Budget-Friendly Bar Cart Makeover | The only booze, tools and decor you need!

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Hey guys! I'm Alexandra Gater and I show you how to do rental-friendly upgrades and DIY projects on a budget. New videos every Saturday! In today's video, I'm showing you how to stock your first bar cart on a budget. Everything from what liquor and mixers you need to decorating essentials. I hope you find this video helpful!
Products mentioned in this video:
Links marked with a AF are affiliate links. That means I receive a percentage of the revenue made from purchasing products through this link. Products marked with * means they were gifted to me from brands but I was not paid to feature them in this video.
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Alexandra Gater
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M5S 3C9
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Thank you so much to each and every one of you for your continued support. I get to make these videos for a living, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.
Video shot by Carla Antonio: www.carlaantonio.com/
Edited by Samphe Brule: samphebrule.myportfolio.com/
Intro designed and animated by Lindsey Deschamps: www.lindseydes.com/
All music sourced by licensing.
All opinions are my own. It's important to hire licensed professionals for certain projects; if you're unsure or unqualified, please don't attempt any projects seen in my videos yourself.

[@MariaRosa-cp1sh]

Instead of books, you could stack cute cutting boards and that way you have them handy to cut any limes/lemons.

[@okashi10]

I agree! Also, less chance of accidentally splashing liquid on books.

[@denises9426]

Great idea Maria!

[@AthomewithVK]

I was thinking the same! Or you can add a marble/wooden tray for a different texture and accent and you can use it as a chopping board 😊

[@a_tots]

or a tray...

[@heleneolsenthunem307]

Or a book of drink recipes or something 🤩

[@tlr8408]

It's looks great. A small potted Mint plant would look good and help for making Mojito's too!!

[@melk675]

Such a good idea I'm stealing it haha

[@hannahjaneheathson]

Yes!!! And rosemary and basil can be great in some drinks too! Love this idea

[@julieanne7223]

maybe for non-drinkers you could make a coffee/tea cart. good info, thank you.

[@erikafernandez2499]

I’m going to need Alana to do a video on where she gets her beautiful glasses 😍

[@desireecabrera7168]

I saw those amber daisy glasses on Etsy www.Etsy.com/shop/AliceinDesiLand

[@followmemove]

yes that would be soo cool! those green shot glasses! i need them!

[@Djean0114]

Great video! One point you may not be aware of. Do not put alcohol in antique lead crystal decanters. It was made with real lead and will leach out. I was warned about this by an antique dealer.

[@feraguilar4175]

You can soak them in white vinegar for 24 hours and that should extract all the lead.

[@Djean0114]

@@feraguilar4175 Good to know!

[@chrislucich2764]

@@feraguilar4175 for real??? Where did you hear that?

[@feraguilar4175]

@@chrislucich2764 Yes! I found several interesting articles on Google with detailed instructions!

[@mmariemarkel7482]

Good looking out.

[@PuddleOfSalad]

Loved the "How To:" video format!

[@sunnydaysatl]

I got a changing table ($20 C.L)replaced the top white glass had cut from Home Depot , painted gold n added wheels Now I have a great bar cart

[@jmartinez999x]

I may be wrong, but I think that little bucket with tongs is for sugar cubes. Either way, everything looks great! Now I want a cocktail 🍹

[@TEXTUALactivity]

That teeny tiny one probably is for fruit or sugar! Alexandra probably saw bigger ones in photos that were definitely traditional ice bowls/buckets.

[@redheadgirlygirl7]

This was so helpful! Would you be able to do something like this but for a coffee nook? Maybe some DIYs for hooks or how to display mugs. Some cute organization hacks for tea bags? Can’t wait to have my own space again where I can do this!

[@hannahjaneheathson]

Yes! A coffee and tea nook would be cool

[@janetd4862]

The problem with a bar cart is everything gathers dust. If I was going to make a drink Friday after work, I’d want to take my glass to the sink and wash it and dry it first.

[@melk675]

Yeah, best to store upside down

[@BrennaBiz]

I have a bar cabinet because of that very reason! Technically a curio cabinet with glass doors but it works the same with more storage 😊

[@leighirvine]

Id want to as well for sure, they’re better stored upside down

[@alysonlofgren3328]

We use these random open shelves in the corner of our kitchen as our bar "cart" because they are too small for much else and we have a pretty tiny open concept living area. One addition I was waiting for was cute coasters! So many options to add color or texture! We have the cork ones from Ikea and or other natural textures like stone. I also personally would have flipped where the bottles and glassware are set here to fill more of the vertical space on the bottom shelf and added more of the mixer sodas so you don't have to store the rest of the pack somewhere else. I hate having one thing take up multiple storage spaces in the kitchen. I also store all my glasses upside down because of dust and dog hair.

