Start with the surface

The cart sets the tone for everything on it. A vintage trolley, a compact side table or a low shelf can all work, depending on the space. Wood and rattan bring warmth, while powder-coated steel offers a cleaner finish. Glass and chrome have their place, too, particularly if you're drawn to a more classic drinks trolley.

Keep the scale in mind. You need enough room for a few bottles and glasses, with space left to make a drink. If you already own a cart, start by clearing it and seeing what you actually use.

Choose the glassware

Without alcohol, shape and texture carry more of the drink. Ribbed tumblers work for cordials and iced tea; short highballs leave room for ice and mixers; a coloured coupe or an unusual tumbler gives you something a little less everyday. You don't need a full matching set. A small collection in different shapes and finishes often has more character.

Glassware is also where vintage finds come into their own. Look for interesting colours, etched details or an unexpected shape, and choose pieces you'll want to leave out rather than pack away after guests have gone.

Stock the mixers

A few well-chosen bottles are better than a crowded shelf. Botanical tonics, citrus cordials, sparkling teas and kombucha all bring different flavours to the mix, while good soda water is useful for almost anything. Choose three to five options you enjoy, with enough variety to make more than one kind of drink.

Fresh lemons and limes are worth keeping nearby, too. The aim is to have ingredients that work together, rather than a collection of alcohol-free versions of familiar spirits. Keep anything that needs chilling in the fridge and bring it out when you're ready to serve.

Pick one useful tool

There's no need for a full cocktail kit. A citrus press is useful if you make drinks with fresh juice; a long spoon is handy for mixing; a small jigger helps with measurements. An ice scoop is worth having if you entertain often. Choose according to what you make most, and leave the rest in the kitchen drawer.

Finish with the details

A tray gives bottles and smaller objects a sense of order, while a carafe makes water part of the arrangement. Linen napkins are useful when serving drinks to guests, and a bowl of lemons or limes adds colour without taking up much space. An unscented candle can sit alongside the glassware without competing with the drinks themselves.

Resist filling every inch. Leave room to put down a glass or bring out a new bottle, and let the cart change with the season or whatever you're enjoying at the time. The best set-ups are the ones that get used, not just styled for a photograph.