Update Your Bar Cart for Outdoor Entertaining

When the weather warms, it’s time to roll the party outdoors. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together with friends or throwing a huge backyard bash, the caster-rolling bar cart is an entertaining essential for serving up food and drinks in a breeze. It’s perfectly scaled for small sunrooms, patios and porches, but it’s also great for parking near poolside for a quick refreshment after laps.

Our bar cart checklist makes it easy to outfit your cart, but there are a few more items you might want to add to your list for entertaining al fresco.

Trays, Trays, Trays

Find a variety of sizes of trays to fit in your bar cart, so you can easily lift and serve. And don’t forget a serving caddy for holding utensils, napkins and condiments.

Shatterproof Serveware

Put away the paper plates and unsightly plastic cups. Dine in style with fun, festive melamine plates and acrylic glassware. You can easily stack them on the bottom shelf, so you’re always prepared.

Beverage Dispenser

Set out a beverage jar and make it easy for guests to serve themselves, whether it’s filled with your ready-made signature alcoholic drink or kid-friendly lemonade.

Plenty of Ice & Garnishes

Make sure you have extra ice on hand (the editors at Real Simple magazine recommend one 10-pound bag for every four guests) and lots of garnishes to dress up those drinks. You may want to include: berries, lemons, limes, cucumbers, mint, olives and celery stalks. And don’t forget the paper umbrellas!

Liquor & Mixers

You may want to switch up your liquor and mixers for summer cocktails. Our favorites include:

• White rum for daiquiris and mojitos

• Gin for martinis, gin and tonics and Tom Collinses

• Vodka for screwdrivers and bloody Marys

• Tequila for margaritas and sunrises

Ambiance

When the sun gets low, add a little glow to your bar cart with candlelight. Our Seagrass Hurricanes fit any occasion.

 Find more decorating inspiration by browsing our Pinterest Boards.