Home Bar Styling Ideas

Home bar styling ideas serves up a concoction of chic options for designing and decorating a curated happy hour at home.

Note of interest: The original version of this popular post got lost in the deleted files debacle several weeks ago. Too good to lose and too fun not to rewrite, may I present to you this new/updated version of Home Bar Styling Ideas.

Cheers!

When it comes to the home bar, the addition of decorative accouterments serve to visually enhance the mix and the mingle area designed and designated for inspired gathering.

Timeless, classic, and instantly inviting, the perennial favorite color combination of blue and white possesses a knows no bounds quality.

Flower Magazine – Photography by David Hillegas

Traditional to a tee, modern farmhouse chic, or regally required Country French; blue and white ceramic and porcelain accents qualify as a decorative chameleon, beautifully adapting as a principle player in the design style scenario.

Antique Hepplewhite Style Flame Mahogany Sideboard

Charleston Wine/Champagne Bucket

East Urban Home 4 – Piece 14oz. Glass Whiskey Glass Glassware Set

Stud Decanter

Blue Barware Set

Godinger Dublin Goblet – Set of 4

Silver Metal – Gallery Originals Candlesticks (Pair) – 1984

Distinctive accessories further advancing the chosen theme lend style to the mix – a visual garnish if you will.

You’ll never make a decor misstep with classic blue and white porcelain vases and accents.

Chinoiserie Champagne Bucket

Spode Dinnerware, Blue Italian Liverpool Pitcher

Brand new out of the box or of the vintage variety- pitchers serve the dual purpose of function and finery.

Antique Schafer & Vater Jasperware Cameo Small Pitcher

Marlo Thomas Blue Scenic Appetizer Plates, Set of 4

Blue Italian Storage Jar

Styling a home bar works off the same principle applied to styling a coffee table.

X marks the center spot which is the prime location for a medium or low height object placement.

Outer areas balance the method with graduated heights to continue the flow and engage the eye.

Barbie Style Print

From cart to cabinet, achieve a smooth and stylish blend by mingling classic barware tools and essentials with on-trend accents and accessories of various decorating styles to create contrast, conversation, and home bar banter.

SAFAVIEH Silva 2 Tier Octagon Bar Cart-Rose Gold

Esme Fluted Champagne Glass Sets

Morgan Decanter

Rex Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 8

 Lori Morris Design 

Celebration Wine Bowl

EBTH

Signature style blends smooth with a signature cocktail.

Hatch Punch Bowl and Champagne Bucket

Waterfall Tulip Glasses, Set of 4

Archie Drinking Glasses (Set of 6)

Below is a cocktail collection of favored types of cocktail glasses ready to stock and serve your home bar needs.

Wine- white

Wine- basic red

Pilsner (Beer)

Highball (Collins)

Rocks

Martini

Cocktail

Coupe

Flute

Thoughtful bar accessories include accents to set the tone for home bar styling ideas such as this super cute idea for a farmhouse style home bar shot glass or jigger.

Pewter Cow Creamer

Home Bar FYI:

Shot glasses range in size from 1 to 1¼  to 1½ ounces.

A pony shot equals 1 fluid ounce.

A jigger equals 1½ fluid ounces.

Architectural Digest – Photography by Douglas Friedman

Scholl Solid Wood Accent Cabinet

Boston Lighthouse Shaker

Alkemist 6 Piece Stemmed Double Old Fashion Glass Set

New England Home –  Photography by Michael J. Lee

Wedgwood Inspired Jasperware Hellenic Green Glassware Set- 9 Pieces

Stunning options serve a refreshing look and frame a unique home bar area where the mix and the marvel is in details, proportion, and placement.

Antique Tiger Oak Kidney Shaped Writing Desk

Where one sees an antique desk, a keen eye sees a piece better utilized as a distinctive home bar.

Elliot Decanter

Unique pieces in your home bar portfolio never fail to start a “where did you get this?” conversation.

In terms of the design, decorating, and crafting of the cocktail home bar, I like to place the emphasis on personalizing the bar space with pieces and potions that make a special connection to your personality.

Vintage Ceramic Creamers

Measures of particular spirits look so lovely poured from a vintage creamer serving as a jigger.

Vintage Ashtray Heavy Glass Hand Painted Flowers – Nasco Yellow and White

Back in the day before most of us became smarter and healthier and the laws of the land changed, the ash tray was a standard part of the cocktail bar landscape.

Vintage Dog Head Ashtray

Adopting a don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater prospective, consider a vintage ash tray (thoroughly washed, of course) repurposed as a cocktail spoon or stirrer holder.

Makes a great conversation piece.

My Domaine –  Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Diamond Decanter with Glass Stopper

Nachtmann Punk Decanter

Thuya Burl Box

Accent chests and cabinets easily transform into a stylish home bar.

Dann Foley White, Black, Gold Accent Cabinet

Modern Glam 2-Door Accent Sideboard

West Street Ice Bucket

Punk Whiskey Decanter and Double Old Fashioned Set

Winter months and cozy at home times make for cozy prime warm beverage non-alcoholic drinking times- another great option for a home bar set up.

Better Homes & Gardens – Photo by Kritsada Panichgul

Cyan Design Roscoe Tray Roscoe 18.5″ Diameter Metal Tray – Nickel

Dress up cocktails and mocktails with one of these delightful  garnish ideas

Honeycomb

Crushed-up Peppermint

Orange Peel Spirals

Apple Slices

Fresh Mint Leaves

Coconut Flakes

Cinnamon Sticks

Crisp Bacon

Chocolate Shavings

Sugar in the Raw

Crushed Cookies

Old Bay

Pickled Green Beans

Julia Reed – One Kings Lane

Set up a scene from home tray at nip and nosh time with local or regional recipes and decor accents.

Vintage Karges Louis XVI Walnut Low Chest of Drawers w Carved Fronts

 Tomball 6 – Piece 9oz. Glass All Purpose Wine Glass Glassware Set 

Antique Marx Gutherz Carlsbad Austria Oyster Plate

Whiskey Glass (Set of 4)

Mila Oyster Bottle Opener

Accessorizing the bar cart, cabinet, tray, or tabletop proves an entertaining and easy endeavor when you have a theme to build upon.

