Trick to Try: How to Create the Best Home Bar

There’s a certain glamorous and sophisticated element in the air when entertaining at home with a bar cart. And for even more hosting points this Christmas, style your bar on wheels like an interiors genius. Putting together the best home bar is easier than it looks. We've broken it down:

1. Pick your trolley

Whether you're upcycling an old vintage trolley found in a charity shop, or transforming a desk (like Style Me Pretty's gorgeous DIY Ikea bar cart hack) there are certain features to take note of for the perfect trolley. Firstly, the addition of wheels means you can transport your bar from room to room. Then, it's the shelving. Multiple tiers gives you more storage space.

2. Midas Touch

For a dash of a vintage look, paint your bar trolley in a gold and glamorous shade like Colour of the Year 2016, Cherished Gold.

Watch our step-by-step guide on How to Paint your Furniture to get tips before you get colouring.

3. Kitting it out

For a cocktail-ready trolley, make sure you have the glassware and barware to suit. A beginner's bar could have:

• whiskey glasses

• wine glasses

• Martini glasses

• cocktail shaker

• bar board for slicing garnishes

• decanter

• mixing spoon

• strainer

• bottle opener

Ikea's Frasera tumblers (above) give a luxe look at a pocket-friendly price point, so there's no need to worry about the occasional breakage. For an instant barware starter pack, try Whisk Hamper's Martini Cocktail set (€33.61).

4. The essentials

Have at least one easy-to-make cocktail up your sleeve and ready to go beyond a G&T. Maybe you enjoy an Old Fashioned or Cosmopolitan? So make sure you're trolley is stocked with the liquor and mixers you can always revert to.

Bases - Are you a screwdriver or martini fan? You'll want to invest in a good vodka. Margaritas? Then find a tequila that's 100% agave to avoid those hangovers. Finally, rum if you enjoy daiquiris or mojitos and bourbon for the Old Fashioned.

Mixers - Once the bases are on the trolley, start with the mixers. There are so many spicy options that are perfect for Christmas. Anything from an elderflower liquor for sweet notes or Cointreau for orange flavoured notes. And of course, the obvious ones like tonic water and soda.

5. Final touches

Although the main purpose of a bar trolley is to display your spirits, as a styling garnish, add a vase of flowers or a fun lamp that matches your room's aesthetics. If you have multiple tiers, a nice idea is to use the top tier for spirits and serving ware while saving the bottom shelf for tall bottles of wine and coffee table books. Talking Tables has a fun range of bar paraphernalia, from stirrers to straws and coasters and even pineapple centrepieces to adorn your bar top (above, right).

So, is it going to be shaken or stirred?

If you're looking for more ways to get your house cosy and ready for hosting this Christmas, you might enjoy 5 Ways to Turn your Fireplace into a Focal Point.