Glam-Camp Style and a Cocoa Cocktail for Your Bar Cart
A stylist shows how to arrange your bar cart for fall, and shares a recipe for boozy hot chocolate to warm you up
Margaret Wright
October 13, 2017
Houzz Contributor. Interior and lifestyle photographer based in Charleston, SC.
Out with the old and in with the new! Fall is here and stylist Liz Martin, owner of Charleston Weekender, is showing us how to style a bar cart for the change in season. Keep reading for her tips on decorating for fall and a recipe for a simple and spicy spiked hot chocolate.
Pictured here is Martin’s bar cart in her colorful and preppy 1902 home in Charleston, South Carolina, before she gave it a fall makeover.
Martin styled her autumn-inspired bar cart to channel the feeling of a log cabin. “I’ve never even been camping. Isn’t that crazy?” she says. “But I think that’s why I love the idea of cabins. I love the woods; I just don’t want to sleep there.” So for those who want the feeling of camping out in the comfort of their own home, she shares her styling tricks below.
Cart: The Madison Mixer Bar Cart, Society Social; shop similar bar carts
Cart: The Madison Mixer Bar Cart, Society Social; shop similar bar carts
An important rule of thumb for styling is to incorporate objects that vary in height, Martin says. This helps to draw the eye across your vignette. Anchor your objects with a tray to keep things looking orderly.
Crystal decanter: William Yeoward Crystal; browse similar decanters
Crystal decanter: William Yeoward Crystal; browse similar decanters
Grab a basket and fill it with something to communicate the color and theme of your cart, like fresh apples. You can also use other seasonal fruits like figs, pomegranates, pears or persimmons.
Layering is key, Martin says. Stacking books beneath the basket gives it enough height to fill the space and not get lost.
Martin recommends styling with books whenever you’re in doubt about what to use in a space. They are great for adding height and dimension as well as color to your setup. The stylist chose these for their autumnal hues. She recommends removing the book jackets for a streamlined look.
Add a cute sign or piece of art. Martin found this customizable letter board on Amazon.
Finish with a fun cocktail! Martin shares her recipe for a spicy spiked hot cocoa below.
Spicy Hot Chocolate Cocktail
Begin by toasting some marshmallows.
Begin by toasting some marshmallows.
Hot Cocoa
Make your favorite hot cocoa and add it to four glasses, or use this recipe:
Add all of the ingredients to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until smooth and simmering. Remove from heat.
Make your favorite hot cocoa and add it to four glasses, or use this recipe:
- 4 cups milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Add all of the ingredients to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until smooth and simmering. Remove from heat.
Add 1 ounce of tequila to the hot cocoa in each glass.
Top with the toasted marshmallows. Center them on a skewer or sturdy twig to give the drinks a rustic look.
To finish, sprinkle with cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
To finish, sprinkle with cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
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wow it sounds and looks like a great tasting hot chocolate! Very awesome bar cart!
This not only sounds delicious but looks it too! By the way, curious where you got the insulated canteen?
The customizable letter board gives it more character and wonder. What a brilliant way to set the mood!