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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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December 10, 2013

Holiday bar cart ideas and a Home Goods giveaway!

I’m often asked how I would “define my style.”  I’ve always had a hard time putting my style into words.  I love a little glitz and glamour combined with some fun pops of color all against a white background.

Think deer antlers….gilded in gold.  

a disco ball propped up against a mirrored tree stand.  A family heirloom made over in electric blue!  A fur throw over a navy velvet chair. 

Are you getting the idea?

So when I saw the Home Goods Stylescope Quiz I was excited to actually find out what to call my “style!”

Home Goods Stylescope

I took the easy quiz…no signing up.  no questions to answer.  just choosing five images that appeal to you…and your style is revealed!  It was no surprise that I met the criteria for TWO different styles.

A little….Vegas Baby

Home Good Stylescope Vegas Baby

with a dash of …..Sassy!

Home Good Stylescope Sassy

Why does this not surprise me?! grin! We’ll call it…. Sassy Vegas Baby! 

I think the two descriptions sum up my style well:

VEGAS BABY:  “Vegas Baby is ready, willing, and unafraid to go over the top! She gambles with design. She gets the biggest bang for her buck. She mixes dark hues, animal prints, and sparkly, metallic accents. And, she is fun, fun, fun, and everyone that visits can’t help but get lost in the nightlife noir of her wonderfully wild world.”

SASSY: “Sassy is just that! She couldn’t be short on personality if she tried. She expresses herself with playful colors, fun patterns, and an unabashed boldness—all acquired at very savvy prices. She knows her style, and she’s not afraid to take risks and have fun. When you visit a Sassy friend, you can’t help but smile.”

Once I had defined my style it was time to head to Home Goods! My mission…to style a bar cart for my holiday entertaining using some amazing finds from HomeGoods!

I found some fun barware ideas while at HomeGoods, many would be perfect for gift giving!

Home Goods Gift Giving Ideas

Once I got home and unwrapped my finds, it was time to style my bar cart!



I started with a vintage bamboo gilded cart I picked up at one of my favorite local antique markets! Then I made sure it was stocked with all the necessities to keep our holiday entertaining hopping!

like wine for instance! Wine is a staple for us during the holidays and we like to keep a variety that will appeal to the palates of all of our guests.  There’s no need to spend a lot, some of our favorites are under $10.00  I loved these pretty mercury glass looking stemless glasses I found at Home Goods.  They had several sets to choose from, but of course knowing I’m a Vegas Baby, I gravitated towards the sparkly ones!

For mixed drinks keep several mixers on hand for creating a quick and delicious cocktail! I found so many fun and unique mixers at Home Goods, as well as some sparkly wine stoppers…there’s that Vegas again!

Be sure to keep some non-alchohlic options available as well for your guests.  They’ll appreciate having some fun options to choose from like nonalcoholic mixes and flavored waters!

For those moments when your guests get the “munchies”, it’s nice to keep a bowl of something sweet to nibble.  I found this pretty pottery bowl at HomeGoods and filled it with some Harry and David Chocolate Popcorn that I found at….you guessed it….Home Goods! They truly have a little bit of everything! Be sure to provide some little appetizer plates, like the ones pictured above.  Keep a pretty drink shaker handy so when you’re busy in the kitchen or chatting with friends, your guests can mix up a drink or two for themselves!

Holiday Bar Styling

An ice bucket is a must, and I loved this small one I found at Home Goods! It was just the perfect size for the bar cart.  For those who like their drinks on the rocks, these blue tumblers are perfect…and the Sassy in me loved the cobalt blue!

Here’s a list of a few more “must have” holiday bar cart ideas ….

Wine Charms
Wine Bottle Opener
Small Cocktail Napkins
Pretty Tray to hold small bar items
Wine Bottle Holder (the Sassy in me loved this silver antler one)
…and some chocolate…cause that always goes good with wine!

Now, here’s the fun part! Home Goods wants to give you a chance to test out your own style by winning one of….

TWO $50 HOME GOODS GIFT CARDS!