12 Oz Water Glasses with Stem and Colored Rim, Set of 6

Eyes Cocktail Napkins, Set of 4

Black and White Female Portrait Print

Play up your cocktail corner of the world by introducing whimsical finds and unique additions.

Ginger Barber Interior Design

Burma Rattan Beverage Tub Small

Woven Rattan & Pine Wood Cabinet with 3 Shelves & 2 Doors

Pleat 12 Piece Set of Double Old Fashion, Highball, and Goblet Glasses

Seoneiro Whiskey Tray

A&B Home Ashlyn Gold Round Mirror

Handmade Natural Rattan Wicker Table – Accent Table

Rattan Ice Bucket

Victoria Magazine
Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele

Styling by Jan Ware

Wilton Armetale Wine Goblet , Silver

Fragment Antiqued Gold Buffet Table Lamp By Lucas McKearn

Cocktails and conversation pieces make for a visually interesting mix.

Photography by Eric Plasecki & Peter Krumhardt

Although too early for a cocktail at this writing, I am streaming Jazzy 93.7 KJZY The Greatest Songs of All Time from Sonoma County. I love the tunes live from wine country.

How’s that for cocktail conversation?

House Beautiful – Photography by Donna Dotan

Dial Hand Cut Decanter

Orbit Goblets, Set Of 4

Dublin 5-Piece Wine Set

Decorative items steeped in whimsy dress and impress with a splash of fun.

Hammered Metal Container with Rabbit Finial

Cocktail stirrers, straws, and mixology tools house well in unique trinket dishes.

Bronze Tiger Trinket Tray

Hubert Zandberg Interiors

Rosewood Chrome Floral Bar Cart with Mirror Bottom and Glass Top

Spectrum Decanter

Hatch Cocktail Glass

Antique Style English Bulldog Portrait Painting

Antique Dark Oak Biscuit Barrel

Veranda Magazine – Photography by J. Savage Gibson

Jeffords Stainless Steel Beverage Tub

Elle Decor Colored Vintage Wine Glasses Set of 6

Silver Nautilus Wine Bucket

One Kings Lane

Adding a decorative clam shell as housing for cocktail garnishes, stirrers, or salt/sugar rimmers carries out a cocktails on the coast concept.

Silver Aluminum Shell Shell Decorative Bowl

MDLUU Liquor Decanter

 

Mid-Century Modern Metal Mushroom Accent Table Lamp, Set of 2

Sofia Wood and Rattan Counter Height Barstool Natural

Theme decorating is a Bahama breeze when it comes to coming up with decorative touches to bring the look together.

Seaside Moby Whale Bottle Opener

High Seas Spirit Nautical Steampunk Octopus Glass Spirit Decanter

Reimagine the purpose of a dresser, chest, or console as a distinctive home bar piece.

Kristina Crestin Design 

Drawers become excellent housing options for barware, tools, linens, and glassware.

Italian Walnut Chest

Glassware and decanters cut heavy in color, pattern and texture introduce a curated quality.

Zaza Lustered Decanter

Wine Goblets Set of 6 Multicolor

Better Homes & Gardens

Vintage Etched Goblets

Vintage Etched Wine Decanter

Mosser Glass GiGi 70oz Pitcher in Eggplant

Godinger Dublin Wine Decanter

 Marie Flanigan Interiors

Bar shelves- love it!

Tall Arched Antique Gold Metal Framed 3-Tier Mirrored Shelf

KNOF design

SAFAVIEH Grayson Storage Beige Bar Cabinet

 Design Storms

Gibson Home Acropolis 5 Piece Decanter and Double Old Fashioned Glasses Set

Mixology Textures Spirits Decanter

I’ve found the secret to successful entertaining is creating ambiance.  A space drenched in simple yet elegant ambiance is festive, comfortable, cozy, and inviting- an entertaining cocktail hour/party win.

 Martha Stewart – Photography by Paul Costello

Dorset Toasting Flutes, Set of 2

Aluminum Stand-Alone Wine Cooler

Statement Glassware

DesignStyles Acrylic Folding Tray Table

House Beautiful

If impressive is the goal, simply elegant guides a well-appointed home bar tabletop libation station.

Slim White Wood Console Table

Lacquer Wood Trays

Serving trays come in all shapes, sizes, and finishes.

Ellis Art Print 23 Beautiful Antique Sea Ocean Red Coral

Viv All Purpose Big Wine Glasses, Set of 8

Solid Red Enamelware Round Serving Tray

Console, cabinet, chest, or cart- cheers to the glamorously chic home bar, stylish and responsible entertaining and the holiday sip and social season.

Dorset Martini Mixer

DIY Ice Bucket Project Perfection from Rachel Hollis

Clear Golden Serving Bar Cart with Handle and Wheels

Luxurious Highball Cocktail Sparkling “Diamond” Studded Glasses

angelo:HOME Alcott 3-Tier Gold Metal Bar Cart

Jasperware Glasses

Vintage Wedgwood Jasperware Unglazed Mini Pitcher Creamer Greek Revival

Anchor Hocking Fairfield Green Glass Pedestal Bowl

Making spirits bright this holiday social season starts with the well-appointed home bar.

House & Home

For the holiday season, entertain replacing decanter tops with glass ornaments for a festive touch.

Vintage decanters always invite conversation and admiration, and this Victorian Milk Glass decanter makes my point.

Victorian Milk Glass Decanter

Gustavian Grey French Provincial Bachelors Chest Commode

Blue and white is such a classic color combination, and the pairing of a Toile glass ornament with this decanter takes your Christmas cocktail presentation to an outstanding level.

Biltmore Crystal Decanter with Stopper

Transparent Wine Decanter

Pick up a set of 6 acrylic icicle ornaments for sip and swirl cocktail stirrers for now, take home favor for fa la la later.

