Transform your bar cart into a healing oasis
Story by Jennifer Cooper
Photos by Dave Cooper
Styling consultant Emily Marie Schultz
Bar carts are a fixture in movies, television, architectural and fashion magazines. Why are they so popular? Because they convey a sense of relaxation and elegance. But what if you want the aesthetic and experience the bar cart represents, but you don't want the alcohol?
We have some thoughts. Inspired by our Drinking Issue, we’re turning the traditional bar cart into an invitation for sensuous relaxation that won't leave you with a hangover.
Glassware
Don’t let your fancy glasses sit away never being used. Bring them out for a violet syrup and sparkling water mix. While we love a layered mix of stemware, we understand you may want more uniformity. Whatever you choose, have the style reflect you.
Going Natural
Plants and fresh flowers aren’t just beautiful, studies find they reduce stress and anxiety making them a healthier alternative to a boozy 5 o’clock unwind. We’ve added alcohol-free handcrafted oxymels made from herbs and adaptogens with fun names like “Serenity Now,” and “Hot and Bothered,” to cool us down. And for those looking for a smoke, we’ve stocked our cart with herbal rolls from Hey Thanks! Herbal Company. They’re filled with a blend of passionflower, chamomile, catnip, and lavender along with other non-tobacco smokable plants which are said to relax the mind.
Intellectual Uplift
We stocked our cart with books that celebrate artists and the power of femininity. It rescues us from our dependence on screens and serves as a reminder that even though societal standards may be regressing, we are not.
Self-love Celebration
Tarot has long been a method for helping people tap into their intuition. While some people think Tarot is for divination, it’s more that each card offers a meditation and invitation to think about what’s important to us at this moment. We love the She Wolf set from Serpent Fire that encourages us to embrace self-love.
Drinks
What’s a bar cart without drinks? We stocked ours with sparkling water, tonics, and Curious Elixirs. We also dried slices of oranges, clementines, and lemons to use as garnishes. We like giving our drinks an added sense of luxury. You could also add fresh edible flowers and herbs to your drinks for an extra-sensory experience.
So go ahead! Transform your bar cart into a healing and restorative oasis. You deserve it. Now excuse me while I hit play on our curated Tarot Tunes playlist and settle in for the night.
Many thanks to Curious Elixirs who provided drinks for our cart. They’re a fun and tasteful way to include everyone in your next gathering. #3 with a fresh twist of cucumber and lemon is our favorite. You can follow them on instagram @curiouselixirs.
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