[@ayeshapatel87]

I'm Muslim and don't even drink but still here to support my girl!

[@hayeslundry]

There is a lot of non alcoholic spirits like seedlips and others.

[@evajmd]

hahaha this is like highest praise

[@cassandra_cassowary]

I have an entire bar cart stocked to the max that I set up when I turned 21 recently but I don't even like alcohol so I rarely use it 😂 it's mainly just decor so I might as well make it look pretty right

[@mercedesfaberlle6918]

I don’t drink ether but the idea is useful for a coffee or tea bar ♥️

[@elisaruano7704]

@@mercedesfaberlle6918 so very true. In my case is a coffee bar. Same principles. 👏👍

[@TEXTUALactivity]

Make sure your decanters are lead-free!! Do not buy from a craft store, unless you're only going to use them for decoration, and not actually put liquor in them! (I'm sure Alexandra did the research, just want to give everyone a heads up.)

[@roxylightfoot6415]

You gotta do a video making some favorite cocktails using your new bar cart :)

[@sweetness371]

I have that same bar cart. The one that's linked isn't the right one. You can tell by that geometric pattern on the glass. I got mine from Wayfair for $150. That was over five years ago though, and it's not available anymore. Just in case anyone was wondering!

[@allaboutfoodwithChristie]

I love that, we have to unwind every Friday after work :)

[@iriskm239]

Cart is beautiful, but glassware on the bottom shelf with a cat?

[@cartelt]

Are you hiring? You don't have to pay me...I'll just hang out by the bar cart...

[@sarstally8286]

🤣🤣🤣

[@biancabrooks280]

That cart needs another shelf. All I can see is a bunch of dead storage space.

[@clairebeane3455]

I have been a bartender for nearly two decades and I too have a colored antique and vintage glass collection much like the one you placed on your cart!! I just love them and feel soooo fancy when I drink from them. 😉

[@redwinet3]

I had those gold drinking glasses growing up in the 70’s. The kitchen was all in Harvest Gold. (including the rotary phone) My mom was so stylish❣️

[@chrislucich2764]

Very cute! One thing, you mentioned decanters.....you have to be careful with them because if it's leaded glass, the lead will leak out into the fluid.

[@PrincessofBuckhead]

Another thing to put near your bar cart is a tabletop ice maker. I bought one for around $120 USD off of amazon and I have it in my bedroom, I’m spoiled, but you can run it in the background and have it make perfect sized ice cubes for your cocktails. This ice machine is as important to me as my Keurig. Loved the video!!

[@ryand4268]

So cute! Love that you brought happy hour to the office 😄

[@charlotteblanchard]

If I’m not mistaken, some vintage decanters are made with leaded glass, so you might not want to store any liquor in it for too long.

[@doraankova887]

Wait! No pom-poms or tassels?!? Come on! Very refreshing video! Cheers from Alberta❄❄❄

[@giuliafrasson6626]

Spritz actually goes in large wine glasses or in small water glasses. At least this is how we do it in Veneto, Italy, were it was invented. Here it’s cultural!

[@Impala_Lily]

I always love your ideas on styling and find such inspiration in all your vids, but in all honesty, this one is lacking and dull. The lower shelf especially.

[@EllaWH]

You probably can't do this in the office but I'd love to see an How To Style windowsills video!!

[@amsbmp]

Your stemware n decanters are gorgeous. As always an awesome vlog. Ty

[@hannahjaneheathson]

I’d love more styling videos. Could you do one on how to style a dog bed / dog crate area in your living room or home so it has everything the dog needs but doesn’t look like a total mess!!?

[@autumnmott24]

Oh this is perfect timing! I just bought a house and will have my first bar cart!

[@hayeslundry]

I would suggest checking out how to drinks basic bar stuff too. Honestly as a bartender there were things that vexed me about this video.

[@megangallagher1985]

Love gin and tonics! My favorite tonic is Fever Trees Elderflower Tonic w some lemon bitters 😉

[@hannahjaneheathson]

Me too!

