Holiday Cocktail Party Accessories to Glam Up Your Gathering

Looking to level up your cocktail party from ho-hum to Ho-Ho-Ho?

Our Editors have curated some of their favorite accessories, across a variety of price points, that are sure to bring the holiday love to your upcoming event.

Without further ado, shall we get into the ‘spirit’ of things?

Starting with this unexpected and very cool item from Sur La Table. Most bartenders will tell you, sphere ice is the best for drinks. Why? Because the slower melting rate keeps drinks cooler longer, and less diluted. But why stop there? Check out these celebrational spherical ice molds. The kit comes with four ice molds that aren’t just spherical, they look like ornaments! How cool is that?

Sur La Table x Tovolo, Ornament Ice Sphere Molds $17.46

(on Sale NOW from $25)

If smoking drinks are on your radar for your cocktail party, get a kit that can handle a crowd. AKAL’s cocktail smoking kit can produce smoked drinks in 10 seconds. It comes with organic grade kiln dried wood blocks (specially cut and sustainably sourced) and the clean up is super simple. From Negronis to Old Fashioned, Martinis to Juleps and more, smoke ’em if you got ’em!

AKAL, Cocktail Smoking Kit $65

If your motto is “nothing says holiday like a festive rimmed drink” then this next item is a must have for your upcoming party. With three separate rim containers, you can easily go back and forth between salt-rimmed, sweet-rimmed, and a third of your choice. Or if you’d rather skip having to constantly slice citrus for rimming the tops, place the included round sponge into one of the three containers, pour in some lime juice and now it’s a one-stop cocktail rim shop!

True, 3 Tiered Cocktail Rimmer $14.99

(on Sale NOW from $29)

Is it a cocktail shaker or a work of art? Short answer – why not both? This Plum Cocktail shaker from Tom Dixon isn’t just beautiful to look at, the tapered ends also make the shaker more balanced and easier to grip when shaking.

Tom Dixon, Plum Cocktail Shaker $160

(on Sale NOW from $200)

Speaking of works of art, each of these champagne flutes by Kalalou are completely unique. Made entirely from recycled glass, handblown by Colombian artisans, they’ll be an unexpected treat for your guests. Comes in a set of six.

Kalalou, Green Tall Recycled Champagne Flutes $167.95

(set of six)

These cute bejeweled candy cane picks are just the thing to quickly bring some holiday bling to your guests’ libations.

Sur La Table, Candy Cane Cocktail Picks, Set of 4 $12.56

(on Sale NOW from $17.95)

Because you can always use another set of small dishes for holding those drink garnishes. And these bright red fellows are just the right amount of festive. Made from Le Creuset’s premium stoneware, this collection comes as a trio.

Le Creuset, Tapas Dishes, Set of 3 $59.99

(on Sale NOW from $75)

Add a cool twist on holiday “lighting” with Smart & Green’s champagne cooler. Made from durable waterproof polyethylene, this cooler lights up in a variety of programmed colors (including red and green) and will glow for hours with just 3 AAA batteries.

Smart & Green, Bluetooth LED Champagne Cooler $195

(small version shown above)

Looking like tiny cut logs, these holiday coasters will be a welcome addition to your rustic or cabin themed holiday parties.

P. Graham Dunn, 4-Pc Merry Christmas Coaster Set $18

Consider this holiday drink measuring glass your official cheat sheet for all the popular Xmas drinks. No fumbling through the cocktail books to find that Hot Buttered Rum recipe…it’s right there on the glass!

Fred, Holiday Good Measure Glass $14.95

A great cocktail party does not stand by drinks alone. Present your party’s appetizing snacks in style on this generous sized, raw edge Charcuterie board. At 6″ x 47.5″ there is plenty of room for snacking goodness. And when you need to restock the goodies, the sturdy feet make it easy to lift and move from location to location.

