Stocking a Bar Cart for Spring Entertaining

Throwing a spring soiree? Stock your bar cart for seasonal gatherings with these simple decorating and entertaining must-haves.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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©Rustic White Photography

Toasting to Spring

To keep party guests in good spirits, the outdoor dining area of this Atlanta bungalow is equipped with a champagne-stocked bar cart. Since springtime fare is typically light and casual, simply stocking the cart with lush greenery and basic drinkware is all you need to do.

Set a Color Scheme

When it comes to adding color to a bar cart, it's best to work with the same hues found in the surrounding decor and tabletop elements. Here, gold, bronze and mossy greens were used for an earthy outdoor vibe. In addition, the palette also complements the mixers and chilled champagne.

Coordinate With Trays

Once several items are placed onto a tray, its lines frame the objects, turning them into a well-curated collection. You can suggest garnish pairings for drinks by presenting glassware and ramekins of garnishes together on the same tray.

Set Up a Champagne Station

Champagne is often associated with formal gatherings, but in recent years it has become appropriate for more casual settings. Keep champagne chilled on ice with flutes placed nearby. This will encourage guests to pour their own glasses and mingle.

Keep Small Serveware Handy

Bite-sized appetizers and cocktails are excellent for informal gatherings since guests can sip and nibble as they make their way in and out of conversations. Stock the bar with ceramic coasters which can double as mini plates for appetizers.

Always Provide Water

Ice water is one of the first things to run out at an outdoor soiree. To ensure all guests stay hydrated, keep a pitcher of ice water handy, and make it mobile by placing it on a tray with tumblers. Should the springtime sun start to heat things up, this will ensure guests remain nice and cool.

Layer Different Finishes

When choosing metallics for your bar, consider layering the cart with different finishes. While the faux bamboo bar cart is made of bronze in a clean, glossy finish, the ice bucket adds a warmer version of the same metal in an oil-rubbed finish.

Dress Up the Space With Flowers

Put an unexpected twist on greenery by using a repurposed "vase." Here, life is added to the bar cart with fresh-cut flowers displayed in a ceramic tea kettle.

Have Extra Vases on Hand

Guests to spring gatherings are likely to arrive with cut flowers as a kind gesture to their hosts. It's wise to have extra vessels on hand to ensure any surprise flowers can instantly be put on display.

Stocking a Bar Cart for Spring Entertaining

Related To:

Shop This Look

Toasting to Spring

Set a Color Scheme

Coordinate With Trays

Set Up a Champagne Station

Keep Small Serveware Handy

Always Provide Water

Layer Different Finishes

Dress Up the Space With Flowers

Have Extra Vases on Hand

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