Melania 9 oz. Stemmed Wine Glass

Kingsley Metal Tray

Vintage Style Coupe Glass, Set of 4

The Pioneer Woman Amelia Goblet, Rose

It’s not a party until there’s a disco ball!

Metal Disco Ball Ice Bucket

Glass Disco Martini, 4 Piece Set

Glasshouse Fragrances White Christmas Candle

Disco New Year’s Eve, mid-winter soiree, or baby, it’s cold outside so let’s warm up indoors- matters not the occasion or the libation for that matter.

Pemberly Row Modern 3-Shelf Glass and Metal Bar Cart in Satin Gold

With a colorful bottle here and a bowl of bites there, gather together in festive merriment around a visually delightful designed bar cart.

Set of 6 Bohemian Crystal Style Cut Czech Tumbler Set

Bormioli Rocco Florian Highball Glasses Set of 4

Southern Living

Space always comes under placement consideration, but do not overlook otherwise unremarkable areas.

Casually chic corner placement draws the eye and the attention to effortless detail.

Big impact comes forth from small spaces and places in the home.

Desaree Wood Bar Cart

Light Woven Oval Tray

Rooster Table Lamp

Rooster Garden Statue

 Vintage Reproduction Rooster Cocktail Shaker

CafePress Vintage Rooster, French Advertising Pint Glass, 16 oz. Drinking Glass

Mosser Glass Vintage Style Nesting Hen

Southern in tradition with just the right blend of flavors to season the sip and serve hour, this recipe for easy-to-make homemade cheese straws will become a must have appetizer accompaniment to the cocktail hour.

Domino – Photography by Eric Piasecki
Architecture by Gil Schafer – Design by Rita Konig

Old Colony Furniture Co. Faux Bamboo Butler’s Bar Cart

Rattan Scallop Deep Ottoman Tray

Veranda Magazine – Photography by Alison Gootee

4-Piece Bamboo Bar Tool Set with Stand

Foster Cherry 2 Tier Bar Cart

 

SAFAVIEH Hidden Treasures Glass Top Brass Accent Table

Rumi Tortoiseshell Double Old Fashioned Glass

Hampton 36 in. Light Brown Specialty Wood Demilune Console

Tortoise Glass Cocktail Shaker

Jenn Feldman Designs

Franklin Double Old-Fashioned Glass

Canora Grey Norwell Stainless Steel Tray

Marlo Thomas Tortoise Shell Cocktails Napkins, Set of 4

In Spirits of the Holiday Style-

Flower Magazine – Photography by Tria Giovan

Holiday decorating applies to bar cart, tabletop, and cabinet.

Fresh or faux greens, stems, branches and a little imagination dresses, decks, and delights serving pieces.

The Digital Craft Co.

Handcarved Land & Sky Buffet By Anthropologie in Grey

Sips and snacks suit the season.

Ham and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

White Stoneware Plates with Gold Rims, 8 in.

Ezra Optic Decanter

Lorren Home Trends Red Goblets (Set of 6)

Zelda Etched Decanter

Embellished 24K Gold Crystal High Ball Tumbler (Set of 4)

Initial Monogram Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6

Dublin Triangle Decanter

Sagittarius Cocktail Recipe

 2-Door Sunburst Accent Storage Cabinet

Studded Glass Decanter by Viski

Colored Coupe Art Deco Glasses, Gold

Better Homes & Gardens

Gent Altered Portrait Vintage Painting

Preserved Cedar Foliage

Photo by Tijana Drndarski

Modern Accent Cabinet with 2-Door and Adjustable Shelves

Majestic Gifts Inc. S/6 Glass Highball Tumblers

Unique Shaped Decanter with Gold Bottom

A&B Home Brass Antique Twig Bar Cart

Victoria Magazine – Photography Mac Jamieson

Nutcracker Wine Chiller

Watercolor Holiday Nutcracker Double Old Fashioned Glass

Nutcracker Bar Tool Set, 6 Pieces

Garden & Gun

Etched Floral Coupe Glasses, Set of 4

Dublin 5-Piece Wine Set

Red Pinecone Cut Goblets

PPD Celebrate Cocktail Napkins

30″ Christmas Drooping Pine With Red Bauble & Bows Wreath

Midwest Living – Photography by Kimberly Cornelison

Thorold 2 Door Square Accent Cabinet

Wilshire Decanter, Red

Antique Cut Double Old Fashioned Glasses

Oriental Furniture Red Lacquer Courtyard Cabinet 

 

Dublin Red Hurricane Goblet

Mini Santa mugs become super cute shot glasses.

Sipping in a winter wonderland.

White Christmas Margarita Recipe

Snowflake Dinnerware

Snacks go well with seasonal cocktails, and the clear candy kiss dishes house nuts, pretzels, etc… in holiday fashion.

 Candy Dish Collection from Godinger

Southern Living – Photography by Kat Teutsch / Big Leo

 

Stud Decanter

  4pk Porcelain Wexford Dinner Plates

Vintage White Milk Glass Small Glasses

Haglund Bar/Letters Snack 3 Piece Nut Bowl Set

Acopa Alchemy Hammered Stainless Steel Mint Julep Cup- Set of 4

Etched Floral Coupe Glasses, Set of 4, Created for Macy’s

Fluted Coupe Glasses, Set of 4

Southern Living

Boxwood Garland

Antique Brass Tassel Footed Tray

Hudson Grace Double Champagne Bucket

Luttrell Indoor Aluminum Handcrafted Champagne Cooler

Viv Champagne Glasses, Set of 8

3 Gallon Dispenser

Britta Optic 3-Gallon Punch Bowl

House & Home – Photography by Ema Peter

Heirloom quality.

Dollar store nickel-plated serving trays make a lovely presentation and prove budget-friendly. I use these trays for everything from serving trays to cocktail napkin holders to coasters.