Kalalou, Giant Saur Wood Charcuterie Board $297.95

Speaking of snacks, we’re sure you’ve got a fantastic spread already in the works, but here’s an idea that’s unique and fun. Try The World collaborates with cuisine experts around the world to put together great snacks and food items from across the globe and sends them to you every month. Elevate your party spread with items like Cacao nibs from Peru, mixed berries from Finland, shortbread cookies from France, and many more. And even after the party’s over, you’ll be enjoying more delicious food items to come.

Try The World, International Snack Box $25/mth – $55/mth

(varies by subscription)

When the cocktail orders get going, every bartender could use a steady hand. This 3-in-1 mat is made of tough, non-skid black silicone, so glasses stay steady while you pour. It also comes with a drink rimmer for salting glasses, and a removable cutting board area for slicing fruit, citrus, and herbs.

True, 3 In 1 Bar Mat $19.99

(on Sale NOW from $35)

Orange peel is the most popular of cocktail drink garnishes, but why stay with the basic when you can spice things up? CR Citrus takes the truly tasty Cara Cara orange, then slices, spices and dehydrates them for you before delivering them right to your door. They can replace a standard orange peel in any drink and add an extra kick of spice (non-spicy are also available).

CR Citrus, Spicy Smoked Oranges $23 (3 oz. bag)

Forget that silly Elf on the Shelf. If you’re looking to add some fun decor to your bar area, go with a real favorite…as in Buddy the Elf! Everyone’s favorite “son of a Nutcracker” can be displayed prominently on your bar with this 11 inch nutcracker version, created by Kurt Adler. It’s just the bit of whimsy every holiday bar needs.

Kurt Adler, 11-inch Wooden Buddy the Elf Nutcracker $79.99

Whether it’s a tasty ale, or any number of fizzy, fruity or eggnog-y cocktails, a tulip glass is a great multi-functional glass to have. This 4 set from Spode features the Christmas Tree design that has been the brand’s iconic pattern since 1938. Crafted of fine clear glass with shapely stems, tapered bowls, and 22-karat gold trim, these are definitely a set you’ll pull out again and again for years to come.

Spode, Christmas Tree Tulip Glass Set of 4 $39.99

Another great bar staple to have on hand, this handy one gallon ice bucket keeps cocktail ice at the ready. Comes with a sturdy scoop that can quickly break up the cubes and pour them right into the glass.

Twine, ‘Have A Drink’ Ice Bucket $22.99

Why settle for any old boring bottle opener? It’s a party after all, so how about showing off this work of art by Alessi instead? The soft, organic, twisted shape is inspired by delicate seashells, but worry not, it’s made of strong, highly polished stainless steel to give you years of use.

Alessi, Bulla Bottle Opener $48

Your whiskey loving friends will absolutely love this next one. These aren’t just any old whiskey stones. They come straight from Ireland and are made of 100% Connemara marble. Name not ring a bell? Maybe this will – Connemara is a naturally sea green marble that’s so rare, it can only be found in Galway, Ireland. This marble was treasured by the ancient Celtic tribes of the region, and was purported to grant the owner wishes and good luck by holding it. That’s right, Connemara marble was the original wishing stone. If that’s not a cool story to share over a tibble, are you even trying?

Creative Irish Gifts, Connemara Whiskey Stones (set of four)

$26.99

Finally, we offer up something every good cocktail host should know. For those guests who love a good party, but choose not to imbibe, don’t just leave them with the “here’s a Coke” or the old seltzer-and-a-lime routine. Whatever their reason (designated driver, sober curious, etc, etc) they deserve a decent party drink just like the rest of your guests. Here are three our Editors have tried and enjoyed as much as the alcoholic versions.

First, from Spiritless comes their Kentucky 74, which won the Best Non-Alcoholic Spirit at the L.A. Spirits Awards. It tastes like a great whiskey because it is a whiskey, just crafted through a reverse distillation process. Next, for those who enjoy a complex, citrus forward cocktail, Melati’s Fresh Zero-Alcohol Spirits is sourced from fine botanicals including green mango, zesty lime rind and aromatic Thai basil, combined with other warm Asian spices and cool mint. And finally, also from the Spiritless brand, is their Jalisco 55, a reverse distilled tequila that will create mock margaritas to make your guests’ mouths water.