Cocktail hour at home
Be they vintage or new, cocktail trolleys are becoming de rigueur.
Cocktail trolleys – not to be confused with Victorian tea trolleys – have been finding favour in the best-dressed living rooms for more than a century.
But in recent years, they have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, alongside a growing appreciation for Mid-century furniture.
It’s a trend that’s no surprise to Emma and Dan Eagle of Mid-century furniture specialist Mr Bigglesworthy. As Dan Eagle says: ‘‘I think there has been a nostalgic return to entertaining at home. The bar cart is the perfect accessory for mixing a drink while keeping up with the conversation, and a great talking point, to boot.’’
Eagle says the versatility of occasional furniture is always the best part and this holds true for the bar cart: ‘‘Use it for predinner drinks, post-dinner coffee, or an allday go-to for bar snacks. The George Nelson bar we have in the gallery is a great example of post war technology, and a piece with multiple uses.’’
Meredith Lee of European Antiques and Furnishings says the increase in popularity is related to the fact that we are entertaining more at home, and for the increased intimacy and comfort it provides, ‘‘not to mention it is easier on the finances’’.
Lee says the design trend for cocktail trolleys is so strong, she keeps a variety of original Hollywood Regency stock in store, such as cocktail trolleys, lamps and coffee tables.
‘‘As a piece of furniture, cocktail trolleys work hard – they can have multiple uses in multiple rooms. They look retro yet classic, suit any interior, take up very little space, and as they are not a slave to fickle fashion trends, you are very unlikely to tire of them. Change out the accessorises and you have a new trolley.’’
Lee says she likes ones with detachable trays, ‘‘for serving your favourite tipple’’. And she appreciates being able to wheel them around when entertaining inside or al fresco.
‘‘The Mid-century versions I favour are from the Paris Design house Maison Jansen. They are just so very chic with their signature acorn finials, pierced brass and glass galleries and large oversized wheels. Also, let’s not forget, it’s fun to make a ritual of serving guests a drink… or watching guests create their own.’’
Myelz Moss of Freedom Furniture, which stocks several lines of drinks trolleys, believes they have seen a resurgence due to TV shows set in the 1950s and 60s.
‘‘However, Don Draper isn’t the only reason for the renaissance of glam at-home entertaining,’’ he says. ‘‘The revival is part of a bigger trend: Mid-century furniture has gained major popularity due to its suitability for modern living – the sleek lines and dark woods of the era suit small, urban spaces, plus they are timeless additions that go with everything and anything.’’
Moss says some of the modern trolleys are akin to hiring your own bartender to provide cocktails for guests. Many bar carts and drinks cabinets have shelving to conveniently stock glasses, with room for drinks on top.
ACCESSORISING
Lee believes accessorising is a question of balance between beauty and function.
‘‘I have a client who has a cocktail trolley in her bedroom as a vanity display piece, with her perfumes and treasured photos. Another has one in her bathroom, with guest towels displayed beautifully in rolls on the bottom tier, and bottles of bath oils stashed in the decanter racks. The top tier has bathroom accessories, like flowers and candles.
‘‘In the main, my clients purchase them as cocktail trolleys, selecting a mix of antique and contemporary decanters, crystal glasses, selected aperitif mixers, deco cocktail shakers and the ubiquitous lemons. The more glam, the better.
‘‘My own drinks trolley is used as a side table in my lounge and also houses a small selection of design books, flowers and a midcentury lamp, in addition to a collection of Val St Lambert coloured crystal glasses and decanters.’’
Emma Eagle says decking out your bar cart is a chance to show off your excellent taste in spirits, shakers and glassware. ‘‘A healthy bowl of lemons, limes and a vintage ice bucket won’t go amiss either.’’
FAVOURITE COCKTAIL?
Meredith Lee of European Antiques and Furnishings: ‘‘If I wish to make a bit of fuss (and ignore calories) I love a Brandy Alexander, an old family favourite that’s almost as retro as a cocktail trolley.’’
Ingredients
60ml (2oz) brandy
15ml (1⁄2oz) dark creme de cacao 15ml (1⁄2oz) heavy cream
1 whole nutmeg
Preparation Combine brandy, creme de cacao, and heavy cream in a mixing glass with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a 180ml (6oz) cocktail glass and grate nutmeg over the top, to taste.
‘‘In the hotter months, I enjoy serving a Pernod on ice with chilled mineral water. Very simple, but it always seems to hit the spot after a busy week.’’
DON’T FORGET GIN
Dan and Emma Eagles’ favourite cocktail to serve? ‘‘Always a classic gin and tonic, or maybe a gin and cucumber granita if the sun’s out and you’ve thought ahead!’’