Home Goods Stylescope Giveaway

Here’s all you have to do to enter….

a Rafflecopter giveaway

…and be sure to take the Home Goods Stylescope Quiz before you head out on your next Home Goods shopping spree!

See you back here soon…at the picket fence!

signature

I was provided a gift card from Home Goods, but all opinions… and my awesome style, are my own!

90 Comments Filed Under: Beverages, Celebrations, Christmas, Decorating, Giveaways, Holiday Parties, Holidays, Parties, Reviews

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nicole says

    December 10, 2013 at 4:41 AM

    What a great giveaway-I love HomeGoods! I hope I win a gift card!

    Reply
  2. Mary Happymommy says

    December 10, 2013 at 4:46 AM

    I would actually pass the gift card on to my mother in law who loves to decorate her home. Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Jann from Newton Custom Interiors says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:06 AM

    we’re gearing up to do a renovation of our home next spring, and I’m going to be needing some new accessories. Home Goods was the first place I was going to look, so this gift card would be great to win! Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Tracie says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:10 AM

    Love the great items at HomeGoods! I love to mix unexpected elements and have found a number of exactly what I needed but didn’t know it items there.

    Reply
  5. Debi says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:16 AM

    I would spend it on the silver antler bottle holder! I must have that.

    Reply
  6. Julianne says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:18 AM

    Christmas decorations!!

    Reply
  7. Deborah says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:20 AM

    Christmas decorations.

    Reply
  8. Kathe K. says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:30 AM

    Oh, I love Home Goods! Thanks for a chance to win.

    Reply
  9. K says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    What a great idea! I would use it to add some more sparkle to our holiday decorations!

    Reply
  10. Amber W says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    I need some awesome accent lamps for my living room! That or some great couch pillows.

    Reply
  11. Chelle says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    Love the quiz & reading about my style, that was such fun! Passing this along to my eldest as she is in the process of decorating her 1st home!

    Reply
  12. jo wyrosdick says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:59 AM

    I love Homegoods! We do not have one in my city so it is a treat to go to one when we travel. Thanks for hosting this.

    Reply
  13. Tami says

    December 10, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    Can’t wait to take the quiz! Sounds like fun! My laundry room needs a makeover, so I would spend the gift card looking for artwork, baskets, glass containers … things to make the place fresher and more interesting to spend time in!

    Reply
  14. Damara says

    December 10, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    LOVE!!! Homegoods! Could spend all day there…

    Reply
  15. Alison says

    December 10, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    I would use it to help decorate our new home!

    Reply
  16. Kathleen says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:09 AM

    Wonderful post and Great giveaway… love HomeGoods, as does my mother-in-law. I would either use it on a gift or gift the card to her.

    Reply
  17. Teresa S says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    A new lamp

    Reply
  18. Kim says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    I would give it to my daughter for her new home.

    Reply
  19. Melody M says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:59 AM

    Love Home Goods and and planning my own bar cart since I saw yours!!!!

    Reply
  20. Meg S says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:02 AM

    A new lamp!

    Reply
  21. Jessie C. says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    I would get table runners and holiday decors.

    Reply
  22. Lisa S says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:10 AM

    It looks gorgeous…thanks to YOU and Home Goods!

    Reply
  23. Karli says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    I love HomeGoods. There is one just down the street from our house. Right now I’m looking for some rugs to put on our new wood floors! And I’m always on the hunt for fun knick knacks to place in hutches. And the never ending search for a funky side chair for our office continues too!

    Reply
  24. Penny says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    I’m really not sure what I would spend a $50 gift card on at Home Goods. We are renovating & there will be several things I will need: bedding, pillows, rugs, lamps, etc. Plus, I’ve never been to a Home Goods store, but have wanted to go to one. (We live in a rural area & don’t get to “big cities” often.)

