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!

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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.

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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!