Guest Picks: 20 Summer Drinkware Essentials
Stay Cool All Summer with These Stylish Cocktail and Drinkware Accessories
Jen L'Italien
June 4, 2011
Houzz Contributor. Stylist, creative consultant and writer living in Maine with my family. I spend most of my days reading storybooks and running after my two toddlers, Juniper and Leo. I started out in magazines, working in the home department of Real Simple magazine and later worked as the home editor of Redbook. I love checking out the antique stores up here whenever I have free time.
Houzz Contributor. Stylist, creative consultant and writer living in Maine with my... More
Summer entertaining is easy. Thanks to the sunshine, impromptu parties with friends and family can happen anywhere — from your backyard, patio and deck to picnics at the park, pool or beach. Or if you're like me and have no outdoor space, you can simply throw open the windows and whip up a batch of sangria in your home for a summer soiree indoors. These drinkware tools, serving pieces, and cocktail accessories add style and a festive feel to any gathering. — Jen from The Haystack Needle, Brooklyn
If I had an outdoor space, I would scoop up a set of these sea grass tumblers for summer entertaining. The striped sea grass sleeves add a beachy charm to the table.
I just ordered one of these drink dispensers so I can make batches of lemonade, sangria and sun tea all summer long. The design of this water tank channels the look of the classic mason jar. This may also be the most affordable glass drink dispenser I've seen around.
These handmade paper pennants will instantly make any drinks feel like a celebration. Scoop up a set of bright pennants for summer get-togethers — or fly them over drinks at a big event (or wedding) — and cheers to a memorable party.
Handmade, wooden and finished with nontoxic oil and beeswax, this maple muddler is a piece to treasure and a perfect companion for making a summer mojito. Bartenders use muddlers for mixing drinks because this handy tool releases the flavors of your mint, lemon, or herbs. These muddlers are made in Prince Edward Island (a destination high on my travel wishlist).
I always struggle to get my (misshapen) ice cubes out of the standard hard plastic ice trays. That's why I want a set of these silicone square ice cube trays — you get the perfect ice cube every time.
I see people using stripe and polka dot paper straws for every kind of party, including weddings with that vintage handmade vibe. I'm on board — and I don't think I'll ever tire of this trend. I want these star paper straws for summer picnics and get-togethers. (PS: This shop sells paper straws in every design and color.)
My wishlist for summer includes cooling off with refreshing summer drinks — from a strawberry agua fresca to a white sangria. These handblown Moroccan tumblers are the perfect size, and the recycled glass reminds me of watercolors.
Here in Brooklyn, brewing your own beer and drinking local draught beers has become super popular. I love the way this glass growler (with a cork top) looks on the table. It's not just your taste in beer that's changed since college — now you can serve beer in style at your next party.
I have one of these rubber tubs designed by Normann Copenhagen and use it at every party (in different ways.) Since it's made of soft rubber, this washing up bowl works great as a tray to clear the table of glasses and dishes. Or I like to flip up the fold, fill the bowl with ice, and serve a bottle of chilled wine in this cool, unfussy container.
Citronella and smoke both keep pesky bugs away from the party. These citronella torches are affordable to buy in bulk, so you can stick a bunch in the ground as extra lighting and mosquito protection for when the sun goes down.
Did you think those were glass? These acrylic hobnail tumblers and goblets capture the style of the vintage glassware, but you don't have to worry about broken glass out on the deck.
Whether your drink of choice is a Gus Meyer Lemon soda or a chilled Heineken, it's easy to pop off the top with this classic bottle opener. These wall-mounted bottle openers have been made by the same family-owned business for 80 years — a practical accessory for the kitchen.
An easy way to make a dinner party look and feel more special: Stock your bar with gourmet sodas. This set of mixers by Boylan come in glass bottles — I love the simple graphic labels, too.
Summer melamine trays and dishes always seems to be in bright candy colors. I love the classic look of these Fog Linen trays made from linen that's been covered in lightweight melamine.
I want one of these adorable solar powered radios for summer picnics at the park. Unlike my iPod, I won't have to worry about losing tunes because the battery runs out. Cool drinks, good tunes, and fun company spell a perfect summer Saturday for me.
A special signature drink makes any party feel more festive. I love the idea of sharing the recipe with friends on these pretty illustrated recipe cards — what a fun favor idea for a summer soiree.
The ceramic stopper on this glass milk bottle makes it practical to store drinks (lemonade, anyone?) in the fridge. But I'd likely use this vintage inspired bottle as a container for fresh flowers from the farmers market.
What a beautiful way to serve nuts or munchies at a cocktail party — or dish out sliced lemons, limes or olives by the bar. However you use it, this handmade hamam bowl adorns the table with a global edge.
Serving water or lemonade in a glass carafe brings a charming French cafe feel to the patio. Bonus: This carafe is eco-friendly. It's made with recycled glass and the sleeve is woven from renewable sea grass.
I'm a big fan of Thomas Paul's entire nautical collection of tableware. These ship wheel cocktail napkins speak to my preppy side that will never tire of stripes and nautical motifs.
More ideas for outdoor parties:
50 Great Designs for a Garden Party
DIY Project: Reinvented Party Table
8 Elements of a Perfect Outdoor Dining Room
More ideas for outdoor parties:
50 Great Designs for a Garden Party
DIY Project: Reinvented Party Table
8 Elements of a Perfect Outdoor Dining Room
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