The holidays are such a busy time with shopping, decorating and family get togethers and it’s nice to have a bar cart stocked and ready to go if unexpected (or expected) guests drop by. I thought it would be fun to style two different holiday bar carts! I put these carts together pretty quickly and they will stay up through the season, with a little refreshing from time to time (I actually have 2). The key is to make your bar cart both functional and pretty to look at. I’m sharing some tips for a bar cart with adult beverages and one for children with hot chocolate, candy and desserts!

Here are a few tips for making your traditional (adult) bar cart functional and beautiful:

Booze: What types of drinks do your friends and family like, or do you plan to serve a special cocktail when they come over? If your best friend likes chardonnay, be sure to have a couple of bottles on hand.. I love to serve hot chocolate with either Bailey’s or peppermint vodka, so I picked up a festive bottle of each for my cart. What ever you choose for your guests, the liquor bottles look pretty and festive.

Mixers: Don’t forget mixers if you plan to make mixed drinks! Juices, sodas, tonic waters and bitters are good to have on hand.

Glassware: Whatever glassware you keep on your cart will depend on the types of drinks you plan to serve! We have whiskey glasses, champagne glasses and wine glasses, all washed & ready to go.

Tools: You could add accessories like straws, a bottle opener and an ice bucket and you may also want to have a jigger, shaker, strainer and corkscrew to your cart. 

Holiday Decor:  It’s easy to add some extra “flair” to your bar cart for the holidays. I picked up the mercury glass Christmas tree from Target, but you could also add festive candles or ornaments. A beautiful bowl with mixed nuts is a nice touch as well.

Watch the video below for the quickest and most delicious holiday Champagne Cocktail!

Over the past several years, things have changed at Christmas in the Smith home. We now have two adorable grandsons and although Graham is only 3 weeks old, Hudson who is now 3 years old will love the candy and hot chocolate bar!

Even though this bar cart was created with children in mind, adults will love it as well and you could always include peppermint liquor, Kahula and Bailey’s to spice things up a bit. I decorated with two fun artificial Christmas trees and a gum ball tree for fun, but the candy, cookies and other desserts also are very decorative. My favorite is the ribbon candy because it’s beautiful and festive!

I’m including this video that I made last year – it’s all about how to make a Mexican Mocha, which is really hot chocolate with coffee!

I can’t believe that it’s already December 1! My mom’s 86th birthday is today and we’re taking her out for a birthday celebration tonight!

For more bar cart ideas and holiday decorating ideas, be sure to follow me on Pinterest! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!