    Reply
  25. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:57 AM

    Love your bar cart and colors are beautiful! I am going to get myself one of those carts. I am seeing them everywhere!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      December 11, 2013 at 5:04 AM

      Thanks Jess! I’m loving it. 🙂 ~Heather

      Reply
  26. Lisa says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    I just made a bar cart this fall (out of a changing table) and was so happy to see your post today. I’m having so much fun styling and can’t get enough of all the fun ideas floating around about bar carts these days. I’m loving the blue bottles and glasses on yours, especially with the gold! So fun. I’m headed to Homegoods today actually – I’ll have to look for some colored glassware for my bar!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      December 11, 2013 at 5:04 AM

      That is a great re-purposing idea Lisa! so cool! ~Heather

      Reply
  27. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    Splurge and buy some kind of pretty decor for my house – maybe a new mirror or art or bedding!

    Reply
  28. Kirstin M. says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    I love reading this blog, and I love Home Goods! Thanks for the contest!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      December 11, 2013 at 5:03 AM

      Thank you Kristin! We love to have you stop by to visit us! 🙂 ~Heather

      Reply
  29. Judy says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:29 AM

    I would spend it on new towels for our guest room bath. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  30. mona says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    New dishes for my daughter

    Reply
  31. Lisa BL says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    I love Home Goods!

    Reply
  32. Jennifer says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    I love your styled Bar Cart! Perfect for all the upcoming holiday gatherings! And a great give-away indeed. HomeGoods is always a favorite stop of mine!

    Reply
  33. Carolyn says

    December 10, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    Love Home Goods. I would spend it on Christmas decorations.

    Reply
  34. Olivia Rubin says

    December 10, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    Hmmm…what wouldn’t I spend it on! I want to make some terrariums so,probably an apothecary jar. Then some frames for holiday pics and lov the baby dept for great room accessories

    Reply
  35. kortney nelson says

    December 10, 2013 at 10:58 AM

    I would give it to a friend! I am in the giving mood!

    Reply
  36. Ashley C says

    December 10, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    I’m hosting my SIL’s baby shower in March and I’d love to get some cute serving bowls and canisters for the food table!

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  37. Valerie says

    December 10, 2013 at 11:50 AM

    I would buy some new picture frames! Or maybe some supplies for a hot chocolate bar 🙂

    Reply
  38. Nikki says

    December 10, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Looking to redo my master bedroom in the New Year – LOVE Home Good for fun finds!

    Reply
  39. Genita says

    December 10, 2013 at 12:04 PM

    Love Homegoods. The bar cart looks great!

    Reply
  40. Elena says

    December 10, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    I would buy a mirror

    Reply
  41. melissa newell says

    December 10, 2013 at 12:42 PM

    I would purchase some items to pretty up our bedroom for the new year!

    Reply
  42. Amanda Sakovitz says

    December 10, 2013 at 1:31 PM

    I would buy those clear glass vases and put the decorative balls in them!

    Reply
  43. Sally says

    December 10, 2013 at 2:14 PM

    I’ll bet I could use that $50 to finish up my Christmas shopping. I only have a few people left to shop for, and I’m stumped — but I’m sure HomeGoods would inspire me!

    Reply
  44. Vicki Shead says

    December 10, 2013 at 2:14 PM

    I’d spend it on my daughter. I’m going to her house in Seattle in January and her Christmas gift is a substantial Home Goods gift card. She is going to wait until I get there so we can shop together. I’m so excited!

    Reply
  45. Vicki Shead says

    December 10, 2013 at 2:15 PM

    PS: I’m FARMHOUSE GLAM! Exactly right! So cool!

    Reply
  46. Deborah Wilkins says

    December 10, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    I’m farmhouse glam, or so they say! Not certain that quite fits but I will roll with it. Merry Christmas and a Happy new year!

    Reply
  47. Thomas Murphy says

    December 10, 2013 at 4:19 PM

    I would buy a new lamp.

    Reply
  48. Julie says

    December 10, 2013 at 4:32 PM

    quite honestly I love the cobalt blue tumblers you showed-thanks for the giveaway

    Reply
  49. Jenna says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:36 PM

    I am drooling over here! The bar cart is GORGEOUS! I just did one, but yours totally just kicked mine’s butt and took names while doing it! haha! And HomeGoods is the. best. store. ever.

