Vintage-inspired bars make an outdoor happy hour even happier. You can create a backyard libation station from old furnishings or architectural salvage. Here are a few easy ideas.
An old plant stand
An old wicker plant stand offers a deep well that’s ideal for stocking whiskeys, liquors, liqueurs and mixes.
A single stand holds a surprising number of bottles, while a multi-tier stand could be outfitted as a full bar.
Place the bar in a protected area such as a porch, three-season room, or on the deck beneath the eaves of the house. Give your bar extra presence with a textured backdrop or a eye-grabbing work of art.
This stand is deep enough for two rows of bottles but we added a 2×4 board to the bottom to give the back row a lift and make those bottles more visible.
Keep a supply of citrus fruits handy for flavoring and garnishing drinks. A mix of lemons, limes and oranges fills this basket and adds a punch of color down low.
A Repurposed Vintage Door
An old salvaged entry door makes a perfect backdrop for an improvised outdoor bar. It’s compact but makes a big statement.
A small bench placed atop a larger one and secured to the door creates a two-tier surface for storage and service.
Topping your service surface with a tray makes it easy to mix and hand around drinks when you have several guests. Keep some cheeky cocktail napkins handy.
Pretty tea towels hanging from small hooks fill the window space in the salvaged door. You could also hang a series of bar tools here. And why not some twinkle lights while you’re at it?
From Old Shipping Pallets
Build a unique serving station and keg stand with old shipping pallets. We made one for a beer-tasting party but it can be stocked with wine or liquor, too. See how we made it here.
Another option for a shipping pallet bar is this full-on bartender-friendly setup. We’ll show you how we made it in our next post. Don’t miss it!
© Caruth Studio