Around here we love the saying “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!” Being able to host a cocktail party for your friends and family is a true luxury. You can make things as simple or decadent as you wish. There are so many budget-friendly and extravagant ways to host a cocktail party. To help ease the planning, work on your budget first and try stick to it. Make lists of what you need. Having one or two signature cocktails are great too. I’ve listed some of our favorites at the bottom of this post.

Bar carts soared to popularity in the 1950’s and we all came to recognize them again with the popular series Mad Men. Modern bar carts are used as much for style as they are for functionality. You can make them the centerpiece of any room, or have it more discreet tucked away in a corner, but showing them off is way more exciting!

There’s something about a rolling bar that makes hosting more whimsical and fun. I love that the cart can go from indoors to outdoors in a snap. With the modern bar cart here to stay (thank goodness!)  I wanted to help you along with your shopping needs. The well-stocked bar cart has spacious shelving for liquor and wine bottles, drinking glasses, and bar tools. 

I love throwing parties and my best advice always is to have everything on hand a few days before. Once you have all these essentials be sure to have all your wine, spirits, mixers and ice ready too! Simply hover over the item in the photo above and click to buy.

• 1. Champagne Flutes Long stemmed flutes turn any party into a very elegant affair. These are well priced because we know a few might get broken along the way.
• 2. Bar Cart I love this cart for its simplicity and the gold tone, a nod to the 50’s with a modern edgy style.
• 3. Bar Quiz Card Game Keep the fun and games going and play this fun card quiz that covers topics from science to pop culture.
• 4. “Carat” Wine Stopper An elegant, modern wine stopper that is fashioned from crystal.
• 5. Monogrammed Coupe Glasses All home bars should have a set of graceful coupe glasses for serving signature cocktails. You can get these with your initial which makes them even cooler!
• 6. Glass Champagne Ice Bucket Keep those bubbles chilled and add a touch of sophistication to your table setting with an elegant champagne bucket featuring organic-inspired textural detailing.
• 7. Patterned Shot Glasses Ornate metallic patterns enhance the vintage sophistication of this sleek shot glass set.
• 8. The Art of the Bar Cart This book will further your knowledge of bar cart styling and recipes.
• 9. 7-Pack Bridal Cocktail Charms How adorable are these if you are hosting a bridal shower or bachelorette party?! No one will lose their cocktail with these charms.
• 10. Monogram 5-Piece Decanter Set Treat yourself or buy as a gift for that special someone. Comes with a generous 34-ounce decanter.
• 11. Wine Chiller Clean lines enhance a metallic wine chiller crafted in mirrored finish.
• 12. Lemon Basil Martini Wow guests with this refreshing, clean and light martini (link below)
• 13. “Daphne” Decanter and Whiskey Glasses Add a touch of modern sophistication to your home bar with a sleek whiskey glass and decanter set featuring metallic honeycomb patterns. I love the contrasting details in this set.
• 14. Shagreen Set of 4 Coasters with Lidded Holder I love the color of these beautiful, luxurious coasters. Protect your surfaces and be fashionable all at the same time.
• 15. Set of 4 Coasters Add a modern element to your décor while protecting your tabletops with this set of geometrically inspired mixed-media coasters. Great price too!
• 16. Monogram Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker This monogrammed glass cocktail shaker with a shining stainless-steel top lets you mix the perfect drink in high style—and is great for gifting to your favorite cocktail connoisseur. Great for you beach lovers
• 17. Antlers Glass Decanter and Wood Stopper Elevate your home bar with an elegant, handblown glass whiskey decanter featuring a regal antler etching and rustic rubberwood stopper. Great for you mountain lovers.
• 18. Copper Cocktail Shaker I love the simplicity of design in this essential piece.
• 19. Sea Coral Set of 6 Bottle Stoppers Add an element of coastal style to your home bar with a set of bottle stoppers featuring realistic sea coral accents.
• 20. Confetti Stemless Champagne Glasses Worried about broken stemware? Worry no more with this beautiful set of 4 glasses for your bubbly.
• 21. Drinking Buddies Drink Markers How adorable and hilarious are these? These markers are great for bachelorette parties, house parties, a girls nights in, poolside, picnic or any time at all!
• 22. Stainless Steel Winged Corkscrew Never be embarrassed again trying to open a bottle of wine, this corkscrew by OXO makes it super easy.
• 23. 4-Piece Stainless Steel & Wood Bar Set Serve up cocktails in style while adding timeless elegance to your home bar with a four-piece tool set crafted from dark-grain wood and stainless steel.

A few signature cocktails that will be the hit at any party…

• Blood Orange Margaritas
• Lemon Basil Martini
• Mocha Martini
• Orange Maple Old-Fashioned Cocktail
• Sparkling Champagne Lemonade Margaritas