CasaSugar

Gift Guide: Tool Sets for the Hotshot Bartender

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:00:32 -0800

Maybe I'm just channeling pre-rehab Lindsay Lohan, but I really can't get through the holidays without a stiff drink. The stress of last-minute shopping, the anxious anticipation of seeing relatives again, the cocktail party small-talk, the reindeer jumpers, and the "how is your love life?" parental interrogations have me reaching for the bottle until January 1st. If it weren't for the hotshot bartenders in my life, I'd consider skipping the holidays altogether. You know the hotshot bartender. He (or she) is the first to uncork a bottle of wine, the first to mix the festive "peppermint" cocktails, and the last to serve himself a drink. This year, treat the holiday savior, and master mixologist in your life to the tools of the trade: a bar set. I've rounded up several bar tool sets at various price points for the guy (or gal) who makes your holidays fun. That is, for those of us who don't still believe in Santa Claus.

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Before and After: A Closet Room Goes Big

CasaSugar — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 08:30:14 -0800

Graduate student and bartender Magnolia found her dream rental in San Francisco's Mission district - a two-bedroom cottage on a quiet side street that was surrounded by trees. Unfortunately, Maggie's room was only slightly bigger than a walk-in closet, at six feet wide by nine feet long. Thanks to a carpenter friend, though, her room became adorably livable. To see how she did it, check out the slideshow.

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Steal of the Day: Ballard Designs Nicobar Folding Tray Table

CasaSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:00:04 -0800

Even if you don't have time to turn a TV cabinet into a bar, you can still be a hotshot bartender with the Ballard Designs Nicobar Folding Tray Table ($149, reduced from $249). Wait, did I just say hotshot and Ballard Designs in the same sentence? Yes, this tray table is actually pretty darn cool. It unfolds easily, and has a removable tray top with a designated locale for your bottles and glassware. Whip out your mixology skills when your friends are over, and then store it when it's not in use. That way, when your parents stop by unexpectedly, they won't know you're such a booze hound. Perfect for studio living, too.

Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 14:59:49 -0800

Lydia showed us the rockin' schoolhouse she and her sister call home.
Have you taken our Thanksgiving quiz?
I'm a huge fan of the blog SouleMama, and I bet you will be, too.
This week we profiled designer Kelly LaPlante.
Can you name this plant?
Fan of the sheep chair? Not so much.
If you have time, DIY this glass decoupage project.
Need another project? Then DIY these wine crate beside tables.
We continued the CasaSugar holiday gift guides with some cool tools for the hotshot bartender.