For this week’s adventure, Caitlin walks us through an essential for any budding decorista, the chic (and well-stocked) bar cart. Enjoy! — Joslyn

By Caitlin Giddens

There comes a day when 20-somethings must develop more sophisticated taste. This applies to dining (goodbye, Whataburger), clothing (hello, work attire), and alcohol (won’t miss you, Keystone). With that, we learn the art of a well-stocked bar cart.

My friend Amy has been toying with the idea of building a bar cart for her new duplex. And I encourage the ambitious venture because it invites “research” that includes cocktail sampling and Mad Men watching. Amy has her eye on a fun cart like this wheeled piece, spotted via My Scandinavian Home (Ed. Note: It’s a Scandinavian day here on D Home). If you’re looking to buy a new bar cart, this brass beauty from Crate & Barrel guarantees a good time.

More than building or shopping for a bar cart, stocking it is what intimidates me. In theory, showing your guests to a full bar cart sounds chic and cosmopolitan. But then when you consider the price of a well-stocked cart, Keystone isn’t looking too bad anymore.

In this article, blogger Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere recommends keeping four spirits in stock: whiskey, gin, tequila, and vodka. She then suggests you add simple additions like club soda, tonic water, and ginger beer. I’d also throw in some fun summer garnishes like lime, blackberries, grapefruit, thyme, and basil, so you can whip up tasty libations à la this vodka-thyme lemonade.

Stocking your cart with entertaining tools can be relatively inexpensive. Pottery Barn offers an affordable option with these cosmopolitan cocktail shakers. And check the Martha Stewart Collection at Macy’s, especially this fetching ice bucket.

So if summer temperature has you fading, a new (or newly built) bar cart may remedy the heat. Stocking the cart is an investment, but think of all the cash you’ll save by staying in for a cocktail with friends. And no one has to valet the car in your garage.