend the $25 and get a fool proof one. The Screwpull is an excellent choice (I use this over the rabbit ones any day). It is the easiest thing to use. Most liquor stores carry this brand behind the cash register. Or check Bed Bath and Beyond or order online.

 

Love these suction cup wine markers from Pier One. Great for keeping up with you glass of wine when you have lots of guests. 

Bars that won't break the Bank

Get creative and check flea markets, estate sales, etsy and Craigslist.  Lacking creative skills, hit up one of your favorite home stores:

Tall Butler Tray Stand from West Elm

From Pottery Barn

 South Seas Bar Cart from Serena and Lily

 

Ballard Design Jill Bar Cart

Love the lime green!

From Restoration Hardware

At Society Social (they have tons of bar carts on their site)

Get your bar together for summer cocktails and start entertaining now!