Silverwing Interiors

Monkey Bar Tool Set

Frosted Monkey Highball Glasses, Set of 2

Monkey King Glass

Monkey Cocktail Shaker

Gold Polystone Monkey Sculpture with Bicycle

Chester Gold Monkey Table Lamp w/Blue Velvet Shade

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Laurey W. Glenn

Cocktails on the range, farm, or ranch courtesy of casually elegant pieces.

Saluti II Black Metal Frame Cage with 3-Wood Shelves Oval Bar Cart

Vintage Seltzer Bottles

American Icon Buffalo Sculpture

Arthur Court Stainless Steel Mesh Picnic Food Cover

Andres Leather Ice Bucket

Sheep Head Decorative Small Wall Sculpture

Fitz and Floyd Daphne 5-piece Whiskey Set – Copper

Clear Dark Leather Strap Wine Cooler

William Switzer ‘Piedmont’ Landscape Painted Sideboard Cabinet

Acrylic Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 4

Table Lamp with Urn Style Base with Floral Designs

Decorative Glass Cloche with Metal Tray

Squirrel Candy – Nut Bowl

Tuscany Classics – Whiskey 3pc Set

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Paul Costello

Decorative Woven Seagrass Tray with Handles

Copper Style Ice Bucket

Johnnie Walker Red Label Crate

Better Homes & Gardens- Round Galvanized Tub

Slesinski Design Group, Inc.

My Texas House Metal Casted Stag Pillar Candle Holder Gold Finish

Vintage Baroque Rococo Interior Design Stag Wall Sconces

Stag Champagne Bowl

12″ Diameter Aluminum Ice Bucket with Scoop

Holiday Etched Double Old Fashioned Glass or Wine Goblet

Hot toddy anyone?

Sullivans Gold Pine Mug – Set of 4, Gold

Aged White Darby Deer Head Wall Decor Accent

Round Wooden Serving Tray with Reindeer Handles

Figural Stag Liquor Decanter

Figural Stag Double Old Fashioned Glasses – Set of 2

Malachi Glass Wine & Champagne Bucket with Pewter Antler Handles

Veranda Magazine – Photography by Alison Gootee

Arthur Court Designs Horse Pitcher

Elk Head Nut Bowl

Horn Handled Ice Scoop

Arthur Court Designs Aluminum Alligator Skin 6″ Bowl

Raffael Bar Cabinet Carved Black Wash

Lismore Black Collection

Luxurious Highball Cocktail Sparkling”Diamond” Studded Glasses

Flea Market Style Magazine Photo: Edmund Barr Photography

DIY projects turn out some of the most unique items such as this cigar box serving tray.

Cut the lid to fit inside the bottom of the box; glue in place.

Spray box with sealant.

Drill holes and screw handles to box.

Attach adhesive bumper pads to underside.⠀

Southern Living – Photography by Hector Sanchez 

Good authority tells me the color green will be big on the style scene in 2023.

Gold Gilt Federal Eagle Bulls Eye Mirror

Brass and Glass Bar Cart with Acorn Finials

Schatzi Brown Leopard Tan Wine Chiller

Leopard Lumbar Pillow Cover

English Regency Style Accent Chair

French Louis XV Style Cheetah Print Upholstered Bergere Or Settee

Gold Leopard Glam Table Lamp – (Set of 2 )

Patricia Altschul Set of 2 Gold Animal Bottle Openers w/Giftbox

Gold Leopard Stemless Wine Glasses, Set of 4

Keke Appetizer Plate

Lucas Eilers Design Associates

Whetzel Bar Cart

Initial Monogram Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6

American Brilliant Period Water Wine Liquor Decanter Carafe

Alluring Serving Cart, Golden Plated and Clear Glass

Gatsby Carafe

Braziel 4 – Door Cabinet

Badash Crystal Chelsea Ice Bucket

Dublin Ice Bucket

Louisiana lagniappe reflects a sense of home state home which reflects a sense of my personal style.

StyleCraft Grey with Whitewash Wooden Cabinet with Mirror Design

Alligator Bottle Opener

Alligator Ice Scoop

Graham 82 oz. Hammered Metal Pitcher

Slate Ice Bucket

Southern entertaining and the home bar go together like Tabasco and tomato juice.

Lovely how a bit of imagine results in an outdoor grill becoming a Bloody Mary bar accessorized with vintage serving pieces of silver, crystal, pottery, and porcelain.

Southern Living

Take the home bar styling ideas outdoors. Cocktails on the front or the back porch strike a chord of Southern charm.

 Garden & Gun Magazine – Photography by Morgan & Owens

Glass Pitcher with Seagrass Weave Jacket & Handle

Glass Rattan Tumbler, 4 Piece Set

Magnolia Coasters, Set of 6

Magnolia with a modern flair.

 Laura U Interior Design

Zuni Z Bar Cart Umber

Arthur Court Magnolia Bar Glasses, Set of 4

Silver Plated Tray

Southern Living Idea House – Crane Island

Ambrielle Rattan/Wicker Bar Cart

Cane Mixing Bowl by Mason Cash

Glitter Guide

A Mardi Gras mambo always adds Louisiana style to the mix and the mingle.

Drinking Glasses Set Green Glassware (2, Wine Goblet)

Jax Highball Glasses, Set of 4

Thomas Jayne – One Kings Lane

Vintage Culver Mardi Gras Jester Glasses 

Whiskey Glass (Set of 4)

Glass “Elixir” Bottle

French Pierrot Jewelry Box, Ceramic Sad Clown Figure Trinket Dish

Loki Lavender Dessert Plate

Domino

Everything old is new and in style again.

Howard Miller Open Cellar II Solid Wood Foyer Liquor Cabinet

Modern Metal Desk Lamp with Touch Sensor

Jack Nicholson @ China Town Framed Print

Eve Smoke Coupe Cocktail Glasses Set of 4

Buchanan Cocktail Mixing Glass

French Charles X Antique Mahogany & Elm Wood 2 Tone Round Center Table

Love & Victory Engraved There In Spirits Glass

Hawthorne Cocktail Shaker Set

Be it cart, accent cabinet, table or countertop, decorative home bar accessories that catch the eye, start a conversation, and bring a hint of yesteryear stock the well-appointed home bar hospitality station with distinctive style and personality.

