When entertaining during the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s nice to have a self-serve bar area for your guests. I had bought this bar cart from TJ Maxx a few years ago and always style this around the holidays throughout the year. It makes it easy for your guests to just grab a drink and start mingling. That’s what the holidays are all about – spending time together, eating delicious food and enjoying a nice cocktail or two 🙂
If you plan on serving a signature cocktail during your party, stock your bar cart with your cocktail essentials, that includes liquor and mixers. It’s nice and adds detail when you serve your mixers in barware such as a carafe or pitcher instead of the container it came in. No one likes to see a gallon of cranberry juice sitting on your cart!
I always have glasses on my bar cart as well, even if it’s just a few. My bar cart does have a built-in wine glass rack, but I usually just place the glasses on the top shelf. Easy to grab, mix and go!
And of course, I can’t forget my paper straws! I LOVE paper straws for any occasion. They’re that extra little detail that adds the perfect touch to any party. I have a whole box full of them and whenever I am hosting a get-together, I pull them out. They are pretty inexpensive as well. Dollar Tree and Christmas Tree Shops always has great buys on them too.
Draping a banner or garland across the front of the bar cart gives that extra attention to detail as well. I have a few garlands that are fall-inspired and went with the glittered leaves. I didn’t want the garland to be the focus of the bar cart, it was the perfect subtle detail.
And no bar cart is complete without some holiday decorations. I bought the “Give Thanks” sign at Michael’s after the season a few years ago so it ended up being pretty cheap. The rattan pumpkin with the beautiful fall florals on top I purchased at Kirkland’s after the season as well. You can always buy after-season items super cheap. And these stores especially, have additional coupon savings. Make sure to check them out after the holidays this year!
Bar carts are pretty simple and easy to put together once you have all your items. And everyone gets to enjoy it!
