Nov 30, 2016 6:57 AM

18 Chilled, Shaken, and Exquisite Gifts for the Bar

Best solution to the holiday madness? Hit the bar.

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The holidays can be as much razzle-dazzle as frazzle. A good solution? Hit the bar. Barware makes for the perfect host gift, for all those holiday parties. Because keeping one’s spirits high during long winter nights, often requires... well, spirits. To you a wassail too.

Barneys New York
01
The Lacquer Company Lidded Ice Bucket
The mid-century mod mood of this [ice-bucket](http://www.barneys.com/product/the-lacquer-company-lidded-ice-bucket-504009163.html) ($298) is so groovy, that Peter Sellers may waltz right into your party. (Make sure to switch on the Moog to complete the ambiance.) The two-piece eight inch high ice bucket designed by Brit decorator Rita Konig for the Lacquer Company is lined with stainless steel to keep rocks hard and water tight.
Barneys New York
02
Kim Seybert Glass and Pitcher
Opaque milky glass meets clear in this [double old fashioned](http://www.barneys.com/product/kim-seybert-vague-double-old-fashioned-glass-504326902.html) ($42, pictured) and [pitcher](http://www.barneys.com/product/kim-seybert-vague-glass-pitcher-504326904.html) ($209, not pictured). But there is nothing sentimental about this white. These minimalist vessels have an organic feel--each handmade specimen is slightly different--but the overall vibe is more clinical chic (like the Korova Milk Bar in *A Clockwork Orange*). Gestalt: total seduction.

Alexandra Von Furstenberg
03
Alexandra Von Furstenberg Tray
In case any part of you still feels that glamour and success look like the 1980s, this tray will satisfy your yen. Equally at home on the set of *Falcon Crest* or at a wealthy client’s home in *Magnum P.I.,* this [Vanity Mirror Tray in Bronze](http://www.alexandravonfurstenberg.com/all-products/bronze/vanity-tray-1) ($375) is like furniture for your bar. Any tabletop, counter, bed, or tub-side surface is instantly transformed into an oasis of civility.
Hermes
04
Hermes Stable Bucket
Use this trough ($810) to ice down champagne and Oregonian whites. Nothing says, “Oh, this old thing,” like barn equipment. But this horse bucket is [Hermes](http://usa.hermes.com/equestrian/for-the-stable/bags-and-containers/buckets/baquet-groom-27044.html), so who are you kidding? It’s chic. Perfect for your private human watering hole.

Williams Sonoma
05
Star Wars Ice Mold
Bourbon and The Force? Fantastic! Cosmic! This Darth Vader silicone mold from [Williams Sonoma](http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/star-wars-ice-mold/?pkey=e%7Cice+molds%7C150%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%2Fice-molds%7C13&cm_src=Quickbuy&sku=5587824&qty=1) ($20 for a set of two) will fortify whatever you’re having with alpha-nerdery.
Amazon
06
Arctic Chill Large Ice Cube Tray, 2-Pack
When it comes to ice in your cocktail, bigger is better. Larger cubes melt more slowly, keeping your drink stiffer. This set of two [latex ice cube trays](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I3LDJJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_hs8kybW50PRFE) ($17) makes 16 large cubes at a time. The perfect foil for low maintenance holiday clinking.

Williams Sonoma
07
Gold-Rimmed Glass Punch Bowl
Ah, the proverbial punch bowl—site of chance meetings and shared cheer. This etched glass, gold lipped [version](http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/gold-punch-bowl/) ($72) from Williams-Sonoma is perfect for the traditionalist. Mouth blown from soda-lime glass, it holds eight quarts of eggnog or spiked punch. Set it up on the bar and ladle out the Dickensian vibes.
Amazon
08
Bar Keep Organic Bitters
Bitters are having a renaissance—have you seen our Editor-in-Chief’s signature cocktail, the [Trinidad sour](https://www.instagram.com/p/BMc4NfzDvH6/?taken-by=sdadich&hl=en)? Barkeep's [flavored tinctures](https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Keep/b/ref=bl_dp_s_web_13981695011?ie=UTF8&node=13981695011) will give your concoction a familiar kick (try vanilla or lavender) or add a whiff of the exotic (Chinese spice, saffron, or baked apple).

