Recently I have been making my way through "The Drunken Botanist" by Amy Stewart. I love finding out about the array of herbs, flowers and fruits that have been transformed into alcoholic beverages and mixers. This voyage of discovery inspired me to give our bar cart a botanical makeover in a beautiful palette of pink and green. Having a bar cart or beverage station at home makes it so much easier when you are hosting friends. You can focus on hanging out and having fun. Combine it with plants and flowers and you'll love hosting in a gorgeous leafy haven.
Start with Plants
I love the clean and polished look live plants give to decor. They are a glamorous yet affordable decor option and help to create a calm, happy space.
I started with a wall plant mounted on wood, another warm, natural element. I also used a vanda orchid which I hung from the ceiling using a removable hook and s-hook. Vanda orchid roots love the air and give texture and depth to your bar cart vignette.
I then placed a live Protea, fern fronds (both with a long life span once cut), large and Medium Silk Fern Leaves in a Tall Ceramic White Vase With Gold Trim. I used books to give these some height and then added a small potted aloe.
On the top of the bar cart I added a larger potted aloe in a Wide White Ceramic Vase With Gold Trim. I placed this and a small glass beaker with Faux Lavender Stems, on top of the book that inspired this look.
On the bottom level I placed faux succulents in a Gold Geometric Terrarium Candle Holder on top of a natural wood cake stand. I love the contrast between the natural look and feel of wood with gold. I also love that the terrarium gives the look & feel of a botanical greenhouse.
I also added Faux Floral Greenery in a glass beaker, a nod to Botany 101 and the theory behind the book!
By using living plants and faux stems you'll be able to enjoy this bar cart style for a long time.
Botanical Beverages & Mixes
Inspired by The Drunkin Botanist, I added a fabulous botanical gin to the top of the cart. I place this next to a Gold Confetti Drink Shaker to be used for some fun cocktail experimentation. Botany 101!
On the left side of the cart I placed a Palm Leaf with a mix of botanical syrups. I decanted the syrups into a selection of Craft Bottles (sterilized before use) using Funnels. The decorative glass fits so well with this theme. To complete the look I tied sweet labels from World Wide Party onto each bottle with jute cord. Click “download template” button under the materials list to get the free printable.
Next to this a selection of bitters, star anise, other spices and edible flowers in mini plates I placed these on top of Carnival Fiesta Beverage Napkins that have a gorgeous palm design.
Behind this, i put a gold glass box filled with lime and bay leaves. I then placed glass jars on top and filled them with fresh lemon and lime slices. An abundance of delicious botanical garnishes for you and your guests.
Botanical Themed Essentials
When entertaining and serving drinks, glasses, beverage napkins and cocktail picks for garnishes are essential. Inspired by gin botanicals I chose to stock the cart with these elegant martini glasses.
I then chose rich green napkins with a fun personalized message to tie in with the theme, "Botany 101", a class on drinking with The Mayhews!
I cut off small fern leaves from a Fern Garland and attached them to picks to create botanically inspired cocktail picks.
Pops of Natural Botanical Colors
To add a pop of color to this vignette I framed an array of dried / pressed flowers in a range of gorgeous colors. I took the backs out of DIY Unfinished Wood Picture Frames and painted the frames pink. Then I used a light transparent glue to stick the flowers onto the glass and hung the frames (with the glass only) onto the wall. They are very light so I used mounting putty that can easily be removed.
To bring this pink into the bar cart and tie the elements together, I used a pink and floral wrapping paper on the bottom layer of the cart. I also created a DIY Batik Banner for the Botanical Bar Cart with a soft watercolor pink. Learn how to create your own here.
For the final touch of pink, I placed an extra serving tray on the peacock chair I have next to the bar cart. On this I placed extra drinks for guests as well as top up beverages and garnishes.
The final touch, a message from us, the hosts. I used the 16" Oak Letter Board and added a fun pun ... it's always a good time for a pun!
So, now friends, I "be-leaf" you need a drink too! I hope you enjoy transforming your bar cart with these ideas for styling with botanics.
Photography: Photography Hill
