In case you’re been under a rock all year, crafted cocktails are big. I mean really, really big, as in everyone from Oprah to the Washington Post Express is going to have cocktail-themed gift guides.
And you know what? They’ll probably suck. They’ll probably include sugary pre-made mojito and cosmo mixes, colored salts for your margarita rims, and everything will end in “-tini”: cranberrytini, appletini, hollytini, you name it and it will have the dreaded “-tini” suffix.
But not here! Everything you’ll see below has been recommended by Victoria Vergason, owner and proprieter of The Hour in Old Town 1015 King Street Alexandria, theHourShop.com). If you haven’t been, shame on you! The Hour has everything cocktail-related and classy, from gorgeous 1960s matching pitchers and glasses to cocktail accessories you won’t find anywhere else (and you certainly won’t find them at Target). So if you’re stymied on what to give your elegant best friend in tweed who loves anything vintage or your sartorialist bachelor buddy who only sips beverages that are older than him, read on.
From Victoria herself on trends this holiday season:
“I suggest truly “mixing it up” this holiday season. The cocktail hour is all about style. Combine vintage glassware and bar tools with items you already have at home to get a retro feeling that’s all your own.”
Vintage Green Cocktail Glasses (6 for $90)
Moroccan Shot Glasses (6 for $65)
Vintage Georges Briard Santa Glasses (6 for $90)
Vintage Manning Bowman Cocktail Shaker ($115)
“Add a little Ella Fitzgerald or Frank Sinatra singing some holiday classics and you’re halfway there! It’s great to drink champagne or champagne cocktails from fluted glassware but it’s more classy and unusual to drink from champagne saucers (think Nick and Nora from The Thin Man series).”
Vintage Silver Rimmed Champagne Flutes, (11 for $110)
Assorted goblets and flutes, price varies
Blue Magnolia Serving Tray ($95)
Stemless Dainty Champagne Flutes (6 for $60) (this is a good deal for unique flutes!)
“Or if you’re into Mad Men, there’s nothing finer than sipping from a Dorothy Thorpe roly poly glass. And don’t forget to dress yourself up for any cocktail party. For the guys, add a vintage pair of Swank cuff links. And for the gals, a vintage rhinestone bracelet adds just the right touch to that little party dress.”
Vintage Swank Mother of Pearl Cufflink/Stud Set ($110)
Vintage Rhinestone Bracelets ($70 to $120)
Stumped for stocking stuffers or secret santas? Need something small and affordable, yet classy and elegant? Some more suggestions:
Whisky Rocks ($22) Hemingway Muddlers ($20)
Cocktail Party Box of Questions ($24) and Tea Forte Cocktail Infusors ($12)
(they can turn any cheap vodka or gin into magic)
Absinthe Spoons (2 for $25) (my personal favorite!)
