Barware is a beautiful way to perk up your home and give your guests something to ooh and ahh about. Whether your entertaining ways favor a laid-back, casual feel or a high-end, sophisticated affair, the well of barware options is fully stocked.
“From Tiffany to Tupperware, there’s something for every budget,” says Shawn Kelley, spokeswoman for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, a trade association based in Washington, D.C., representing producers and marketers of distilled spirits.
As the spirits industry continues to grow, Kelley says, people are pulling ideas for their homes from the cocktail culture they experience during their nights out on the town.
“People want to replicate what they’re seeing in magazines, restaurants and bars,” she says. “It’s all trickling down to the home.”
Kelley offers five must-have items for those looking to build up their home bar. She recommends you have a shaker; a muddler to crush fruit; a bar spoon for stirring drinks; a peeler to make garnishes; and a jigger to measure drinks.
Whether you’re a bar beginner or a skilled shaker, we’ve got eight fun items on tap sure to make your personal pub a little more inviting and always worthy of a raised glass.
Cheers!
1. Cubist Martini Set, $55, from Red Envelope. Channel the energy of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. with this chic set, where the martini glasses are designed to chill, between sips, in glass cubes filled with ice. The set includes four cone-shaped, mouth-blown glasses and an espresso-colored wooden tray that holds everything in place. www.redenvelope.com (Hors d’oeuvres picks, $10 for a pack of eight plus holder, from Pier 1 Imports.)
2. Julian Bar Tool Set, $49, from Pottery Barn. Get a handle on your bar-making duties with this elegant set, which includes a peg measure, bottle opener, cheese knife and spoon. The tools are handcrafted with stainless-steel heads and authentic bone handles. The beautiful display is heightened with stylish beading and a classic fluted stand. www.potterybarn.com
3. Diamond-Cut Ice Bucket, $77, from Williams-Sonoma. Serve your cocktails with panache with this sophisticated ice bucket, crafted of stainless steel and embellished with a band of intricate diamond-cut etching. If you want to get personal, you can have the bucket monogrammed for an additional cost. www.williams-sonoma.com
4. Kirby Cordial glasses, $5.95, from Crate & Barrel. These oh-so-mod glasses will have your guests thirsty for more. With its delicately curved cup balanced by a tall, heavy sham, this tiny gem is the perfect accent to any formal or casual offering of vodka or sherry. Best of all for the hostess – they’re dishwasher-safe. www.crateandbarrel.com
5. Colorful glasses, $5 to $8, from Pier 1 Imports. A quick way to liven up a bar is to add a splash of color, sure to electrify any space. Whether it’s traditional goblets with a bold hue or funky delights with a twist, you have plenty to sift through when it comes to giving your bar more than a hint of tint. www.pier1.com
6. Sheerly Elegant Goblet, Cocktail or Flute Sets, $40 for a set of four, from Tupperware. If your goal is to entertain with ease, look no further than these durable wonders from Tupperware. The stain-resistant stemware will have your nights full of cheer and your days stress-free. Now, that’s something we can all toast to; www.tupperware.com.
7. Capiz Rosa Champagne Flute Set, $19.99, from Linens ‘n Things. Greet your guests with this festive, yet inexpensive, set that’s perfect for entertaining. The five-piece set, in a warm, inviting tone, includes four 6-ounce champagne flutes and a rose lacquer serving tray. www.lnt.com
8. Coasters and decanter, $5 to $12.99, from Marshalls. Put your best drink forward with these decorative coasters, sure to spice up any dinner party. They’re fun and whimsical without being kitschy. As for the decanter, it’s the perfect way to shield your wine until you’re ready to pour. We like the tricolored stop that gently rests atop the stylish, yet subtle, bottle. www.marshallsonline.com
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