If all of this talk of fall entertaining drives you to drink, never fear, that’s all you really need to be a great host. Building a stylish & chic bar can be your biggest asset during the cold and cozy seasons. Nothing welcomes someone into your home more than a freshly-poured drink on the rocks in a classic highball glass.
I’ve assembled most of our barware from Etsy. Vintage highballs, drinks carts and ice buckets that would fit nicely in Don Draper’s office create an air of elegance we’re sorely missing these days. I say we bring the classic five o’clock cocktail hour back with finds like these.
To build your own bar, collect classic pieces like vintage stirrers, lucite, teak or chrome ice buckets with matching tongs, highball glasses, and decanters.
If you have a vintage rolling cart or bar, that’s perfect to have on hand and pull out when guests come over for a drink. But you don’t have to have a readymade bar; think outside the box.
In one of my old Domino magazines (pouring some out for my homies) I saw this huge and gorgeous piece they found in Martha‘s mag. While that particular piece costs a million dollars, it shows that thinking outside of the regular confines of a bar will pay off. I have a great armoir that would work, or an old book case could be converted to the perfect server.
In a smaller pad or office area, use one of my previously suggested serving trays as your portable bar. As Victoria and Antonia did in Lonny magazine, add classic glass decanters to a great tray and have it resting on an antique trunk, ready to go!
Eddy converted this Greek column side table into a fabulous bar.
What is your favorite DIY bar or cocktail recipe? Let us know in a comment and stay tuned for another fresh Get Nested post this Thursday. Mine favorite cocktail recipe follows …
Meg’s Hot Toddy Recipe
In a larger mug, pour a generous shot of Jack Daniels, the juice from one large lemon slice, and a tablespoon of organic local honey (which helps with allergies too). Bring water to a boil in a tea kettle and add your favorite tea bag to your mug. A nice cinnamon or orange spice will be perfect. Add your hot water and steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink by the fire in a cozy sweater and enjoy!
(Cole family portrait by Wendy Hickock, Ice bucket & high ball photos from The Inside Source)
