The holiday season is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still amp up your holiday entertaining with a festive and colorful cocktail party. The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone and it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this fast paced season. If you are like me and want to focus on slowing down, relaxing and savoring moments with family and friends you are going to love this easy Making Spirits Bright holiday bar cart.
I’ve teamed up with 16 other fabulous hostesses and party bloggers to bring you lots of festive ideas for your holiday parties. Whether you are planning a mix and mingle cocktail party or hosting the annual Favorite Things party for friends you’ll find lots of great ideas and inspiration in this Holiday Party Hop.
If you are stopping by from Halfpint Party Designs, welcome! I hope you all enjoyed seeing her cozy cottage Christmas tablescape and are ready for more inspiration! If you haven’t had a chance to check out Halfpint Party Designs make sure you do.
A few years ago I decided to host an open house style Jingle and Mingle party one evening, where friends could come and go as their schedule allowed. It’s quickly become one of my favorite, and easiest ways to entertain. This year I teamed up with Chinet to create a colorful twist on the traditional holiday color palette with a simple and stylish bar cart. To see all the Making Spirits Bright party details, and a fun cocktail recipe make sure you head over to their website.
If you have been following me for a while you know that I have a love affair with a fun and stylish bar cart. They make the perfect spot for drinks, appetizers and treats, and it makes it easy for guest to help themselves. In fact I have several bar carts including my DIY Metallic Bar Cart, my colorfully painted DIY Outdoor Bar Cart.
I like the idea of keeping the conversation and guest mingling, instead of having everyone crowded around the kitchen bar, so I set my metallic bar cart up in my living room near the Christmas tree. I used my Cricut machine to cut out gold vinyl polka dots which I put all over the wall. I also cut out a colorful “Making Spirits Bright” quote and placed it inside a big frame which I hung on the wall. I love using vinyl because you can quickly transform an ordinary space and make it extraordinary. Plus, it’s temporary so you can change it as often as you like!
The key to a great bar cart is making sure it is a festive and practical drink station for your guest to help themselves. You will want to make sure you stock your bar cart with all the essentials. I like to include a signature drink recipe when I entertain and thought our Merry and Bright bar cat needed a colorful and festive drink. In addition to chilled bottles of wine, and the cutest little cans of sparkling Rose I filled Chinet® Cut Crystal® Stemless Wine glasses with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. For a fun holiday twist I pre-made a signature Grapefruit Cranberry Cocktail and put it in plastic ornaments. Stack them on top of the garnished stemless wine glasses for an easy self-serve option for guest. Make sure you head to the Chinet website to get this delicious signature holiday drink!
Don’t think of your bar cart as just a drink station, include small plates of cheese and crackers, mini appetizers or mini desserts. Chinet Appetizer and Dessert Plates are a must for holiday entertaining, they are designed to not bend, fold or leak, which makes them perfect for everything from crackers and dip to cheesecake.
If you are still looking for a way to celebrate the season with friends and family this simple entertaining idea is a must. Host an open house style party and let guest pop in when they can. You will definitely make their spirits bright with this colorful and fun bar cart. Share yummy food, fun drinks and delightful conversation with the ones you love for an extraordinary holiday!
Now, that you’ve seen my colorful and festive twist on holiday entertaining make sure you hop on over to Mint Event Designs to check out their adorable winter themed photo booth. Don’t forget to keep the party going by following along to the next blogger until you make your way back here!
Bird says
This is such a gorgeous bar cart, Mariah!! i love the gold dots backdrop also!! 🙂
Bri Adams says
This is SO fun!! Just love all the details. Having multiple bar carts is a genius idea. I love having a mix and mingle for a lower key event.
Mariah says
Thanks Bri! It’s become one of my favorite styles of parties to host, especially during this busy time of year.
Nathalie @ Press Print Party! says
Ok, now I need to get a bar cart!!!! So pretty!
Mariah says
Thanks, around here a bar cart is a must for entertaining!
Deanna says
Wow! I love all the gold polka dots in this space! The colors are so sweet & happy, too!
Mariah says
Thanks, the vinyl polka dots are one of my favorite ways to transform a space inexpensively and quickly.
Sarah Sofia Knepp says
Mariah, I love your festive and colorful Making Spirits Bright Party! What a creative theme! That bar car is so fun! XOXO, Sarah
Lori says
I’m obsessed with this gorgeous and cheerful bar cart!! All the details are so festive and the cocktails in the ornaments are so cute!! Xoxo
Mariah says
Thanks Lori, the cocktails were such a fun way to serve drinks at our party!
Carolina Villarreal says
Oh my!! Can I come and sit on that chair and have a drink?? Absolutely amazing!!
Shannon says
This so bright and fun I had to click on the post as soon as I saw it! Love the metallic bar cart with all the colors and that teepee needs to be in my room so I can take continuous naps. Lol…
Jennifer ~ BellaGrey Designs says
You know I am obsessed with bar carts and of course I LOVE this one!!!
Lisa Kettell says
I’m ready to make some festive cocktails now after seeing all these photos. Love, love, love your holiday bar cart!