Guest Picks: Build a Better Bar Cart
I have yet to find a more unique jigger. This moose is currently living in my virtual shopping cart and will make a welcome addition to my own bar.
These coasters pretty much say it all.
This 1930s industrial trolley from Williams-Sonoma is an investment piece sure to stand the test of time. The classic design, stainless steel frame and glass shelves make the building blocks of any great home bar cart.
This tiered glass platter is perfectly suited for layers of cocktail pairings, nibblies or even shooters. I would love to use a pair of these on my coffee table, one for savory and one for sweet.
Here are some posh martini picks for your posh parties.
Love Zara's fast and affordable fashion? Be sure to check out the offerings from their newly launched US site for Zara Home. The classic Zafit tray has mother of pearl inlay and rings in at a reasonable $60.
The Riedel Sommeliers Black Tie crystal wine decanter is my go-to wedding gift and the ultimate hostess gift (should your budget allow). My Reidel decanter gets heavy use all holiday season, for everything from cocktails to dinner parties. It has yet to let me down.
Mr. Boston, I don't know who you are, but you certainly know all the cool cocktails to make. This is a bar cart prerequisite.
And of course, for when you have a little too much fun, pick up Ben Reed's lexicon of Hangover Cures. It's full of hangover myths, cures from around the world and hair of the dog and juice recipes.
Multiple trays mean multiple bars. When I entertain large crowds, I set up multiple trays stocked with bottles and mixers on counters and tabletops throughout the house.
I have a serious crush on these candle decanters from Anthropologie. I couldn't help myself from buying the sherry bottle/candle and adding it into the mix with my actual crystal decanters at home.
Ever seen champagne opened with a saber? It's definitely the ultimate party trick. I plan to buy one of these for my husband this year and encourage him to use liberally on our stock of champagne.
The Hudson champagne bowl keeps the bubbly cool and classy. It's large enough to hold six bottles of champagne, vodka or white wine, and it has a removable top so that ice can fill the bowl beneath.
The Livia decanter from Zara Home looks like it costs hundreds, but it leaves you with enough money left to fill it with fancy libations.
I first saw these giant cubes in the bar at The Nomad hotel in NYC — where they make a killer cocktail. The 2-inch cubes melt slowly to keep drinks colder longer. They don't look too shabby either. I like to mix bitters, smoke essence and flavors into the cubes themselves before freezing, as it adds a whole new layer of depth to your cocktail.
When it comes to shaker style, it's all Boston for me. This monogrammed number has handy measurements on the side, which are helpful for shaking up Manhattans for multiple people at the same time.
Mix up martinis by the pitcher with the Melodia jug.
This sleek soda siphon lets you keep chilled carbonated water on tap. It's a great alternative to stocking soda, as it's space saving and ecofriendly.
Another bar cart must-have is the ice bucket. This monogrammed stainless steel version from Williams-Sonoma will be sure to keep your cubes cold. I have several buckets, and they are always in use — even during the summer months for outdoor parties.
Stir up your pitcher of martinis, and some fun, with this Bone stirrer. It is chic, even long after Halloween passes.
The perfect pairing for your wine and Bone stirrer is the Skulls wine coaster by Fuchs.Next: 10 Elements of a Great Home Bar
Everyone needs a pair of bottle openers, so why not go for a sophisticated bamboo and stainless steel pair? They're just what you need for opening wines, beers and pop with panache.
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