The Home Bar Done Right

Dear Debonair,

What’s your feeling on a home-bar? Can it be done in a classy, debonair, James Bond kind of way? Any suggestions of pieces I can buy?

No debonair man should entertain in his home without a stylish bar-cart. There’s something about swooping one into a room that instantly makes guests feel special while creating a sense of occasion.  In between entertaining, park your bar-cart in a special spot to create a vignette that will add instant dandy to your home’s decor. Here’s a quick list for the perfect bar-cart vignette:  alcohol poured into some classic shaped glass decanters, bar paraphernalia such as a martini shaker, ice bucket, serving tray, some highball tumblers, stirrers, and monogrammed cocktail napkins.  To complete the vignette, dress up the wall space behind your bar-cart with a stem rack to store extra glassware and an interesting piece of art.  Bar-carts come in so many different materials, shapes, sizes and prices, but personally I’m endorsing the stainless steel and glass styles for their classic appeal. For about $500 dollars, Restoration Hardware’s “Duncan bar-cart” (pictured above) is a great investment.  If you’re working with a budget, check out Target or even Sears for some surprisingly well-designed choices as well.

Best,

Sean Yashar