[@novingale]

I love that the Sorry Girls just recently slammed bar-carts for not being in style and now Alexandra is like "wait what?"

[@evajmd]

Different strokes!!!!!! 🥂

[@beth5633]

Haha, that is exactly what I just thought 😊

[@redwinet3]

That’s hilarious! I saw that as well! 😂

[@EvelienHV85]

Bar carts not in style? Really? In the Netherlands they're really hot atm. Especially since we all have to stay home I would think they're more popular than ever!

[@nks18]

I think Becky clearly mentioned it as a personal opinion that it is an impractical piece .. which is also a valid point

[@jenknox2478]

I love this video, definitely need more on styling surfaces😍

[@pollyporter-campbell7493]

Pretty and "yes" to more styling videos.

[@theadventuresofsandyland4961]

Love the bar cart! Perfect for relaxing! I can’t drink sadly as I have AIH 😭 so I have mocktails and they taste *almost* as nice 😀 I thrifted a mocktail bar cart and I love it 😀

[@louisebergman2529]

This video was so helpful! I've wanted a bar cart in my apartment for so long but never known where to start in putting it together. Thank you 💓

[@jossecontreras8293]

I need the same but for a coffee cart! So cute!

[@spacepanda000]

I found that exact bar cart on FB market place and it was brand new in the box for only $40??? I love it!

[@tysonb3568]

Omg,...im making over my apt and was just looking into hooking up my bar cart! Great timing! 🙌🏽 Lol

[@stephaniewhorley8439]

I turn my glassware upsidedown on my bar (shelf) to prevent dust. GT is also my go to. Cheers!

[@loril4064]

Loved this so much!

[@nighttime64]

So love your yellow corner sofa

[@bcfriardoyle7697]

I never noticed before, but James does a smoooth job editing! Thanks J 🥳 And AG the art you chose for James’ work area is perfect!! 💖🦩

[@ashleyruthdunn]

So funny!!! I have this same barcart!! Love it so much, the patterned glass makes me swoon 😍😍😍

[@drei5573]

this is probably not viable at the moment but in the future it would be really nice to see you style a student’s desk/study area! ❤️

[@lisechristensen4714]

Maybe turn the glasses upside down to keep dust and debris out :) And they'd be ready to use :D

[@cowabummr_dude]

If I were you I’d add an extra shelf in the middle. Cups on bottom, alcohol in middle, tools, soda, and an ice bucket on top. Or if you added an extra shelf you could make it so you can hang the glassware upside down like they do in restaurants. That’s just me though and I drink a lot/am a bartender

[@tashalove895]

Such a fun video, love the ideas. Thank you AG!

[@livenubian-homedecordiylif8384]

Omg so excited for this! I just got a bar cart and need ideas for how to stock it!! So thanks for this!

[@soitsmelaura]

So cute ... noticed the swing cushion is a new color

[@luzmedina7685]

Yeahhh more of this!!

[@jamiej144]

I got a bar cart from Ross for $12 because it was missing a wheel. I bought new casters from Home Depot, and had a nice cart for around $20!

[@lorrainegatzke1048]

Love 💖 the bar cart, simple and functional. Which small bar fridge will you get?

[@mercedesfaberlle6918]

Espectacular!!! Me encantó, puedo aplicarlo a mi coffee bar aunque ahora quiero en un bar como ese, party time!!!

[@ivettewoods3733]

Thank for sharing

[@kellyhendriks8057]

thank you!!!

[@mowattlavern62]

It's nice even though i don't drink

[@Bubreherro]

That Art Deco bar cart is seriously dreamy

[@anellelorquet7730]

What a great idea for a video!

[@amethyst4444]

Looking for a video like this!!!!

[@haifaabdullah5062]

I don’t even drink but still watched the whole video lol

[@clee2865]

I love spritz😻😻😻

[@LaVidaenRosa]

So beautiful and nice to have near at the office,! Cheers from México with a shot of tequila 😂

[@hayeslundry]

Don’t leave the wine on the bar cart it should go in the fridge. Also you need vermouth for the Negroni but I’m guessing you realized that it needs refrigeration so didn’t include it in the bar cart but might have been something to mention. I’m about to start my own beverage youtube channel and would love to some day partner with you on a bar cart.

[@agnesccl2990]

Love your video 🥰👍

[@Lumley106535]

Yes to more how tos!

