The Best Holiday Barware of 2021

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Let’s face it: holiday-themed serveware, decor, and accessories can be just plain cheesy. But, if you know where to look, there are some serious gems out there, from vintage-inspired reindeer mugs to Hanukkah-themed bar games and everything in between. Even if you’re someone who has everything, you’ll be tempted to step up your holiday bar game and gifting this year, thanks to our festive (and slightly weird) selection. Read on for our top picks of the best holiday barware.

Best Overall: The Skip Sippin’ Santa's Tiki Tub Punch Bowl

Sippin’ Santa Tiki Tub Punch Bowl — Courtesy of The Skip Detroit

Besides being functional, this punch bowl is just downright funny. A great punch bowl is a home bar staple, as long as your bartender has the storage space for it. The Skip, a Tiki bar in Downtown Detroit, sells some seriously cool drinkware and accessories throughout the year, and their holiday selection is top-notch. For the full convivial punch experience, snag the collectible Beachbum Berry Sippin’ Santa’s Tiki Tub ceramic punch bowl, along with a few of the matching mugs.

Best Serveware: Pottery Barn Forest Gnome Serving Tray

Who doesn’t love a good forest gnome? Probably lots of people, but the holidays don’t quite feel complete without them. Serving trays are always a handy accessory for any home bar thanks to their versatility—a good one, decorative or not, can be used for display or actual serving (or a bit of both). Picture this handcrafted one from Pottery Barn with a round of festive cocktails in the brand's mugs.

Best Mug: Pottery Barn Cheeky Reindeer Ceramic Mugs

Cheeky Reindeer Shaped Handcrafted Ceramic Mugs — Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Vintage-inspired and slightly creepy reindeer mug, anyone? These kitschy, handcrafted holiday vessels are perfect for cold or hot cocktails, hot cocoa, cider, mulled wine, you name it. Opt for a single mug or a set of four, and if you want to shop the whole collection, you can browse Pottery Barn's Christmas collection here as well as the Hanukkah shop here.

Read Next: The Best Moscow Mule Mugs

Best Coasters: Mark & Graham Holiday Letterpress Coasters

Mark & Graham Holiday Letterpress Coasters in Acrylic Holder — Courtesy of Mark & Graham

If you know a bartender who loves to host (or just really likes coasters), consider this thoughtful, monogrammed set of 100 reusable cardstock coasters complete with an acrylic holder. Mark & Graham offers some of the best monogrammed gifts out there, and you can also choose from a variety of fonts, styles, and colors with this set.

Read Next: The Best Coasters

Best Personalized: Williams Sonoma Bay Stripe Apron

Most bartenders are fans of a good apron for working behind the stick. This striped option from Williams Sonoma isn’t quite as heavy-duty as those designed for professional service, but it’s perfect for cooking and casual at-home bartending, which is inevitable this time of year. It’s customizable, machine-washable and just really cute. The cotton apron is also available in either red or navy.

Best Game: Hanukkah Game Bundle

Instant gratification is the name of this game (not literally, but the bundle is downloadable so you’ll receive it right away). This creative Hanukkah-themed game bundle features a dreidel drinking game, Scattergories, trivia and more. There are also festive Hanukkah drink pouches available from this shop, which are great to have on hand for game night. Plus, you can bring your own game idea to life via the shop's website form, if that’s more your speed.

Best Drink: The Life of Riley Hot Buttered Rum Kit

Supporting small businesses is always a good idea, and there are plenty of fellow bar pros selling their own creative wares worthy of both gifting and keeping. For example, Youngsville, La. couple Ashley and Lon Riley offer a thoughtful range of fun bar accessories, entertaining essentials, and original cocktail kits for the holiday season and beyond. They’ve curated a dreamy Hot Buttered Rum box for an intimate, cozy holiday night in à deux, complete with small-batch Hot Buttered Rum mix, handmade mugs, and cinnamon sticks for garnishing. Keep this on hand for a snowy at-home date night or give as a gift to someone who loves rum and being cozy.

Read Next: The Best Rums

Best Stocking Stuffer: Mary Frances Fancy Drinks Face Mask

Self-expression is key when looking for a face mask. Believe it or not, “holiday cocktail face mask” doesn’t yield too many search results, but fashion entrepreneur Mary Frances does offer one of the coolest (and most functional) options out there. These masks make for a great accessory to wear while bartending, or to slip inside your fellow bartenders’ stockings.

Why Trust Liquor.com?

Wine and spirits writer Céline Bossart, a former bartender herself, loves shopping for drink-themed gifts almost as much as she enjoys receiving them. Among her best purchases are a vintage Otagiri serving tray set and a set of gossamer-thin wine glasses.