The Ultimate Cocktail Hour

1 | Water Pitchers

"I like to have a variety of pitchers for a bar. Having different sizes allows them to work well for water, iced tea, and drink mixers," Amanda says. Assorted silver water pitchers by Gorham Silver, Baldwin & Co., and Whiting Manufacturing Co. from Replacements, Ltd.

2 | Punch Bowl & Cups

Pull out your punch bowl and make your own favorite—whether it be Planter’s Punch, Rum Punch, or Milk Punch. Cheerful floral linens, such as the Lilly Pulitzer fabric on our bar, will pair beautifully with a silver punch bowl, whether your pattern is simple or ornate. Punch set by Tane Orfevres (left) and Baltimore Rose punch bowl by Schofield.

Punch Recipes

• Almond Punch
• Julia Reed's Milk Punch  (Also try Amanda's recipe for Brandy Milk Punch in "Fun & Festive Holiday Bar Ideas")
• Frozen Whiskey Sours
• Ambrosia Nectar

3 | Essential Glassware

Clockwise from left:

• Champagne Flute: The color of this flute is just as bubbly as the bubbles within. Thistle Chartreuse Fluted Champagne by St Louis.
• Double Old Fashioned: For those that pick their poison neat, Baccarat’s Harmonie pattern is always timeless.
• Wine Glass: This rose-colored vessel is the pink of perfection. Stuart Pink Wine Glass by Theresienthal.
• Highball: Whether for a cocktail or a glass of iced tea, the cut crystal at the bottom of this highball feels and fits just right in your hand. Thistle Highball by Edinburgh Crystal.
• Water Goblet: This design by Steuben works nicely for water or a signature mocktail.

4 | Martini Glass & Shaker

The sparkle and shine of the Facettes martini glass by Christofle only become more interesting when frosted. As for this smart-looking shaker with both a lid and a spout by Gorham Silver, we are reminded of a favorite quote by interior decorator Alix Rico: “The French don’t ‘save the good stuff’ for special occasions,” she says. "They love what they have, so they use it. They don’t see a chip on a plate or a patch of tarnish on the silver as a flaw, but as a sign of a life well lived.”

To learn how to make a perfect vodka martini, see "Fun & Festive Holiday Bar Ideas."

5 | Ice Bucket & Tongs

Simple and stunning, the Capri ice bucket by Baccarat can double as a vase; the handle will add interest and structure to your floral arrangement. We love it paired with Ball Black & Co's Medallion oversize ice serving tongs—the intricate details make this piece a showstopper.

6 | Bottle Opener & Corkscrew

These essential tools of the trade may be small, but they are big-time chic. Torchon bottle opener by Buccellati and Acorn corkscrew by Georg Jensen.

Photo of citrus by VAlekStudio / Shutterstock

7 | Flowers/Fruit/Centerpiece

It’s an added bonus when a functional piece doubles as a work of art. This Tiffany & Co Silver Centerpiece/Fruit Stand is equally beautiful filled or empty. On the bar, pile it high with citrus fruits, which in turn double as fresh ingredients for cocktails.

8 | Champagne Bucket

A heavenly container for champagne also makes an ideal vessel for tall spring branches. Twelve Days of Christmas champagne bucket by Waterford Crystal, pictured alongside Ruinart Rosé Champagne, featured in "The Art of Giving."

9 | Sterling Tray

A self-service bar looks nice and neat when you corral supplies on an attractive silver tray. This one is trimmed in an elegant Greek key pattern, which we love on everything from drapery trims to jewelry to serving pieces. Etruscan large waiter tray by Gorham Silver.

10 | Decanters

Similar to water pitchers, a variety of decanter styles look fetching in a group, whether empty or filled with your favorite spirits. Assorted crystal decanters by Baccarat, Steuben, and Waterford from Replacements, Ltd.