Trademark Games Acrylic Dominos 28-Piece Domino Game with Case, Gold

Bees Knees Cocktail Set

The Bee’s Knees Cocktail Mixer

House & Home – Photography by John Cullen

Utilize drawers for storing wine glasses.

Minka Mid-Century Scalloped Front Cabinet Black

Gas Pump Dispenser

Camilo Double Old-Fashioned Glasses (set of 4)
Della All-Purpose Glasses (set of 4)

Cocktails and conversation take place around unique home bar pieces.

Steven Sclaroff

Accents mix well together to create ambiance and flow.

Gold with Black Shade Hammered Metallic Table/Desk Lamp

A small accent lamp layers a enhanced soft light, and a chic set of appetizer plates (salad plates work well, too) frame a tasty nip and nosh.

Black & White Medallion Stoneware Salad Round Plates, 4 Pack

Radius Decanter

Airplane Decanter Set

Serge 2 Door Accent Cabinet

Take Off Cocktail Shaker

Airplane Base Shot Glass

Brixton 12-Ounce Rocks Glass

Four Airplane Coasters

Metal Airplane Propeller Wall Decor Clock 

Hip Vintage Rod Hand Cut and Polished Glass Decanter

Steady-Temp 8 oz. Martini Glass

Fluted Whiskey Decanter 
Mixology Elixer Spirits Decanter

Golf Club Cocktail Set

Stainless-Steel Cocktail Picks, Set of 6

Stainless Steel Martini Picks (Set of 6)

Degroff Silver Cocktail Shaker

Silver Aluminum 6 Bottles Ice Bucket

Stovetop Sugar Free Candied Nuts 

Entertain these home bar styling ideas for a finished result that’s one part glamour, one part personal style, and one part fabulous now being served.

 

 

 

Love Family and Friends

Love family and friends fittingly suggests and describes the nouns of our lives- the people, places, and things we treasure.

Thanksgiving holiday gathering together welcomes traditions, food, friends and family into heart and home.

Photography by Jon Tyson – Unsplash 

Sharing this all things house that make a home life with you, the reader who has become the friend is a privilege. I am grateful to you for inviting me into your home through word, style, and design.

Thank you for welcoming me into your home through this show and tell.

Victoria Magazine

Personal mementos and collections tell your story to others, and that’s reason number one you should gather together and bring treasures you love to your Thanksgiving table and sideboard.

Accents, accessories, touches, and tidbits- what suits your style, taste, and personal preference is what best fits the occasion and sets an impressive holiday table.

Make memorable Thanksgiving gathering goodies by mixing the traditional with new traditions for memorable measure and the sweet with the savory seasoned with love and gratitude.

“Gratitude is when memory is stored
in the heart and not in the mind.”

—Lionel Hampton

“Forever on Thanksgiving
the heart will find the pathway home.”

—Wilbur D. Nesbit

Home is where the holiday heart is, and mine beats strong here at Places In The Home.

Our holiday celebrations are all about honoring traditions old and new, making meaningful memories, and sharing the holiday love with family, friends, and readers.

Setting the holiday table serves as a welcome to our home show and tell.

As a few of you may know, my partner in Places In The Home, life, and love, Dave the Builder, passed away last Thanksgiving evening. Beautiful memories of him and the life we built together over 40+ years top my what I’m most grateful for list.

Some of you may realize Places In The Home has been on a forced (error) vacation over these last two weeks.

Back of the house business and corrupted plugins coupled with inadvertent deletion of the files that make the site visible to the public all came together to dance the death of destructive disappearance over the pages of Places In The Home.

We’re back up and running, and for that I am grateful beyond words.

May love of family and friends, good health, the comforts of home, appreciation of beauty, and wealth in all of these richly touch you and yours.

Go Fourth All-American Fare

All-American fare consisting of spirited sips, bbq bites, and Fourth of July dessert delights await patriotic preparation.

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Steven Randazzo

Patriotic picnic provisions.

Cotton Napkins, Buffalo Check Plaid

3ct Checkered Scrunchies by hildie & jo

Summer White Star Basket With Handle

Royal Norfolk Blue Floral Dinner Plate

The Pioneer Woman Heritage Floral Round Bowl

Biltmore® Chateau Serving Platter

Summer Mini Glitter Berry Wreath

Mainstays Unscented Decorative Mottled Pillar Candles Set

Staub Tomato Mini Stoneware Cocotte

These tasty, easy, and 4th of July spectacular recipes can be found by clicking on the link below each image.

Let’s fire up the all-American fare flavor!

The Bluecoat Red White and Blue Gin and Tonic Recipe

Refreshing beverages of the leaded and/or unleaded kind kick off the festivities.

Red, White & Blue Sparkling Juice Recipe

Sparkling Cherry Limeade Recipe

Triple Berry Sparklers Recipe

Burgers, barbecued chicken, corn dogs and ribs fire up the crowd and the grill.

Swiss Mushroom Burgers Recipe

Barbecued Picnic Chicken Recipe

State fair approved corn dogs.

Corn Dogs Recipe

BBQ Ribs with Mopping Sauce Recipe

Summer Hoppin’ John Salad Recipe

The taste of home is well-represented.

Pickled Tomatoes Recipe

No photo to share, but trust me on this one; Sue and Gloria’s Baked Beans with Pineapple recipe is all-American fare spectacular.

Sue and Gloria’s Baked Beans with Pineapple

Ingredients

4 (16 oz) cans baked beans

1 (20 oz) can drained crushed pineapple

1 cup molasses

1 cup bbq sauce

2 tablespoons or yellow mustard brown mustard

6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon

1 (6 oz) can crushed French fried onions

1 tablespoon hot sauce

2 teaspoons garlic powder

So, here’s the deal- I got this recipe for Sue and Gloria’s Baked Beans with Pineapple from an episode of Paula’s Home Cooking and tried it out for the great Fourth of July camping trip of 2008.

