Monday, September 10, 2012

Shaken Not Stirred

via Pinterest
There is something glamorous and sophisticated about a little cocktail bar. 
I've been collecting a few inspiration photos from Pinterest since I've been thinking of setting one up for a while now.

via Pinterest
Whether you imbibe or not, just seeing all the crystal, silver and condiments gathered together is eye pleasing.

via Pinterest
This impromptu bar looks like it was set up for a party that will serve margaritas!

via Pinterest
The logical place to set up a bar is in the dining room.
It's nice as a host to be able to offer your guests a drink before dinner.

via Pinterest
A portable cart makes the ideal bar. 
 It can be rolled from room to room, or even outside for an alfresco summer party.

Rue magazine
You can only imagine that this is my favorite bar!
The tartan screen, the martini shakers, the bottles of scotch!
So masculine.
It is in Scot Meacham Wood's dining room and I love it!

via Pinterest
We've never had a bar before, mainly because we prefer wine, not spirits, and because with four kids, it wouldn't be wise to have all that alcohol sitting around.  We have always locked up or hid the booze that we would serve to guests.
This armoire solves that problem.  It houses quite a collection of spirits, mixers and glassware.
Just open it up for a party and otherwise lock it up and hide the key!

Speaking of collections, I started collecting vintage barware years ago, focusing on martini shakers from the 60's.

They also have been locked up forever.
I just didn't have a place to display them.

Until now.
With the kids all grown and gone, I thought it would be fun to have a bar, so I set one up in the peculiar little piece of furniture we inherited from my mother-in-law that lives under the stairway.
I've never known what to do with this piece, but now it has a purpose!

Now I can display my collection of vintage silver champagne buckets, crystal decanters, and martini shakers all in one place.

A pewter tray corrals it all.
I'm quite pleased with the look!

 I feel like I'm in an episode of Mad Men!
The next time we have a dinner party, I will be happy to ask the question:
 "Would you like a cocktail?"
Yes, please.
"Shaken, not stirred...."

Pin It!

11 comments:

Marlis said...

You are so right.. there is just so much thrill in a cocktail set up! One of the best things I did was redo the old "thing/cupboard/piece" into a bar! Your piece under the stairs is so pretty! xo marlis

Michele Smith said...

Oh I love your little bar! I quit drinking almost 4 years ago, but my husband makes wine. He would love this!!

Our French Inspired Home said...

I saved that first image because it looks so amazing. Never thought about the "proper" display of the cocktail bar. I guess my guests take it any way they get it! - Tonya

AntiqueChase said...

great post and I pinned it all :)

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I love these pictures and YOURS is so pretty too. Your collection is beautiful and I am glad you can now display it. We actuallky have a bar in our living room. BUT, won't in the new house. Have a great week, Delores. XO, Pinky

Terri~terrileeauthor said...

Don't you just love it when you find a new use for some old/thingy/piece of furniture that's been just sitting around?? You did a great job turning this into a bar. I, too, love the look of crystal and silver. And even though we don't usually 'do' cocktails. It still LOOKS great. LOL

jninecostumes said...

Great set up. We have been collecting a piece here and there for our son's bar for his future home. Thanks for the inspiration.

Babs said...

Great post, Delores. Although we rarely drink cocktails, these gorgeous bars and drinks trays really speak to me. Love the first one and the one from Scott Meacham Wood's house.
Babs

The enchanted home said...

Such great pictures...love your vintage bar ware and like you, love the vintage things more than the new....especially old silver and crystal decanters!! Think its time to work on a new bar vigentte.

Sarah said...

Great post! Vintage cocktail items are a fun collection.

stevenjared0853 said...

All the drinks seem to be quite expensive and wonderfully arranged. My sister organized a baby shower for her sister in law at one of the lovely San Francisco venues last month. Colorful ribbons and flowers looked quite appealing. Food was of high quality and mommy to be was glowing.

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