[@prisillaspace]

Next video suggestion: Making cocktails and having a ‘safe’ get together. 🥳🎊💖🤗🌟💐

[@eviec3382]

Can you make a video of how to decorate an entry way table or a 3 shelf tv stand

[@ryannwatt4780]

I also don't drink much but love a gin & tonic. I love your bar cart and thought this was a really cute video and a nice sort of extension of your content.

[@kristenpringle1635]

You have Zoe's book! I love her!

[@nighttime64]

The whole bar cart looks good, but Alana's glasses just finished it off. I don't drink but someone said it would make a nice hot drinks cart as well. Like your dress as well x

[@heleneolsenthunem307]

It would be so cute with a little, vintage glass bowl of sugar (with a lid) 🥰

[@lisamartin704]

Cute.

[@RA-go5qk]

Oh my gosh, that looks so cool. Do you have any job openings, lol 😝?

[@7sevendaysara]

I am. Not a fun o bar carts, but I have an entire shelf that is dedicated to bar items, so I will use some tips. I have in the same spot also the coffee machine with some mugs... It is a cuddle-yourself corner Sara Nena DIY

[@beth5633]

A dusting nightmare 😂

[@beverlydust5381]

I don't drink alcohol but I did find it interesting, that you put glasses on the bottom shelf, when you bring your cat to work, cat fur on the glasses, and I won't put books on the bar cart ,maybe a cutting board for the fruit? Could you style a coffee or tea station as well.Also not sure about a bar in an office setting maybe coffee or tea would be a better choice.

[@adasjournal]

I’d personally want the glassware on the top shelve, it’s too beautiful to be on the bottom one. Otherwise it looks very nice.

[@TheGrandLady]

I'd rather see the glasswear up on the wall, up off the floor area.... seems cleaner. Love the styling though!

[@Tantejuju65]

Navy blue glasses are actually sherbert dessert dishes...but whatever. You should look for high ball, lowball, martini glasses

[@alexa_brownie]

I used a vintage-looking display cabinet from Ikea! Stores my cookbooks and fun stuff with bar materials on top and other decor. It's my most recent photo on IG @atravelerandascholar and I'm obsessed

[@duchessnicole]

Maybe put the prosecco in the fridge...

[@rosalinddudley9420]

I’ll have a gin and tonic, please! Lol! Your bar cart is so nice. Love how you styled it!

[@vivianlequang2739]

But where are the glasses from 🤔

[@shefalikolge]

Shouldn't the glasses go upside down? Idk!

[@laskeycollective]

Are those martini glasses or fruit glasses?

[@pastelpalace1932]

I was thinking dessert cups :) they are still pretty, but the blue ones that made it on the cart and the one she held up saying martini, pretty sure they are are a little hefty for drinking.

[@phylliscage]

Napkins?

[@melk675]

OK what if we don't have a freezer 👀

[@daniellejones8447]

Okay but where do I get the sign behind Alexandra in all her little intros about the friends being engaged because I'm obsessed

[@gabbisaldana1878]

urban outfitters!

[@daniellejones8447]

@@gabbisaldana1878 BLESS YOU

[@shalinisen]

Cheers!!🥂🍸🍷🥃🍹'hic'

[@Tantejuju65]

Decanters are fabulous but label them with a fabu tag

[@lulubelle65]

Oh no no, all those glasses right-side-up on the bottom shelf are just going to be a dusty mess. You’re much better off storing extra bottles on the bottom--you could add a 6 bottle wine rack for instance. The top shelf is for the bottles you are using, some garnishes that you actually use, like olives, lemons, limes, and the glasses you need for the drinks you are currently serving. When you are not in the process of making drinks, add a plant or some flowers.

[@marilynthomson9564]

Cork screw? Guessing no wine

[@piazimmermann9240]

👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍

[@WITML1]

Am I....first?

[@camryn9818]

Commenting to (maybe) earn you money. (Idk) Honestly, when I first discovered your channel I watched every one of them. I hope you blow up. (KZbin do not censor me, you know what I mean)

[@fanaydreamer7510]

First. here in 39 seconds I always heard people say first today I am hahaa

[@sophanarachay4917]

It's so pretty but I don't drink alcohol and everytime I tried to make one it ended with some water bottles, sodas' cans and my everyday glasses. Honestly, your fancy and most beautiful glasses always get broken.