How Don Draper's secret stash can fuel your holiday cocktail party: Hosting a stylish, effortless bash

This month is a particularly special one because it not only marks the holiday season, but it also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. So how might one simultaneously commemorate both the holidays and the repeal, you ask?

By hosting a fabulous cocktail party, of course!

Now I know what you’re probably thinking. With the holiday party season upon us in full, unadulterated swing that there’s no way to successfully pull off an impromptu cocktail party . . . is there?

I’ve got a two-word solution to this dilemma for you: Bar cart. A strategically stocked bar cart can make hosting become a stylish and relaxed breeze. Just set up a well-styled cart, lay out a few lovely platters of savory and sweet bites and voila, you’ve got an instant, tony cocktail party.

The bar cart has seen a chic and fashionable resurgence ever since Mad Men invaded pop culture a few years ago (who doesn’t envy the fact that Don Draper has one next to his desk?), and it appears that it is a design trend that will be sticking around for quite some time. It’s perfect for entertaining because it fosters a more convivial and interactive experience as guests become their own mixologists for the evening.

An added bonus is that it also frees up the host to mingle and actually enjoy their own party.

But you’re not an ordinary host and you certainly don’t want to host a cookie-cutter cocktail party. You want your shindig to be memorable. That’s where your creativity comes into play.

Your personality can shine through not only with the type of bar cart you select but also how you style it with what you put on it. But exactly how do you go about doing that?

For some expert guidance I decided to reach out to two décor and design mavens, Ronda Rice Carman and Patti Kagan, for tips and advice on styling. Carman is writer, author and editor of greatly adored and popular blog “All the Best,” as well as the author of the brand new book (with a foreword by Martha Stewart) Designers At Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living. Kagan is the co-owner of newly bowed Houston mid-century modern furniture and accessories boutique, Mrs. PK & Oz.

CultureMap: How would you describe your personal approach to styling a bar cart?

Ronda Rice Carman: It was [designer] David Hicks who declared, "I like rows and rows of tonic bottles, tomato juice and two or three syphons of spirits lined up behind each other; it gives a generous, welcoming atmosphere, and if a bus-load of friends descend upon you, you are ready for them." I follow a similar approach and I love pretty colored bottles of water and alcohol. Color, pattern and texture all come into play.

Patti Kagan: Methodical . . . paying particular attention to function, however, with high style!

CM: What is your best advice for styling a bar cart?

RRC: A stylish bar cart needs to be functional and beautiful. I love using trays to help divide the bar cart into sections. Not only is it practical, but it also looks pretty.

PK: Make a list of what you will need that evening and then style with what looks beautiful. Always use vintage or at least hints of vintage here and there. Think "Brat Pack."

CM: What three things, besides alcohol and glasses of course, should every bar cart have?

RRC: Cloth cocktail napkins, unique bar tools, cocktail recipe book.

PK: I style a bar cart with vintage bar ware which includes: tumblers for scotch drinkers (with a bottle of 12 year old Macallan); a martini shaker and glasses, Chopin vodka (because I love the bottle), vermouth, shaved lemon rind, and olives stuffed with blue cheese (complete with bamboo picks); champagne saucers (with my favorite rosé Prosecco, Zonin, for color); a fun ice bucket that is always a great conversation piece filled with perfectly shaped ice; and, of course, glamorous cocktail napkins.

Now that you’ve gotten some terrific advice it’s time to put it into action. Here are some of my personal favorite resources for snazzy bar carts and accessories:

BAR CARTS

• Society Social

This talented group has been creating its own original bar cart designs since 2011. With a belief that life is a “grand celebration” at its business core, the bar carts reflect a certain joie de vivre sensibility.

• 1stdibs

If exquisite vintage and antique bar carts are more your style, then 1stdibs will completely seduce you. With a superbly curated collection of antique dealers from across the globe, you’re sure to find just the right cart to indulge your extravagant side.

• One Kings Lane

Started in 2009 by two design enthusiasts, One Kings Lane is known for hosting sales (many lasting as little as 72 hours) that offer “exceptional value on top-brand, vintage, and designer items.” As far as bar carts go, they have a range of price points from $250 to over $2,000. My favorite is the “Timothy Whealon” clear, plexi-craft bar cart that is stunning in its simplicity.

• “Big box” stores

For an economical options that doesn’t sacrifice style, be sure not to overlook the large retailers. My picks include the “Threshold Finish Bar Cart” from Target ($130); and the “Ernest” chrome bar car from CB2 ($179)

ACCESSORIES

• Mrs. PK & Oz

Patti Kagan (“PK”), who provided some of the fabulous bar cart advice above, co-owns the store with Troy Osborne (“Oz”). The store prides itself on “taking fine mid-century modern furniture and adding a distinctive twist,” and the inventory of vintage bar ware is absolutely killer. Roger, Lane and Don would be right at home.

• Anthropologie

This store, known for its “curated mix of clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor,” carries some really charming and irresistible collections for entertaining. Expect to find cute canapé plates; curvy beverage decanters and carafes; etched wine and cocktail glasses; chic coasters; and darling cocktail napkins, like these called “Cocktail Chatter.”

• Taigan

This purveyor caters to those with a whimsical sensibility, which I really love, but what I love even more is that not only do they stock chic bar ware but this online store is also essentially bar cart one-stop shopping. The site carries bar carts (the two currently on the site are a lacquered, bright blue bamboo cart and a lacquered red-orange one with modern lines); wine and spirits including pear cognac, scotch, and, wait for it . . . moonshine, small batch tonic, crystal wine glasses, ice buckets and embroidered cocktail napkins.

• eBay

If you have a bit of patience and are open to culling through a ton of awesome (and some not so awesome) options, then go to eBay and type in “vintage bar ware.” Prepare to have your wallet emptied.

Now that you’re now fully equipped with all of the tips, ideas, inspiration and resources to entertain fabulously without the fuss, what time is the party? Being the gracious guest that I am, I’ll bring a bottle of bubbly with me to add to your gorgeously styled cart.

And what would you like to drink?

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And what would you like to drink?