How to Create the Perfect Spring Bar Cart

I'd say it's about time I shared some bar cart inspo given that it's been almost 6 months that it's been sitting in my dining room! To be honest, I was feeling little uninspired to create a winter-themed setup, so put things on the back burner until Spring.

I will say, it took a lot of trial and error, figuring out what to put where and trying not to overdo it, but I'm so happy with how everything came out and can't wait to share some of my favorite bar cart essentials with you, along with a few simple + refreshing Spring cocktails!

Need some Fall bar cart inspo? Check out my Halloween bar carts.

Top Level

The top level of your bar cart is what's going to be the main focus, which is why it's important to split it up about 70/30 glassware to decor. Back corner spaces are a great place for a floral arrangement or a decorative object! I recommend mixing in some height to achieve a more balanced look. Have some fun with textures and colors. I love the addition of opaque, colored glassware mixed in with your standard clear glass. 

+ The gorgeous pink textured glasses are older from Anthropologie. Here's a very similar style (another option here)!

+ Also picked up these frosted gold rimmed highball glasses (similar option linked) from Anthropologie. I bought a set of 6 but keep the rest stored away - which I think is totally okay! As much as a bar cart is intended to be practical, you don't have to have full sets out on display at all times (as long as they're easily accessible!).

+ Your top level is also a great place to display your 'prettier' liquors. These Ketel One Botanical bottles were too good of a match with my overall color scheme not to include! I'll sometimes swap these out for our scotch decanter, too.

+ Do books belong on a bar cart? Who knows, but they looked super cute. Shop them here + here

 

Bottom Level

Think of the bottom level of your bar cart as your overflow...that should still look pretty. It's a great place for larger sets of glassware that you want to keep out, pitchers, or bigger bottles that may take up too much room at the top. As with the top, I recommend mixing in some decor (I went with more colored florals because, Spring) along with some color.

+ I keep my frosted pitcher (more options here) on the bottom level, which is a great piece to have access to when I'm mixing a small batch of cocktails.

+ Also keep a lot of my higher glasses down here, like champagne flutes and traditional highball mixers. I stumbled upon these champagne glasses with a chunky, modern stem and fell in love.

+ I will say, my margarita glasses deserve a spot on the top row. These are hand blown and from forever ago, but I love this this green recycled glass option.

 

Put your bar cart to good use with these 5 refreshing Spring cocktails

It would be totally wrong of me to leave you without a few cocktail recipes! I personally like to keep my cocktails fresh and simple (lots of sugar and mixes are a pass for me).

1. Ketel One Spritz - Ketel One Botanical Cucumber + Mint and seltzer on the rocks. Dangerously refreshing (it literally tastes like cucumber water).

2. The Paloma - Another under-5 ingredient cocktail that's refreshing with a touch of sweet! If you're a grapefruit lover, it's a must-try.

3. Spiked Blue Raspberry Lemonade - Okay, I know I'm contradicting myself with the 'to sweet' thing, but lemonade is my weakness (esp when it's freshly made!) and who doesn't love anything blue raspberry?!

4. Cucumber Lime + Tequila - Similar to a margarita, but with a bit of a fresher flavor.

5. Strawberry Gin Smash - Not the biggest fan of gin, but you can substitute this cocktail with your favorite liquor.