The Beachy Bar

Amanda Lindroth

 Whether alcohol or limeade, here are some chic decorating ideas for a beachy bar. A wicker tray and lots of wicker accessories, candles, limes, orchids, a palm etched hurricane, and my fave - filling an ice bucket/Champagne chiller with a collection of seashells.

The Island Tray

Amanda Lindroth Island Tray

Amanda Lindroth offers these very chic Island Trays that are wicker with leather handles in blue, tan, orange (and a limited edition pink) in various sizes. I originally got a small one in blue, then in orange, then in tan, and yesterday I received in the mail a VERY hard to find extra large 26" inch square one in blue. So one of my many goals for the week is to style all four of them and then post on it.

Here is the grande one below and some styling to inspire you (and me).

I love trays to begin with, and these are beachy and chic and functional - did I mention they have a glass insert? How do you use trays in your home?

*A mini bar
*For mail and keys
*On your bedside table
*For toiletries or makeup
*For breakfast in bed
*For serving

The Chinoiserie Bar

I love the look of a bar all set up for entertaining and here are some great ideas to style it with Chinoiserie panache. In the first example above, use a Chinese cabinet. A lovely lacquerware tray from Caspari would be a great organizer and they come in a wide range of colors to coordinate. In the example below which is the bar of Miles Redd, the table need not be Chinoiserie. Just put on it or nearby Chinoiserie touches like a garden stool or ginger jar.

This is my dream bar by Baker-the Bamboo Server-stunning, a real investment piece.

Another view.

A similar look although smaller, but at a fabulous price for only $249 from Mermaid Hut.

This wonderful lacquerware tray that comes in many colors is only $30 from Caspari. Use one to set up a bar on your kitchen counter or on a table in your living room.

I have this tray by Lunt and I think it's gorgeous. Black lacquer with silver handles at $135-a very elegant piece.

And don't forget a gorgeous bottle of Domaine de Canton for your Chinoiserie bar!

(Photos courtesy of Domino Magazine)