    Reply
    • Heather says

      December 11, 2013 at 5:01 AM

      Ha Jenna! you are so funny! could be I just had some good luck with photo editing. 😉 Don’t you love having a bar cart?! Makes it so handy. Thanks for coming by! ~Heather

      Reply
  50. Gerry says

    December 10, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    Great bar cart. And love your sassy style!

    Reply
  51. Kristin says

    December 10, 2013 at 6:14 PM

    I would spend it on pretty dishware for my kitchen!

    Reply
  52. Marie Valum says

    December 10, 2013 at 6:16 PM

    Love the party cart! So many great ideas!

    Reply
  53. Calli says

    December 10, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    baking tools and gift wrapping!

    Reply
  54. Leah Williams says

    December 10, 2013 at 6:41 PM

    I would LOVE to buy something pretty for my home!

    Reply
  55. Alicia says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    I would finally begin my “decorating on a budget”!!!

    Reply
  56. heather says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    Need new lamps.

    Reply
  57. Paula says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:46 PM

    Not sure what I would get. I never know what will catch my eye at Home Goods. My favorite shopping experience.

    Reply
  58. Geri Pendle says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    I have no idea!!!! I’ve never been to Home Goods!!!! But I’m going!

    Reply
  59. Sandy says

    December 10, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    Awesome cart. I remember the cart my parents had when they entertained. Home Goods is a favorite of mine. I really like your cobalt blue tumblers.

    Reply
  60. Holly B says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    I’d probably use it on new bedding.

    Reply
  61. PENNY says

    December 10, 2013 at 9:41 PM

    LOVE LOVE LOVE HOME GOODS!!!

    Reply
  62. Terri Hughes says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    Nice giveaway. Thanks!

    Reply
  63. Lori says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    New lamps!

    Reply
  64. CJ Pillow says

    December 11, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    I am ready to change the colors in our living room dining room, and this card could help with new pillows.

    Reply
  65. Leslie says

    December 11, 2013 at 8:23 AM

    I love those mercury glasses! And I love Barefoot wine – the Pinot Grigio is my favorite. I’ve been hesitant though throwing a cocktail party. I would definitely use the gift card to add a little sass to my house (the quiz came out Sassy with Farmhouse Glam)

    Reply
  66. victoria says

    December 11, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    Gosh what a great give away! I have taken the Home Goods style quiz several times and I am always ‘The Traveler’, I agree with that assesment. Though I do like shinny glittery things! Victoria

    Reply
  67. Lynne says

    December 11, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    I just discovered your site. Loving it! I would have a hard time deciding what to use the gift card on…there is so much to choose from at Home Goods! Thanks.

    Reply
  68. Sarah says

    December 11, 2013 at 12:24 PM

    I JUST bought a bar cart this weekend to make our little apartment feel more adult and festive and I could use an ice bucket and some fun tumblers, a wine bottle holder, napkins, and of course drink mixes to help stock it. What a timely giveaway!

    Reply
  69. Kristin says

    December 11, 2013 at 4:41 PM

    I am obsessed with home goods. I would probably spend it on Christmas decorations!!

    Reply
  70. rachel says

    December 11, 2013 at 4:45 PM

    I’d get new curtains, I think!

    Reply
  71. keri @ shaken together says

    December 12, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    Fun stuff for my boys’ bedroom makeovers!!

    Reply
  72. Vunda V says

    December 12, 2013 at 6:36 AM

    i would get some holiday decor for my house!

    Reply
  73. Beth Skjeveland says

    December 12, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    I love Home Goods!! I’d probably buy more Christmas decorations(which my husband says I don’t need). 🙂

    Reply
  74. Stephanie says

    December 12, 2013 at 5:36 PM

    I would buy lamps.

    Reply
  75. Jo says

    December 12, 2013 at 8:34 PM

    I would spend it on lamps for our living room.

    Reply
  76. Norma says

    December 13, 2013 at 2:09 AM

    I’d buy my daughter a gift.

    Reply
  77. Adriane says

    December 13, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    I’d buy some sheets!

    Reply
  78. Ashley H says

    December 13, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    I want some new throw pillows.

