Home bar styling ideas serves up a concoction of chic options for designing and decorating a curated happy hour at home.
House & Garden – Photography by Boz Gagovski
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.
Flower Magazine – Photography by David Hillegas
Timeless, classic, and instantly inviting- the perennial favorite color combination of blue and white possesses a knows no bounds quality.
Carved Acanthus Rectangle Framed Gold Floral Wall Mirror
Customizable Antique Flamed Mahogany Hepplewhite Buffet/ Sideboard
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.
Silver Aluminum Champagne 2 Bottles Ice Bucket
Godinger Dublin Goblet – Set of 4
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.
East Urban Home 4 – Piece 14oz. Glass Whiskey Glass Glassware Set
Marlo Thomas Blue Scenic Appetizer Plates, Set of 4
Architectural Digest – Mike Garlick
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.
House & Garden – Photography by Jake Curtis
Antique 19th C. American Classical Empire Mahogany Secretary Desk Bookcase
Parallels Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 6
Better Homes & Gardens – Photography by Werner Straube
Mission 3-Stack Oak Barrister Bookcase
5 Piece Wine Carafe Set with 4 Goblets
Mackenzie- Childs Courtly Check 3260 Jigger
Roman Marble & Stainless Steel 5-Piece Bar Tool Set
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
Tulip Shaped Long Stem Crystal Champagne Flutes
Galway Crystal Erne Craft Beer, Cocktail Set of 2
Lifestorey Ingrid 3-Door Scalloped Mid-Century Sideboard
Omari Double Old-Fashioned Glass Set of 6
Brass Metal Rolling 2 Mirrored Shelves Bar Cart with Wheels and Handle
Rex Double Old-Fashioned Glasses, Set of 8
Signature style blends smooth with a signature cocktail.
Hatch Punch Bowl and Champagne Bucket
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 a vintage creamer serving as a jigger.
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
Alkemist 6 Piece Stemmed Double Old Fashion Glass Set
New England Home – Photography by Michael J. Lee
Wedgwood Trinket Box Green Jasperware Container
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.
19th Century French Napoleon III Style Oak Writing Desk
Where one sees an antique writing desk, a keen eye sees a piece better utilized as a distinctive home bar.
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.
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.
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
MAITLAND SMITH William & Mary Inlaid Chest
Bette enjoys cocktail hour in high classic style.
2 Door Embossed Storage Cabinet with Ring Motif
Accent chests and cabinets easily transform into a stylish home bar.
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
Round Antique Brass Hammered Metal Decorative Tray
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
Set up a scene from home tray at nip and nosh time with local or regional recipes and decor accents.
Louisiana lagniappe reflects a sense of home state home which reflects a sense of my personal style.
Tomball 6 – Piece 9oz. Glass All Purpose Wine Glass Glassware Set
Napoleon Bee Provence 10 oz. Tumbler, Set of 6
Accessorizing the bar cart, cabinet, tray, or tabletop proves an entertaining and easy endeavor when you have a theme to build upon.
Play up your cocktail corner of the world by introducing whimsical finds and unique additions.
Burma Rattan Beverage Tub Small
3-Quart Gold Rattan and Steel 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
Decorative items steeped in whimsy dress and impress with a splash of fun.
Stoneware French Bulldog Head Vase
Cocktail stirrers, straws, and mixology tools house well in unique trinket dishes.
Leaf Shaped Gold Indoor Tabletop Trinket Tray
Jefferson Chrome 2-tier Glass Shelf Acrylic Bar Cart
Antique Style English Bulldog Portrait Painting
Antique Dark Oak Biscuit Barrel
Adding a decorative clam shell as housing for cocktail garnishes, stirrers, or salt/sugar rimmers carries out a cocktails on the coast concept.
Theme decorating is a Bahama breeze when it comes to coming up with decorative touches to bring the look together.
Reimagine the purpose of a dresser, chest, or console as a distinctive home bar piece.
Drawers become excellent housing options for barware, tools, linens, and glassware.
Dublin Crystal Captains Decanter
Glassware and decanters cut heavy in color, pattern and texture introduce a curated quality.
Wine Goblets Set of 6 Multicolor
Bormioli Rocco America ’20s Long Drink Glass, Set of 6 – Lilac Rose
SAFAVIEH Grayson Storage Beige Bar Cabinet
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
Console, cabinet, chest, or cart- cheers to the glamorously chic home bar, stylish and responsible entertaining and the holiday sip and social season.
Howser White and Walnut Serving Cart with 2-Shelf
DIY Ice Bucket Project Perfection from Rachel Hollis
Luxurious Highball Cocktail Sparkling “Diamond” Studded Glasses
angelo:HOME Alcott 3-Tier Gold Metal Bar Cart
Anchor Hocking Fairfield Green Glass Pedestal Bowl
Making spirits bright this holiday social season starts with the well-appointed home bar.
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.
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
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
Khen Vintage Blush Pink Gold Rim Colored Martini Glasses Set of 2
The Pioneer Woman Amelia Goblet, Rose
It’s not a party until there’s a disco ball!
Glass Disco Martini, 4 Piece Set
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
True Colors Margarita Glasses, Set of 4
2-door Retro Antique Hollow-Carved Storage Cabinet Blue
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
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.