Oven baking is not always camping convenient, but the 7 qt. slow cooker I brought from home sure is.

Easy assemble of the recipe ingredients while drinking coffee in the morning matches the easy, slow, and low 6-8 hours cooking time until the goodness comes together for dinner.

If you prefer to oven bake this recipe, you’ll find the instructions by clicking the link above.

Kentucky Butter Cake Recipe

Kentucky Butter Cake will be the featured dessert placed front and center on our Fourth of July celebration dessert table.

My paternal grandmother copied the above recipe for pound cake from the Knoxville News Sentinel newspaper years ago.

Delightful as her copied recipe is, I’ve adjusted the recipe and cooking time & temp just a smidge to better suit the taste of the baker.

Grandmother Willie’s Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

3 cups sugar

6 large eggs, room temperature

3 Tablespoons vanilla extract

3 Tablespoons almond extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon mace

¾ cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Generously spray tube pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a mixer at medium-high speed until combined.  Add eggs, one at a time and mix to incorporate.  Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and mace; mixing well.

In separate large bowl whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add ½ the dry flour mixture to creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix to combine. Pour in ½ of the heavy whipping cream mixing to combine.

Finish this step with remaining flour mixture and then ending with remaining heavy whipping cream. Spoon batter into sprayed tube pan, and place in cold oven.

Turn oven to 325°; bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 75 minutes. Allow cake to cool in tube pan before turning out onto cake plate.

Top with a generous scoop of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream or my favorite, Mayfield Signature Vanilla ice cream.

Garnish cocktails, punches, salads, and desserts with fresh raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a true red, white, and blue all-American fare taste.

Ice cream goes so good with summer and slow cooker peach cobbler.

Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler Recipe

Atlantic Beach Pie Recipe

Celebrating the 4th of July with friends and family over good food and good old fun is a let freedom ring and the good times roll summer tradition.

Go fourth and enjoy!

Patriotic Party Ideas

Patriotic party ideas ranging from color-rich decorations to delicious food and beverage recipes to beat the summer heat welcome the best of 4th of July style.

Welcome Bicycle Coir Doormat

Patriotic pretty-seasonal delicious-summer essential themed decorating, entertaining, and tablescape goodies; this patriotic party ideas picnic basket is brimming with party essentials.

Southern Living-Photography by Laurey W. Glenn

Also included throughout this post will be lovely photos of interiors awash in colors red, white, and blue for the sake of continuity and stylish measure.

 Mark D. Sikes

1stDibs – Photography by Emily Andrews

House Beautiful

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 

Rocking in the U.S.A. takes on a whole new meaning when I ponder the interiors and decor accents in the above image.

Dave the Builder had a rocking horse like the one in the photo when he was a little boy, and often referenced it throughout our courtship.

A friend found one while antiquing one afternoon in a neighboring city, phoned me, I purchased it via telephone, and presented it to Dave for his birthday that year.

Antique Primitive Glider Rocking Hobby Horse

Goodness only knows where it is at this point, but I do love this found treasure almost as much.

Keeping cool and comfortable is essential element number one in the party in the U.S.A. equation.

Today’s temperature in this neck of the woods…102°.

That’s hot, and not in the good way.

Popular opinion proves the only thing you want hot is the look, the style, the music, the grill, and the decor.

Lasko 3 Speed Box Fan

Don’t try to be a hot and humid hero- plug in and cool off.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Retro Lawn Chair

Call me old-fashioned, but it is my long-held belief it isn’t summer without a summer sittin’ session on the porch, deck, patio, balcony, or just out in the yard.

Who says the party has to be on dry land?

Hydro-Force River Tube

Pure joy!

Color, texture, and pattern combinations reminiscent of blue watercolors visually associated with summer strike a chord of style.

Artistic Weavers Cooke Industrial Abstract Area Rug

Artistic Weavers Cecelia Contemporary Navy Area Rug

Dip 29″ Ceramic LED Table Lamp, Blue/White by JONATHAN Y

SAFAVIEH Lighting 29-inch Color Swirls Glass Table Lamp

Leo 26″ Ceramic LED Table Lamp, Seaside Blue by JONATHAN Y

Building a celebration around patriotic party ideas is the primary theme, however, tablewares and serveware in classic summer colors and themes will stand up for use at other holiday and entertaining events.

Blue and white plates never fail to catch the eye and set a party table in classic form.

Royal Norfolk Blue Beaded Ceramic Dinner Plate

Tabletops Unlimited Carmine 4-pc. Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Salad Plate

Summer Watermelon Melamine Plate

Buffalo Check Melamine Dinner Plate

Royal Norfolk Red Beaded Ceramic Dinner Plate

Royal Norfolk Blue Floral Dinner Plate

Melamine Americana Salad Plates – Set of 4

Cotton Napkins, Buffalo Check Plaid

3ct Checkered Scrunchies by hildie & jo

Summer White Star Basket With Handle

Royal Norfolk Blue Floral Dinner Plate

The Pioneer Woman Heritage Floral Round Bowl

Biltmore® Chateau Serving Platter

Summer Mini Glitter Berry Wreath

Mainstays Unscented Decorative Mottled Pillar Candles Set

Staub Tomato Mini Stoneware Cocotte

You may be questioning the addition of the 3 ct. checkered scrunchies to the list, but hang on.

Brand spanking new, never ever used checkered scrunchies of red, white, and blue colors set off by patterns of eyelet and check will make super cute napkin rings.

Hey gang, did you know ears of fresh corn with the husks slightly peeled back exposing the corn kernels, grouped in threes, and tied with woven ribbon of your color, pattern and texture choice or metallic twisted rope makes a fresh summer centerpiece?

Keeping with the summer fresh theme, personal watermelons on a natural table runner paired with Pittosporum and Lemon Lime Nandina is yet another summer simple and summer chic centerpiece option.

Summer chic.

Easy and affordable.

Eye catching.

Baseball is a beloved summer sport.

“Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet,
they go together in the good ol’ USA.”

Fill a baseball themed container with blooming flowers or greenery fresh from nature’s arts and crafts store (your yard).

Hit a charcuterie or cheese board home run with this Baseball Wood Wall Decor piece from Hobby Lobby (measures 13″ in diameter making it a good fit for a serving board).

Tip: pop off the sawtooth hanger on the back so the piece will be lay even when flat.

The Pioneer Woman Heritage Floral Round Bowl

Using small bowls and platters to house your cheeses, nuts, fruits, and meats will keep the board base clean and eliminate any cross contamination to the food from the finish.

Summer tastes highlight these go fourth and celebrate recipes.

Red White and Blue Mason Jar Salad (Fruit and Feta Salad)

Fried Crispy Chicken via Your Favorite Deli Department
How Easy and Delicious Is That?

Root Beer Baked Beans

Brined, Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob

Fairground Corn Holders, Set Of 4

Nature lends a helping hand to assist in color coordinated food and drink.

Firecracker Sangria

Alma Blue Double Old-Fashioned Glass

Pretzel Crumb Caramel Banana Cream Pudding

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice-cream at 10, 2, and 4!

If you get it, you get it.

Simple projects result in casually elegant and a much needed accessory to help combat mosquitoes- the party guest pest of summer outdoor living times.

DIY Citronella candles – Click HERE for DIY details

Float seasonal flowers from the floral department at your local grocery store or nature’s arts and crafts store ( your yard) in a large galvanized bucket filled with water along with a floating candle for an impressive party light option.

Midwest Living

Proven patriotic classic.

Louisiana hurricane season has begun, and hurricane lanterns become a necessary addition for our storm kits.  The upside of preparation is the purchase of several of these lanterns and their immediate use as outdoor party lights.

Stansport 12″ Hurricane Lantern

Fabric is a party go-to solution for making tablecloths, napkins, basket and serving dish liners.

Independence Toile

Pack a patriotic party pail for partygoers with festive items that carry out the theme and the fun.

Suggestions for items to fill your plastic beach pails with are as follows:

Men’s Ocean Flip Flops

His and hers flips and/or slides.

O’Rageous Women’s 2 Buckle Americana Slides

Battery operated plastic hand-held fans paired with  individual aluminum spray bottles filled with chilled homemade rose water (the guys love this stuff almost as much as the gals).

Sparklers because they’re just so sparkly.

Photo by Ethan Hoover 

Drum up the drama and set off the visual fireworks in shades, hues and tones of regal reds, shades of white, and brilliant blues.

Invite the idea of KISS, Keep It Summer Simple, to your summer soiree and  patriotic celebrations.

Happy 4th of July!

Let freedom ring in all your stylish 4th of July party ideas glory.

Summer Scenes to Come

Summer scenes are coming into focus.

Memorial Day weekend kicks off the unofficial start of the summer season, and with that comes “we’ve been having fun all summer long” activities associated with fun in the sun times.

Shopping farmers markets and strolling American flag lined main streets for treats and treasures goes with the summertime territory.

 Ceramic Berry Colander – Yellow Floral

I’m sure I’d be amazed if I realized the amount of hours Dave the Builder and I spent together early morning and late afternoon porchin’.

Southern Living Magazine
Photography by Van Chaplin, Laurey W. Glenn, John O’Hagan

Perfect lighting scenario is the one nature supplies.

John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

Summer offers pretty pastel flowers in pitchers, creamers, jars or even cans inspiration.

Victoria Magazine

In season blooms here today and gone tomorrow spark buzz and demand.

Pinterest

Linen Throw Pillow

Warm breezes in May remind me of a favorite summer scene set in a small North Louisiana town.

Country Living Magazine – Brent Darby Photography

Included in this forever memory is cross-stitch pillowcases, crisp cotton sheets fresh from the clothesline, a vintage chenille bedspread, and a bedside window raised just enough to allow the morning breeze to fill the room with the scent of African violets.

Summer will always be hot, delightful, and golden.

Cold drinks and cool creeks right this way.

Texan family members refer to any and all soft drinks as cold drinks.

Tennessean family members refer to any and all soft drinks as a col cola. Not cold cola or coca-cola, but a truncated version of the two.

It’s true what you’ve heard; most Southerners do in fact refer to any and all brands of carbonated drinks as Coke.

Photography by Artem Beliaikin

Regardless of what you call it, Coke is summer in a glass, bottle or can.

Martha Stewart

Speaking of Martha Stewart- salute to 81 years young looking summer chic gorgeous on the cover of Sports Illustrated 2023 Swimsuit issue.

Thin patty grilled hamburgers and frosted mug root beers from Reed & Bell Drive-In was the summertime treat and the taste of my childhood.

We always parked and walked up to the counter window to place our order, and our mother would indulge my brother and me by letting us sit in the wooden school desks painted in primary colors of red, yellow, and blue situated under the shaded overhang.

Sipping on an arctic cold frosted root beer while waiting for our hamburgers to cook and listening to the hum of the fans overhead rated summer fantastic.

In our summer travels down the highways, interstates, farm-to-market, and backroads less traveled by, wonderment and nostalgia ride shotgun.

Points of interest past and present fill mile after mile with sights appreciated, underrated, and outdated.

Beauty is in the eye and heart of the beholder, the mind and memories of the observer.

Summer’s big bang theory proves we’re all big kids at heart.

Photography by Zuza Gałczyńska on Unsplash

Hold on, summer fans. The ride is just beginning.

Mother’s Day Moments and Musings

Mother’s Day moments and musings bring joy to the heart, create cherished memories, and often are responsible for bringing a sentimental tear or two to the eye.

“A mother’s arms are made of tenderness
and children sleep soundly in them.”

—Victor Hugo

“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.”

—William Makepeace Thackeray

What I count as the greatest blessing of my life continues to amaze me, capture my heart, and bring much joy and happiness to each and every Mother’s Day.

Seems a piece of paper really is important in the grand scheme of a treasured things. This silhouette proves a precious and priceless keepsake.

