Opening someone's refrigerator at a party or gathering can feel a little like pulling back the curtain at a theater before the lights have gone down: that is, taking a peek into the chaos when you were only meant to see the glamorous end result.
Often, it can't be helped – there's nowhere else to store stacks of drinks and batch-prepped cocktails, after all – but in an effort to create a more seamless experience at my holiday parties this year, I've got a trick up my sleeve: a retro mini fridge from Amazon.
I love to host, but my small apartment is going to be working hard this year while I throw my fair share of Christmas parties, and I don't exactly have a lot of square footage to work with. It's easy to see pieces like a retro mini fridge as a luxury, but I know it'll be a real saving grace meaning that I can easily organize all the drinks I want to serve, and invite my guests to help themselves.
To me, anything that means I can avoid playing bartender and focus on the food without worrying that my guests' glasses have run dry is a worthy investment. There are plenty of alternatives out there, too: this retro mini bar refrigerator is currently discounted at Walmart. But it helps that this particular fridge is as stylish as it is practical, making it a wonderful addition to your home bar setup without looking out of place outside of the kitchen. In fact, it will fit in perfectly if retro decor is your thing.
SMEG's sleek mini fridge is the ultimate retro accessory
Providing the perfect solution for any host lacking valuable room in their refrigerator, this retro mini fridge is a hosting staple. Whether you want to go down the luxury route with a mini SMEG refrigerator or prefer a more affordable option, like this mini fridge freezer, which is on sale at Wayfair, there's a solution for all budgets. The only problem is, it might make reaching for a cold soda and a snack from the comfort of my sofa a little too convenient once party season is over.
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If you have a little more space to spare, I'd opt for this handsome refrigerator. I love the separate fridge and freezer sections, and it boasts plenty of removable shelves and drawers.
A cooler is the perfect option if you don't fancy investing in another refrigerator. I'm a huge fan of Fieldbar: this South African brand nails the retro aesthetic, and you'll make use of a handsome drinks box like this one all year round.
If you're after a particularly petite refrigerator, I'd say that this one is your best bet. Tuck it away on your countertop or even on a side table for some welcome assistance during the cocktail party rush.
Undeniably retro – and suitably festive – this mini fridge is sure to make a statement. It's small but mighty: there are handy shelves built into the doors, and there's even a compact freezer compartment.
Splash out on a luxury mini fridge and you won't regret it – particularly if you choose SMEG. This gorgeous refrigerator is the ultimate retro kitchen accessory, and it will have your guests swooning.
Available in a range of stunning pastel shades, this mini fridge is a failsafe choice. It's kitted out with adjustable legs, a removable glass shelf, and a reversible door design to suit your space.
Whether you're hosting an intimate drinks party or a lavish Christmas gathering, prepping (and storing) your dishes and drinks can feel like a mammoth task. Fortunately, we asked experts to share their best tips on organizing a refrigerator, so you can feel like a professional this holiday season.
