Styling Serving Carts

A few days ago I posted a blog with some pics of my new obsession, serving/bar carts. I was lucky enough to be gifted one over 9 years ago. However, it had to be put in storage cause I had 2 young rambunctious boys. Now, that these boys are a little tame, I decided that it was my turn to enjoy the cart. 

I love a couple things about this cart. One, it was purchased from an Estate Sale. If you follow my Pinterest Board, you will see that I love serving carts, but I am not a fan of running out to your local furniture chain store and purchasing one. Shop around at estate sales, flea markets or even online on craigslist! This specific cart definitely had some fun times serving up drinks through the 60’s. 

When I attend flea markets, I crave over 1960’s entertainment ware. I love the fact that it was a way of life. The kids upstairs in their pajamas, falling asleep on mommies bed, while the adults were down stairs serving up some Jack. 

So, remember, if you get inspired, shop vintique for your cart. Also, when styling your cart it might take some time. I only have a few key items that will remain on my cart. In the mean time, I am on the prowl for 1960 inspired glasses with silver or gold embellishments, vintage decanters, glassware, etc. No need to run to Target or Crate & Barrel and rush the beauty of styling with vintiques. 

Also, the backdrop to any bar cart is important. The bar cart was going in our living room against a wall that was used as a gallery wall for family shots. Well, when serving up a drink, no body wants to stare at us. I knew I needed to change that up. On my Pinterest Board you will see some great backdrops with accent wall paper, an accent wall color, art and more. 

Don’t be surprised if I update this post in a few months with additional estate sale finds to style the cart or even a new color on the wall to make the brass of the cart pop!

THE BEFORE

DECANTERS: these were gifts from my mom to my husband with engraved designs of city’s he completed marathons in. Personalized from The Crystal Cave

Since it is the Holidays, I took out our collection of glass mugs from Marshall Fields (now Macy’s): every year we go to see Santa and drink hot chocolate in these collection mugs. First one dates back to 1992. Now my husband and I take the kids and grandma every year to continue this tradition that my mom started when I was younger. In the white container, I put candy canes and will put cinnamon sticks when serving hot apple cider

 Some pop of color that you can drink

I remember that ice bucket since I was a little girl. I always loved it. 

This is my only gold embellished glassware so far. Gifted from my husbands cousins from Peru. Off to Estate Sales to find more

Recently, Chicago lost a great man and chef, Charlie Trotter. We attended his restaurant for our 2 year anniversary and got his autograph. After the sad news, the menu from that evening deserved a new frame and a new spot in our home. 

Our Wedding invitation that was framed by a dear friend, Leslie

AND THE AFTER