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A Bar Tray Setup for the Vintage Soul

Explore ways to create classic, nostalgic charm to a bar tray setup. From silver platters and butler trays to crystal stemware and linen napkins. A guide of essentials for the vintage soul.


The Sip Society Intl Setup

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Left: Marquis by Waterford Maxwell Decanter, Waterford Lismore Double Old Fashioned set, vintage silver-plate oval tray --> Make this set yours. Right: Marquis by Waterford Maxwell Decanter, Marquis by Waterford Markham Highball glasses, vintage Godinger reptile embossed ice bucket, Final Touch Yarai Jigger, Waterford Lismore Iced Tea Glass (repurposed here as a bud vase) --> Shop this set.



The Tray

Not just a part of your setup, a tray can really set the vibe for the occasion. A great bar tray is handy to have around, whether it's on display or tucked away, making it a breeze to move your cocktail hour to a different spot. We recommend wood and/or rattan for a cozy academia or classic safari style. Go for round silver platters for a bit of elegance, or rectangle butler trays with handles for a fancier feel. Gold adds a nice vintage touch. The photo above features one of our vintage finds, a silver-plated Sheridan footed butler tray—it's like a throwback to the fancy vibes your vintage-loving soul has been craving. Just imagine it, you, a cocktail, and a tray that adds a note of sophistication (even if your only guests are your cats). Whatever you choose, size is also important — 13" or more should do the trick. Shop statement collector trays here or our vintage discoveries.





The Ice Bucket

Convenient for holding ice, chilling a bottle, or both. A bucket sets the mood for your tray, making it feel like a classy soirée, even if it's just to keep you dashing to the refrigerator while binging that new series. The Gusto Nostro Cocktail Set is super handy and ideal for those who love a no-fuss, minimalist style, especially in tight spaces. Because let's be honest, who has room for clutter when you’re trying to channel your inner mixologist? Shop statement ice buckets here or in the Society's Shop of handpicked finds.




The Glassware

Whether you're sipping wine, toasting with champagne, savoring a cordial, or shaking up a cocktail, crystal stemware is as essential as a good punchline at a comedy show. In fact, you're more likely to find brand new vintage styles than stumble upon them at an estate sale! Whether you're going for a highball, a double old fashioned, a classic martini shape, or just some short water glasses to keep things hydrated, crystal or crystal-cut styles bring the strongest vintage effect. In our photo above we repurposed an unpaired, crystal-cut, diamond pattern Waterford Lismore Iced Tea glass as an elegant bud vase for our tray. Seriously, the Society is head over heels for crystal stemware and has a treasure trove of vintage finds in our Shop or see a curated selection of new, vintage-inspired finds here.




The Garnish Dish

This classy little number sits proudly on your bar tray or shelf, looking all sophisticated, but it's not just there for show. It's your trusty sidekick to keep your lemon or orange wedges, twists, olives at hand for the next pour. Match it with your glassware or just keep it unique. Browse the Society's vintage finds or order brand new from our curated selection.




The Cocktail Napkin

A vintage soul is just not satisfied without a napkin or coaster to rest a drink in confidence. Real cloth, linen napkins are the Society's choice for a true classic touch but we also found that the Linen Cocktail Napkin roll of 50 individual napkins are not only durable, attractive, they are reusable. O'lucio's Hemstitch Linen is our favorite. Browse more favorites here.


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