With the holidays just around the corner, having a prepared bar cart. Not only is a great reason to decorate, but having a drink station gives your guest something to do and get a drink without feeling like they have to ask the host for a beverage.

A bar cart can be set up on console tables, dressers, stands, hutches, even a bookshelf. As long as there is a flat surface and enough room, you can build a drink station.

The key is layering. Everything doesn’t need to be stacked in an orderly row. Mix it up, add the random turtle tray or the bowl of Pomegranates.

The best way to make a comfortable spot for your guests to get a drink is to keep it from looking like you’re going to get smacked with a ruler for touching something. Make it say, “come, make a drink” without having a literal sign telling them to do so. I mean, if you want to make a sign, make it, but make it stylish.

Things to check off when creating a bar cart station:

1. Natural materials, such as a woven or marble tray or pedestal.
2. Something shiny. A crystal candlestick, a silver tray or photo frame, or even a mirror.
3. Drinking glasses. Have different options for different types of drinks being offered. Bourbon glass if you have bourbon, a water glass for those who need it. A wine glass for the wine people in the crowd.
4. Something to shake or stir. Most people aren’t going to be comfortable playing the lead role in Cocktail and shaking a drink in a mixer, but having a spoon for cocktail stirrers can get the job done.

I used this vintage school desk as a bar cart and kept it simple yet functional.