Flower Magazine – Photography by Erik Kvalsvik
Vintage Reproduction Rooster Cocktail Shaker
French Country Chicken Pint Glass 16-oz Set of 4
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
Tortoise and Golden Ice Bucket
SAFAVIEH Hidden Treasures Glass Top Brass Accent Table
Thyme & Table 6-Pack 20oz Tortoise Brown Glass Set
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.
Photography by Hector Manuel Sanchez
Christmas Tree Glassware Highball Glass, Set of 4
Spode Christmas Tree Glass Pitcher
Cath Kidston Christmas Ditsy 1 Liter Pitcher Vase
Martha Stewart Festive Bow 4-pc. Wine Glass Set
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.
Lorren Home Trends Red Goblets (Set of 6)
Mobile Bar Service Cart,2nd Floor Bar Cart
2-Tier Tempered Glass Bar Cart
Embellished 24K Gold Crystal High Ball Tumbler (Set of 4)
Initial Monogram Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6
2-Door Sunburst Accent Storage Cabinet
Studded Glass Decanter by Viski
Colored Coupe Art Deco Glasses, Gold
Modern Accent Cabinet with 2-Door and Adjustable Shelves
Majestic Gifts Inc. S/6 Glass Highball Tumblers
Unique Shaped Decanter with Gold Bottom
Watercolor Holiday Nutcracker Double Old Fashioned Glass
Nutcracker Bar Tool Set, 6 Pieces
Victoria Magazine – Photography Mac Jamieson
Porcelain Christmas Cheers Plates
30″ Christmas Drooping Pine With Red Bauble & Bows Wreath
Midwest Living – Photography by Kimberly Cornelison
Thorold 2 Door Square Accent Cabinet
Antique Cut Double Old Fashioned Glasses
Oriental Furniture Red Lacquer Courtyard Cabinet
Vermillion Made in Italy Chinoiserie Bombay Cabinet
Mini Santa mugs become super cute shot glasses.
Sipping in a winter wonderland.
White Christmas Margarita Recipe
Double Old-Fashioned Glass, Set of 4
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
Original Victorian Chest of Drawers with Scottish Tartan Wrap, Marble Top
4pk Porcelain Wexford Dinner Plates
Vintage Swirl and Ball Milk Glass by Westmoreland
Nourison Grafix Contemporary Plaid Area Rug
Color, texture, and pattern lend a holiday hand to the look.
Hudson Grace Double Champagne Bucket
Viv Champagne Glasses, Set of 8
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
Frosted Monkey Highball Glasses, Set of 2
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.
William Switzer ‘Piedmont’ Landscape Painted Sideboard Cabinet
Crackled Double Old Fashioned Glass Sets
Table Lamp with Urn Style Base with Floral Designs
Tuscany Classics – Whiskey 3pc Set
12″ Diameter Aluminum Ice Bucket with Scoop
Holiday Etched Double Old Fashioned Glass or Wine Goblet
Christmas Deer Antler Stemless Wine Glass 2pk
Christmas Deer Antler Rocks Glass 2pk
Aged White Darby Deer Head Wall Decor Accent
Figural Stag Double Old Fashioned Glasses – Set of 2
Malachi Glass Wine & Champagne Bucket with Pewter Antler Handles
Veranda Magazine – Photography by Alison Goote
Raffael Bar Cabinet Carved Black Wash
Luxurious Highball Cocktail Sparkling”Diamond” Studded Glasses
Leopard love this accent table which is small but mighty in style- a perfect small space home bar foundation.
Schatzi Brown Leopard Tan Wine Chiller
Gold Leopard Glam Table Lamp – (Set of 2 )
Antique Metal Wall Mirror with Leopard Handle
Gold Leopard Stemless Wine Glasses, Set of 4
Lucas Eilers Design Associates
Sarandon Chrome 3-tier Glass Shelf Metal Bar Cart
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.
Spode Woodland Rectangular Platter
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
Arthur Court Magnolia Bar Glasses, Set of 4
Southern Living Idea House – Crane Island
Ambrielle Rattan/Wicker Bar Cart
Cane Mixing Bowl by Mason Cash
Glitter Guide
Mardi Gras mambo always adds Louisiana style to the mix and the mingle.
Mardi Gras All Purpose Wine Glasses, Set of 4
Jax Highball Glasses, Set of 4
Vintage Culver Mardi Gras Jester Glasses
French Pierrot Jewelry Box, Ceramic Sad Clown Figure Trinket Dish
Everything old is new and in style again.
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Corner Cabinet
Portrait Of Jack Nicholson #5 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
Diamond Glasses Wood Stands, Set of 4
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.
Archer Stainless Steel Cocktail Picks (Set of 6)
Trademark Games Acrylic Dominos 28-Piece Domino Game with Case, Gold
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
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.
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
Metal Airplane Propeller Wall Decor Clock
Hip Vintage Rod Hand Cut and Polished Glass Decanter
Chrysler Building Martini 8 oz
Bowery Hill Contemporary Metal 2-Tier Bar Cart in Chrome
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.
How to build the Perfect Cheese Board
The Glitter Guide
Homemade Fortune Cookies
Camille Styles
Photo: Todd Coleman
© Dave Lauridsen via Food & Wine