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I have always liked the looks of a bar tray set up on a table in the right location of a living room or dining room.
A bar doesn’t have to provide alcohol exclusively, bottled water and soft drinks make an inviting bar as well, don’t you agree?
Even a bookcase can do double duty as a bar…this one (below) looks cheerful with the flower-filled blue and white vases.
It reminds me of the British colony look that I assume I’ve seen in many of the movies of a certain era. {Many of my most inspired décor ideas originate from books, magazines or movies, very few original ideas in my brain!} House of Fifty Winter/Spring online issue has a feature article on the topic of the resurgence of the cocktail party. This issue also has some delicious recipes for new, fresh cocktails.
Flowers are a definite plus, something I failed to put in my image at the end of this post.
The book case/breakfront below has been converted to a very practical bar. {Point of interest, shouldn’t the red wine be stored on its side?}
When you’re really short on space you can improvise like the image below…very clever use of a chair and vintage suitcase.
I had thought about setting up a small bar in our dining room on the antique sideboard. This past Christmas Lyn (hubby) received a couple bottles of very nice Scotch and while he doesn’t have a sip nightly, I thought I’d display the 3 varieties we own along with our scotch glasses. {below ~ We only own 2 of these cute little vessels since when we entertain we generally serve beer or wine}.
I’m sure I’ll tire of the set up but it was a nice change for winter. The little wooden wren was carved by my dear friend’s dad.
To close, I came across this little computer message at casual-classic-home and thought it was cute:
Be sure to read it…I was a little alarmed when I saw it on my screen but its a joke!
Slainte!
I’m visiting Melissa at The Inspired Room for her linky party on small homes…join me.
and I’m over at The Polohouse sharing my table top bar.
carla wilson said:
A drinks table is so clubby and inviting and will let the guests “help themselves” after the first go round provided by the hostess. I like that at a party! With St. Patrick’s day coming up we should all jump on the drinks table band wagon and bottoms up! Thanks for such beautiful pictures to inspire us to elevate our own homes and not just snag the vodka bottle from the pantry. XOCARLA
Karen said:
Hi Carla,
Thanks for your kind words and for stopping by for a chat. Good idea…better break out the Irish whiskey for the drinks table.
Karen
Kifus said:
Haha, I would change the wording to Would you like some chocolate! That was fun, and a lovely post, too. I especially love the image with the white distressed chest. So lovely!
Karen said:
Kifus,
LOL! That actually came from another blog site…chocolate would be a better fix with computer issues!
Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
What a wonderful post! I’ve always loved well done bar areas and you showcased some great ones — including your own. I loved the fact that you used one of dad’s little wrens to decorate your bar space.
Karen said:
Linda,
Thanks so much. I do love that little keepsake from your dad. It seems to be the perfect compliment to a bottle of Scotch.
xo,
Karen
Kathy said:
I really dislike the “man cave” bars that are popular. Now these are the kind of little bars that I just love. There’s something so romantic about being able to sit in a nice comfy chair with a brandy. Not that I do but it’s nice knowing I can! I love the British colonial look too. What I’ve decided from this post is I need a larger tray.
Kathy
Karen said:
Hi Kathy,
There are some really great, not terribly expensive trays out there right now. One that would fit the bill for that British colonial look we both like is at Williams Sonoma, “Mayfair Serving Tray”.
Thanks for stopping by!
Karen
Splendid Willow said:
Karen, lots of good ideas & inspiration. And it looks like you have something great going on over at your home too!
ox, Mon
Karen said:
Thanks, Monika. I’m so happy you stopped by. I truly enjoy your site. Have a great week.
Karen
Trish said:
Hi Karen! Yes…Happy Spring! Is this wonderful weather?! Love the bar set up on luggage…and always the silver tray idea. My husband would cringe to see that wine standing up-right! Trish
Karen said:
Trish,
My thoughts exactly on the wine!
What a mild winter we’ve had and today is glorious with sunshine and temps in the seventies.
xo,
Karen
Gretchen said:
Karen, looking at this post made me think of classic movies with Cary Grant or David Niven. I thought it was so sophisticated and classy to have a bar set up on a silver tray with crystal tumblers and carafes.
Karen said:
Gretchen,
I used to love the movies/mini series when you’d see a table bar and the ice would be fresh and ready…really? How is that possible? 🙂 But I do like the looks of it, very fun.
Karen
Sarah said:
Thanks for sharing these great ideas for bars. They each offer lovely vignettes.
Karen said:
Thanks, Sarah!
…and thank you for stopping by, nice to meet you.
Karen
Alison at the Polohouse said:
Love these awesome and clever ideas for bar vignettes!
Of course I hope to copy, I mean, “be inspired by” the one
with the horse on the tray!!! 😉
Thanks so much for sharing and for linking up, Karen!
xox
Alison
Karen said:
Hi Alison,
I “toured” your house via painted cottage (I think that was the blog) and felt like I had walked into the decor I’m always striving for! I now follow you and seem to be inspired each and every post.
So nice to meet you!
Karen