Moda Operandi
09
Julia B. Couture Playing Card Linen Napkins
Little says entertaining-in-style more than a linen cocktail napkin. This deck of hand embroidered playing card [numbers](https://www.modaoperandi.com/julia-b-couture-linens-gg16/playing-cards-cocktail-napkin-set-of-8?size=OS) ($360 for a set of eight) will up your party game.
Frances Palmer Pottery
10
Frances Palmer Black and White Bowl
These black and white hand thrown [ceramics](http://www.francespalmerpottery.com/collections/handmade-bowls/products/black-and-white-horizontal-footed-bowl) by artist Frances Palmer are the perfect objets d’art for the bar. [Footed bowls](http://www.francespalmerpottery.com/collections/handmade-bowls/products/black-and-white-bowl) ($375-395) hold flowers, lemons, or even potato chips with poetry.

The Line
11
Nude Whiskey Decanter and Black Serving Tray
This [whisky decanter and black tray](https://www.theline.com/shop/product/whiskey_decanter_and_black_serving_tray) ($99) have the off-handed cool of a t-shirt (like on James Dean—not a Google tee on a brogrammer). The combo will smarten up any bar with dark utilitarian charm.
CB2
12
CB2 Marta Glasses
These light-as-air glasses are super-fine—literally. Available in three sizes, the thin [verres](http://www.cb2.com/marta-barware/f1249) are as inexpensive as party favors ($1.50 to $2.50 each), made in Poland, and dishwasher safe. They will add delicacy to your service when pouring for guests, and they'll do the same when you're by yourself.

Ben Kist for March
13
Silvia Song Double Dovetail End Grain Butcher Blocks
What is more handsome on a bar than a generous slab of wood? Perfectly shaped, the clean lines of this Silvia Song double dovetail end grain [butcher block](https://marchsf.com/cookware/cutting-boards/silvia-song-double-dovetail-end-grain-butcher-blocks.html) ($340 or $475) make it both minimalist and earthy. Set up with a dope Japanese blade to carve up citrus. Or place a morsel of Devil’s Gulch on top for well placed snack-age. This unseasoned Dutch maple is 2.5 inches thick and comes in either 7.5, 9 or 10.5-inch square.
Phaidon
14
Regarding Cocktails
Before the word mixologist was a job description and way before the word “infusion” became commonplace, there was a visionary named Sasha Petraske. He opened a real speakeasy (obviously way before *that* was a thing) in New York called Milk and Honey. There were Moscow Mules, rye, and everything was exquisite. It was heaven. Sasha passed on a few years ago, too early. But he left [this tome](http://www.phaidon.com/store/food-cook/regarding-cocktails-9780714872810/) describing his art form, which was grounded in exacting taste, and nothing less than perfection. $30

Coral & Tusk
15
Coral & Tusk Tea Towels
Bar rags—as they are known in the trade—are a barman’s best friend. These natural linen, super-absorbent versions are anything but ragged, with whimsical embroideries from New York based [Coral & Tusk](http://www.coralandtusk.com/collections/teatowels) ($42). They are beautiful enough to display. Choose from an evil eye, forest animals in pyramid formation, or any number of feathers. Super vibe-y all around.
Bull in China
16
The Station Bar Knife
Handmade by Portland, Oregon-based knife crafter Adam Sigal, this short [bar knife](http://www.bullinchinapdx.com/shop/the-david-bartender-knife-by-station-knives) ($275) is designed for cutting garnishes quickly and safely. The super sharp stiff blade has a smooth wooden handle, and comes encased in its own wooden sleeve.

Cocktail Kingdom
17
Usagi Cocktail Shaker
Shaken not stirred. These cocktails are the sexiest kind. Serve drinks up with the [Usagi](http://www.cocktailkingdom.com/usagi-cobbler-shaker-840), which comes shiny in plated gold or copper, or pure stainless steel ($42 to $77). Shaker parts designed to separate easily after vigorous agitation.
Bloomingdales
18
Rabbit RBT Wing Corkscrew
Don’t let a corkscrew lower your bar. The [RBT](http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/rabbit-rbt-wing-corkscrew-100-bloomingdales-exclusive?ID=1786807&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Google-PLA-ADC-_-Home-HomeCoop-_-Rabbit-_-22578108421USA&CAWELAID=120156070004071504&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=36677160899&CATCI=aud-138515129306:pla-456295551352&catargetid=120156070004374561&cadevice=c) winged bottle opener ($50) is handsome and sleek in black and gold--made with carbon steel and zinc. How does it work? Leverage. When it comes to removing corks, lo-tech is best.

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