When I moved into my new apartment, one of the things I was MOST excited about getting was a bar cart. Take a look at my Pinterest – it is truly filled with a million ways to style one. I was gathering all the inspiration! From holidays to parties, there are so many cute themes bar carts can take on. But today, I wanted to talk through how to style a classic, everyday bar cart for between all the holidays!
I moved into my new place in December and pretty much half of what I packed was Christmas decorations – ha! I broke open my brand new bar cart box and immediately had it decorated with the cutest reindeer wine glasses and glittery trees. I waited as long as I possibly could to take down my Christmas decorations because I KNEW my apartment would feel pretty bare with my primary decoration theme vanishing. After taking off all the holiday glitz and glam, my bar cart was so sad-looking. Between the holidays, I knew I needed a classic, staple bar cart look to rely on!
After lots of pintersearching (Pinterest researching?), I fell in love with a couple key bar cart elements and did some digging to find the best deals I could. Time to share!
Shop the Bar Cart
On the Cart
Bar Cart | Gold-Rimmed Glasses (similar) | Hammered Copper Mugs | Pitcher (similar) | Stirring Sticks (similar) | Napkins | Straws | Plant | Vase | Bar Cart Bible Book | Rosé Wine Book | Lights
On My Wishlist
Bar Tool Set or This One | Cocktail Shaker | Ice Bucket | Hammered Copper Goblets | Wine Chiller
How to Style an Everyday, Staple Bar Cart
- Bar Cart
- It all starts with the cart… I couldn’t be more in love with this bar cart from Target! It looks gorgeous, especially for the price, and can easily match so many different styles.
- Glassware
- In you’re on a budget like I was, glassware can ADD UP! I think it’s wonderful to have some pieces you love and invest in, but to get your feet on the ground, there are lots of places you can find inexpensive glassware to fill your bar cart. I found a lot of my glasses at garage sales or secondhand shops. Seriously. A majority of the glassware on this cart was purchased secondhand and cost me a grand total of $10 for 14 pieces. This allowed me to invest a little bit more in other pieces. The best part about shopping for glassware is you can wash it up and it is as good a new! I am a little hesitant to buy anything with fabric secondhand, but glassware and furniture are great ways to hygienically save money (haha!).
- If you’re not into shopping secondhand, Target of course has great prices on glassware, as does Ikea, Crate & Barrel Outlet, Macy’s, Overstock, Wayfair, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx or Homegoods.
- Pitcher
- Adding a pitcher to your bar cart throws in some interest with a different shape and height and it is incredibly useful if you’re having company over.
- Stirring Sticks
- Stirring sticks can be great way to add some personality to your bar cart!
- Napkins & Straws
- Cute napkins and straws break up the sea of glassware and adds some dimension to the bar cart. Plus, this is something you can switch up frequently for minimal cost.
- Flowers or Plants
- The element that made the BIGGEST difference for me with my bar cart was adding in the plant and vase. It added some height and again broke up the glass and metal to add in natural texture. I could not be more obsessed with this sage bush that I got from Michael’s. It’s gorgeous and looks so much more expensive than it is. I want 10 more! The vase is also a wonderful basic and a fabulous price.
- Books
- Books are one of the most exciting and useful ways to dress up a bar cart! I ordered my cocktail books from Amazon and love using it to stack pieces to add some height to the bar cart. Plus, it’s so fun having them on hand for when you want to get creative with a new cocktail recipe.
- On my Bar Cart: The Bar Cart Bible, Rose Wine: A Guide to Drinking Pink, The Little Pink Book of Cocktails (new and not pictured above), Forager’s Cocktails (also new)
- Books are one of the most exciting and useful ways to dress up a bar cart! I ordered my cocktail books from Amazon and love using it to stack pieces to add some height to the bar cart. Plus, it’s so fun having them on hand for when you want to get creative with a new cocktail recipe.
- Lights
- Finally, adding some subtle lights gives your bar cart some glam!
I had so much fun decorating this car for an everyday look! Can’t wait to play around with it as holidays keep on coming! XO
This is one item I cannot wait to get when I buy a house!
I LOVE it and can’t recommend it enough! Such a fun design element for your home! XO
Great tips! I just DIYed a bar cart and I love how many uses it has
Couldn’t agree more!! Thanks so much, Corrine! XO
I love this! It’s so dang gorgeous babe!
xoxo
Krista
So sweet of you, thanks Krista!
How fun! I just got a bar cart this past December and it’s been halfway done FOREVER..this is totally giving me some inspo to finish!
xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
Yay so happy to hear that! Thanks for reading XO!
Love how do you style this bar cart
Thank you!
Serious bar cart goals!!! Hugs, Kait
http://www.baskinginburgundy.com
Awh you’re too sweet! XO
Love this post girl!! I’ve been eyeing a few bar carts lately and love all the inspo!
Kileen
cute & little
This one is the best deal I’ve seen and I am in LOVE with it!
I have this exact bar cart! love how you styled this!
xo!
Shelby
Isn’t it the best! I LOVE it! Thanks so much, Shelby!
I love how you styled it! I’ve been thinking about getting a bar cart for the longest time!
Liz
I had SO much fun styling it – you totally should!
I can’t wait to add a bar cart to our living space once our home remodel is complete! I love how you accessorized yours!
xo, Sara
Awh thanks so much Sara!!
This post couldn’t have come at a better time. I just got a bar cart and have been struggling with how to style it!
YAY so happy to hear that – hope this post helps! XO
I’m terrible at “open shelf” styling .. definitely needed these tips!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
It’s so hard – totally agree!! Thanks so much!
Love your bar cart! It looks fabulous!
XOXO
Cathy
Thanks so much, Cathy!
I love how you styled your bar cart- so chic!
Thank you, Emily! XO
Ooh yes love these tips and all about the metallics!
Awh thanks so much girl! So sweet!
Your bar cart is so cute! I’m always looking for new ways to style mine! Love your post!
Awh thanks so much! It’s so fun switching up the style!
You did such a great job with this bar cart! I have been dying to get one but haven’t found the right space for one! Such a cute post!
Thanks so much girl!
Love the way you styled the bar cart! I am dying to get one of my own!
Awhh thanks Maggie! I absolutely love this one!
This bar cart is the cutest– I am loving how you styled it. Great job!!
Thanks so much!!
LOVE! I have the same bar cart! LOL I had to order two because the first one came and was super wonky. I love it though! The glass top makes all the difference. Mine needs some styling help, so will definitely take these tips!
That’s so odd! I absolutely LOVE this bar cart! Isn’t it so amazing for the price? Awhh thanks so much girl!
Love all the pops of gold. So classy!
Awhh thanks girl!