This past holiday weekend, I was honored to be asked by Sea Island Resorts and Garden and Gun to be a tastemaker for the Southern Grown Festival. I’ve attended #SeaIslandSoGro for the past four years so I was really excited to be a part of the line-up this year!

As part of their “How to be a Southerner” workshops, I’m sharing three ways to enhance your bar cart. It’s important to remember that your bar cart should add energy to your space and complement your decor. Have fun and be creative!

One. Infuse Your Personality.

Start with a bar cart that matches your style. I love this rattan bar cart from Ethan Allen. Since I live in the South, the casual and island-inspired bar cart perfectly matches the vibe in my home.

Incorporate cocktail napkins that are meant to last. I always turn to Lettermade for their 100% linen napkins that are embroidered in the U.S.A.

I love to add personality through bar towels, especially with the designs from Face to Face Designs. They have a variety of options that have some pretty funny sayings that are sure to make your guests laugh.

I typically always include a candle with a fresh scent on a bar cart. Check out Salt and Shore for high quality hand-poured soy candles in Savannah, Georgia.

Take a break from traditional barware such as crystal rocks glasses and add unexpected glassware such as these Amanda Lindroth seaglass wrapped tumbler glasses. They are sure to elevate your bar cart! I also opted for the willow and glass tray with leather handles to help define the space.

Two. Add Fresh Flowers or Greenery.

I always include some type of greenery on my bar cart for a fresh look. I either cut hydrangeas in my backyard or I like to add herbs in a grouping of vases. Think about adding lavender, basil, mint or thyme to your bar cart and invite your guests to garnish their drinks with the herbs. My favorite vases are from Vietri which are handcrafted in Italy. They’re great heirloom pieces and made to last from generation to generation.

Three. Offer a Signature Cocktail.

It’s best to offer a signature cocktail for your guests to re-create. Be sure that the recipe is easy, I tend to have a 2-3 ingredient cocktail with simple instructions. Or you can offer a large batch cocktail in a pitcher for your guests to pour over ice. And, always include the recipe! Work with a calligrapher for an added touch.

Four. Shop Local Spirits.

I’m a rum enthusiast so I include single estate Richland Rum on my bar. They have a distillery in Brunswick, Georgia and for me that’s about as local as it gets! Also try Virgil Kaine bourbon which is handcrafted in Charleston, SC. I’m a big fan of all things local so why not have local spirits on hand for your guests!

Special thanks to Ethan Allen, Amanda Lindroth, Vietri, Face to Face Designs, Garden and Gun, Sea Island, Salt and Shore Company and Lettermade for working with me on this story. Also, thanks to everyone who came to the Southern Grown Festival sessions! It was great to meet you! 

Photography by Tamara Gibson