With the recent resurgence of classic designs, the humble bar cart, or serving cart as some prefer, has quickly become the must-have item for any modern home. Designed for easy entertaining, this simple accent piece accommodates all of the beverages, barware and other necessities to serve your guests and yourself!

The origins of the serving cart date back to the Victorian era where they were used as tea trolleys to serve afternoon tea. In the years after prohibition, the tea trolley transformed into the bar cart as we know it today. During it’s heyday of the 1950’s & 60’s, when cocktail hour was a daily occurrence, the bar cart was essential for any well prepared hostess. With the rise of the built in wet bar in the 1970’s and 80’s, bar carts went out of fashion as the need for them diminished.

Traditionally used for entertaining, the bar cart can be styled and used in many ways to meet different needs. Here are five of our favorite ways to style the perfect bar cart.

Spring Fling

Welcome your guests this spring with a light filled bar cart full of whimsy and delight. Serve up drinks and eats alongside colorful spring accents and your guests will be raving about your fun party style for weeks to come. Get everyone involved in the party playlist with a Bluetooth speaker, for music sharing, tucked away on the bottom shelf. The OSP Designs® Wilshire stainless cart makes it easy to showcase your sassy spring style with its mirrored shelves and lux metal finish.

Warm Tropical Vibes

Dreaming of a tropical vacation, but can’t get away just yet? Bring the tropical holiday to you with the with the OSP Designs® Lanai serving cart. Inspired by Hawaiian bamboo furniture this cart will fit right into any tropical inspired soiree. Add some vintage drinkware and a few tropical plants, and you will be ready to entertain guests with that aloha spirit.

Entertaining in Small Spaces

Do you shy away from adding a bar cart to your home due to lack of space? You don’t have to anymore. The compact shape of the OSP Designs® Royse serving cart makes it more suitable for smaller spaces. Tuck it away in a corner or use it beside a seating area as a side table. This versatile cart will make entertaining a breeze.

Dinner Party

Who says that bar carts can only be used for drinks when entertaining? They also make excellent storage areas for plates and silverware. Serving a buffet dinner? Simply load up your cart with your dinnerware and wheel it out, allowing your guests easy access without overcrowding the buffet table. Prefer a sit down affair? Use your cart to collect dirty dishes after your meal and wheel them into the kitchen for cleanup. The sophisticated style of the OSP Designs® Melrose serving cart lends a helping hand at any occasion.

Book Shelf Storage

Don’t entertain often and wondering what to do with your cart between uses? Rework the classic bar cart by stacking your favorite books alongside a couple of air plants and decorative accessories. Showcase your personality by creating a unique display that’s totally you.

What are some of your favorite ways to use your bar cart? Let us know in the comments below.