    Reply
  79. Carol Reddin says

    December 13, 2013 at 8:02 PM

    Love the cart and it’s contents. Great job! Mom

    Reply
  80. Barbara says

    December 14, 2013 at 5:18 PM

    I like to go to all the Home Goods stores in the area, there is ALWAYS something this “classic, with a touch of boho” can find to use in my home.

    Reply
  81. Lourdes says

    December 14, 2013 at 7:01 PM

    A bar cart is on my bucket list of things to add to my home decor!!

    Reply
  82. Diana Allen says

    December 15, 2013 at 5:28 AM

    I never have any problem finding wonderful things at Home Goods!!! Beautiful dishes and oh, those pillows!!!

    Reply
  83. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    December 15, 2013 at 2:16 PM

    What time are drinks? It looks so festive and gorgeous!! Perfect for the holidays. New Years should be a blast at your place 😉

    Reply
  84. Melissa Skarr says

    December 15, 2013 at 8:31 PM

    New pots and pans!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 12 Stylish Bar Carts With Amazing Design says:
    January 15, 2014 at 11:02 AM

    […] On your bar cart, you want to show off the best of the best. When you are shopping for your drink of choice, get something that’s stylish and satisfies your taste buds alike. That rule goes for all of the containers on your bar. Your glasses, ice bucket, and shaker should all be worthy of display. Be careful not to overdo it.  You do not have to display all of your bar accessories, just a carefully curated selection of the best. [from At the Picket Fence] […]

    Reply
  2. 12 Bar Carts | Decorating Ideas says:
    January 16, 2014 at 1:49 AM

    […] [from At the Picket Fence] […]

    Reply

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When I was in college I would frequently call home When I was in college I would frequently call home and pour my heart out to my mom, sharing with her all that was happening in my life in that completely unfiltered way that you can talk with the person who potty trained you. These phone calls usually took place at night and my mom would patiently listen as I vented frustrations about professors, roommates, boyfriends and the food in the cafeteria. And, inevitably, they would end with my mom saying, “Everything seems worse when you’re tired. Try not to overthink things or make any major decisions tonight, especially when you are feeling emotional.” Dear friends, may I pass along this advice to you today?

If you don’t absolutely HAVE to make a decision right now, I want to encourage you to wait until life gets back to normal. If you are finding yourself over-analyzing relationships and family dynamics, I want to encourage you to remember that everything seems more dramatic when looked at under a microscope. And, let’s face it, being homebound with our loved ones non-stop makes us all feel like lab rats in an experiment.

If you are tempted to quit a job, start a business, start homeschooling permanently, stop homeschooling permanently, move to a new city, buy a farm, quit pursuing your dream, join a commune or make any other major life decision just…wait. Because, if it is in fact the right decision, it will be made even clearer once our lives return to their ‘regularly scheduled programming’. Instead, in this strange season, let’s all just take a deep, collective breath and let it out slowly, releasing the anxiety that threatens to overtake us. Let’s help each other maintain some perspective and not slip into a posture of over-thinking every little thing in our lives. Let’s remember that the enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to use this time when things feel dark to manipulate us into thinking that aspects of our lives are worse than they actually are.

My prayer for you in these days is that you will have the clarity to know what is true and that you will be filled with peace even while we live in this season of so many unknowns.
Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking thes Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking these days! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m trying to avoid gaining the #corona15 but my daughter and I LOVE baking together and it does help to pass the time plus it counts as a science lesson right?

If you’re able to find flour in the stores (for the love people please stop overbuying!) and you’re doing more baking at your house too you need to add this apricot bread to your list of new recipes to try!

Normally I’d point you to my blog for the directions but I’m going to do you a solid and leave the full recipe in the comments.

What have you baked so far during this time of social distancing? I’d love some new ideas!
There are a LOT of people out walking in our neigh There are a LOT of people out walking in our neighborhood right now (but still social distancing!) and she decided that she wanted to bring them some joy and put a smile on their face when they pass by our house. Also, the square with ‘say no to coronavirus’ is priceless. 😂 I just love her so much!
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