Cheers! Curating a Stylish Home Bar

May 2, 2024

We both love to entertain! And as our weekend plans are about to be in full swing, having a well-planned bar is one of the most important parts of a successful gathering. If there is any space in our homes that has flourished over the last few years, it’s the home bar. It’s our go-to spot for unwinding after a long day with a glass of rose or a dirty martini. It’s also the spot that makes your guests feel welcomed and well cared for. It’s the heart of the party.

Setting up a great bar is almost like directing a movie—it’s what everyone sees on screen without thinking about the orchestration behind the scenes to make sure it captures the audience. And, of course, being interior designers, we want to make sure it looks beautiful.

So whether you enjoy classic cocktails or mocktails, a neat pour, or you’re a wine enthusiast, keep these tips in mind to help set the scene for a successful and memorable party.

CHOOSE A LOCATION FOR THE BAR

Depending on the size of your space, a well-styled bar cart or a bar cabinet is great. It draws people in. Everybody knows where it is, and it’s approachable—so guests can get in and out quickly, without feeling awkward about pouring themselves a drink.

GATHER YOUR GLASSWARE

Make sure that you have plenty of glasses available for your guests. We like to use the right type of glass for each cocktail. It may sound silly, but we would never want to take away someone’s enjoyment of their drink by serving it in the wrong glass.

That said, as space can be limited, we don’t have 10 different glasses on hand for every conceivable cocktail out there. Instead, we stock up on inexpensive straight-sided glasses (like these from Crate & Barrel) that work for many different drinks—whether straight up or on the rocks. They also look great when they’re lined up on a tray or in a cabinet, and best of all, they can go through the dishwasher. They’re even good for a game of beer pong.

DON’T FORGET THE BAR TOOLS

Yes, bar tools are needed to make a drink, so be sure to have them on hand. Think cocktail shakers, a jigger to measure the right quantities of spirits, a muddler, a bowl for garnishes, and a small cutting board. Depending on what you are serving, these tools come in handy.

SAY YES TO ICE

Yes, every bar needs ice. No one wants to start making their drink by having to walk over to your fridge to get some, so an ice bucket comes in handy. And with all the silicone molds that are available now, it’s easier than ever to have a variety of ice cubes on hand. You can choose playful shapes (like the ones we found on Amazon) or even freeze edible flowers inside an ice cube. Have fun here. Just don’t forget to keep replacing the ice throughout the party—there’s nothing more depressing than a puddle of melted ice. And be sure to include a set of tongs so people won’t need to use their hands to pick up the ice.

REMEMBER SWIZZLE STICKS AND COCKTAIL NAPKINS

Everyone needs a cocktail napkin. While we prefer linen ones like these fun embroidered ones on Etsy to elevate the drinking experience, they’re not practical for larger gatherings. This is where a paper cocktail napkin comes in handy. And with so many, colorful ones out there with fun sayings, it’s a great way to get a smile out of your guests.

We love swizzle sticks! They’re a great companion for any cocktail. And they’re also essential for keeping some mixed drinks stirred. But for fun and decorative purposes, they pull their weight.

STYLISH ELEMENTS

While the art of mixing a cocktail is a serious craft for a lot of people, we also like to add some sculptural decorative pieces to our home bar. After all, we are designers. Whether it’s a fun vase with greenery, this brass peace sign we found on Wayfair, or this “Ring for Champagne” sign we also found on Etsy it adds some flare to the space. You can also add a patterned ice bucket like this one here from Neiman Marcus. In the end, remember that the bar’s main goal is to welcome guests into your home. While you want it to be functional, you also want it to be beautiful.

Below are some of our favorite finds for your home bar. So let’s break out the champagne flutes and celebrate. Just make sure that the ice in the bucket isn’t melted. Cheers!