Get kitted out for the return of the cocktail party

Chrissie Fairclough on the accessories you need to lift your home bar kit to the next level.

We’re optimistic Freedom Day is in the near future! A good reason for a celebratory cocktail if ever I heard one. So let’s get planning: we suggest you invest in a pretty bar cart to show off your fancy bottles and accessories. A great talking point for when restrictions ease and all your friends pile through the door. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite bits of home bar kit for the summer.

Selene Bar Cart

Simple yet striking, this circular bar cart has a charcoal finish that gives it an edgier vibe than the more typical 1970s throwback gold models. It is made from tubular metal construction, with cut-out round panels to the sides and two glass shelves. Great wow factor. Urban Outfitters £149.

Stemless Copper Glasses

A long drink doesn’t mean compromising with boring highball glassware – which is where a pair of stunning hammered-copper stemless glasses come in. A luxurious weight and seriously Insta-worthy. Crosbys £8.95.

Optic Stand

For that ultimate home-bar feel, stash your spirits in a revolving optic stands. Even the wildest party goers don’t mind staying in when there is the chance to spin an optic stand and play mixologist for the night. Holds four bottles of various sizes up to 1 litre. Argos £20.

Bamboo Straws

Over 500 million plastic straws are used and discarded every day, causing a catastrophic disaster for wildlife, the oceans and the earth. As bamboo is the strongest and most sustainable plant in the world it’s the perfect replacement for plastic straws! Fairly traded, natural and organic, these beautiful and tactile straws are produced in the Highlands of Bali by a small family-run co-operative. Six Degrees Boutique from 30p per straw.

Chrissie Fairclough is tastings director for Gin Club Scotland, which runs touring and distillery-based tastings, as well as offering tasting kits for people to run their own events. www.ginclubscotland.com

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