Raising the Bar in Home Entertaining

During a recent IKEA trip I spotted a beautifully arranged and perfectly lit bar cabinet. It was filled with colourful vintage glassware and quirky cocktail-making accessories and it made me want to host a Mad Men style soiree. In lieu of throwing a big party, I’m writing this blog post; a brief round-up of some of the best drinks cabinets out there at the moment. Let’s raise the bar (sorry) in home entertaining and bring back stylish 1960s cocktail parties:

West Elm Geometric Bar Cart

Bone Inlaid Bar Cabinet, £1299, West Elm

Make a statement with this compact bar cabinet from West Elm. The cabinet has been inlaid with geometric bone and resin tiles for a modern take on mid-century style. The cabinet doors hide its true purpose and allow you to tidy away cocktail-making clutter. This is a really eye-catching piece.

Graham and Green bar cart

Silver Hourglass Drinks Trolley, £295, Graham & Green

Oh I do love a traditional hostess trolley. This antique silver (well, nickel, actually) and tempered glass cocktail cart has a distinct art deco feel to it. It’s very elegant and sophisticated, but practical too because it’s small and has wheels, so can be moved about your house as needed.

Wine rack table

Luxe Wine Rack Table, £250, Oliver Bonas

Prefer a glass of wine to a G&T or cocktail? Well then this wine rack table in gold and marble is for you. Not quite a bar cart, but just as stylish and (ahem) necessary. It can hold up to 12 bottles and would make a wonderfully OTT addition to any kitchen or dining room.

Shoreditch Drinks Trolley

Shoreditch Drinks Trolley, £125, Rockett St George

Yet another drinks trolley, primarily because they’re often more practical and affordable than cabinets. This one has a more industrial than luxe look, and the size is ideal for small spaces. Copper effect metal and round shelves give it its distinctive look. Ideal for rolling out into the garden on BBQ days.