Victoria Magazine

Flowers began arriving at the first of the week in deliveries for no other reason than I absolutely love fresh flowers from the floral department and local farmers market.

Flowers depicted through art bloom forever (or until your taste changes).

Gerardina Jacoba van de Sande Bakhuyzen

Home is where the Mother’s Day celebration brunch will be this year featuring a menu of light, sweet and easy house favorites.

Classic Traditional Home

How lovely is this artichoke flower vase.

Inspired Mother’s Day celebration ideas show love and gratefulness in ways beyond retail.

Southern Lady Magazine

Mother’s Day celebration treats and sweets begin with the taste of home.

Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons

Chicken-Salad Cheesecake

 Rose and Lemon Layer Cake

It is my honor to celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, new moms, moms-to-be, and women who are like a mother to so many as they enjoy their special day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Merry Christmas To You!

Merry Christmas to you, my treasured friends.

Country Living Magazine – Photography by Rikki Snyder

This Christmas collection of pretty pictures, delightful treats, and Christmas at home is a visual to you, from me gift that hopefully fills the eye and the heart with the most wonderful time of the year sights of the season.

Enjoy!

At Home in Arkansas – Photography by Rett Peek

Divinity with Cherries and Pecans

Country Home Magazine

House Beautiful – Photography by Peter Frank Edwards

Forest Beauty

Flower Magazine

Curly Girl Kitchen

All is calm, all is bright.

Unsplash

Raspberry Almond Cake

The light in a child’s eyes is all it takes to make
Christmas a magical time of the year.

May the beauty of the season be bountiful in the spaces and places of your holiday home.

With much love to one and all,

Taste of Thanksgiving Recipes

Taste of Thanksgiving recipes feed the hunger we crave and gives reason for the gathering season.

Pinterest

Gathering together to feast, family, and friend during the holidays or just because on a Monday in cozy spaces with good food (fancy schmancy or crackers and can cheese) is rooted in connection, love, and celebration of relationship.

Houzz – Tim Moss

Speaking from years of experience, the kitchen is about to be a hot spot of holiday activity.  Music is a must, quality kitchen tools and gadgets essential, organization the sous chef to friend, and the taste of Thanksgiving present and accounted for.

Houzz – Tim Moss

Holiday open houses at favorite antique shoppes result in treasured finds; among them platters O’Plenty perfect for plating birds baked, roasted, and fried.

Antique Shoppes at 1100 Barksdale

Louisianans do love to do delicious fried turkey when the weather turns cold and the good holiday times roll.

Country Living – Photography by Johnny Miller

Deep-Fried Turkey

Ingredients

1½ tbsp. kosher salt

1½ tbsp. smoked paprika

1½ tsp. garlic powder

1½ tsp. onion powder

1½ tsp. fresh ground pepper

1¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

1 (12- to 14-pound) whole fresh turkey

Peanut oil (about 3 gallons)

Directions

Stir together first 6 ingredients. Remove giblets and neck from turkey, and discard. Drain cavity well; pat entire turkey dry with paper towels.

Loosen and lift skin from turkey with fingers, without totally detaching skin; generously spread seasoning under skin. Carefully replace skin and secure with wooden picks, if desired.

Sprinkle and rub remaining seasoning inside cavity and on outside of turkey. Let turkey stand at room temperature while oil heats.

Meanwhile, pour oil into a deep propane turkey fryer 10 to 12 inches from top; heat to 350°F over a medium-low flame, according to manufacturer’s instructions (about 45 minutes).

Place turkey on fryer rod. Carefully and slowly lower turkey into hot oil with rod attachment.

Fry 35 to 45 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thigh registers 165°F (about 3 minutes per pound plus an additional 5 minutes.  Keep oil temperature between 300°F and 325°F). Remove turkey from oil; drain and let stand 25 minutes before slicing.

Serves 10-12.

-Country Living

Alex Orenczuk TV

Louisiana pecans harvested from area farms characterize the taste of home.

Cinnamon Candied Pecans​​​​​​​​
​​​​​
Ingredients

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 cup pecans

½ teaspoon cinnamon

​​​​​​​​Directions

In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt together butter, cinnamon and granulated sugar until the sugar starts to caramelize.  Add pecans and stir to coat; stirring often to keep from burning.

Pour candied pecans onto parchment or wax paper allowing to cool.

Southern sweet potato casserole, candied sweet potatoes, and Dave the Builder’s requested favorite, sweet potato pie- Louisiana sweet potatoes are synonymous with Thanksgiving.

Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe with Walnut Topping

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

3 large sweet potatoes, washed, peeled and sliced French fry style

1 stick butter, sliced

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp water

Directions

Places prepared sweet potatoes in pot. Add sugar and butter slices. Add water and cover with lid. Cook on low about 40 minutes or until tender. Do not stir during cooking time.

Place candied sweet potatoes in casserole and serve.

-Cooking with Brenda Gantt

Asparagus With Crawfish Hollandaise

Ingredients

2 pounds green asparagus, trimmed

1 tablespoon canola oil

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

4  large egg yolks

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

⅛  teaspoon cayenne pepper

½  cup butter, melted

½ (16-ounce) package crawfish tails

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, and add asparagus.  Top with canola oil, salt, and pepper, and brush evenly with basting brush.  Bake until tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add water to a large saucepan, and bring to a simmer.  In a stainless steel bowl, add egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne.  Hold bowl over simmering water making sure bottom of bowl does not touch water, and whisk vigorously until volume of egg mixture doubles.  Slowly whisk in melted butter until sauce is thick and combined.

Remove from heat, and stir in crawfish.  Serve immediately over asparagus.

-Louisiana Cookin’

Scenes from home.

Regional ingredients rich in taste of home traditions star in our taste of Thanksgiving non-traditional side dishes.

Wild Rice and Basmati Dressing with Sausage and Sage

Holiday time is coming, and what better time to dazzle the gathered together than with one of these taste of Thanksgiving recipes.

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