If you’ve been to a great bar recently, you’ve probably been pleasantly overwhelmed by the variety of chic new cocktails popping up everywhere. From the spicy jalepeno margarita to updated classics like the Manhattan, sipping the perfect cocktail is a special experience. Even if you’re no mixologist, every home bar should be appointed with basic pieces that make entertaining a breeze.

Double old fashioned and highball glasses are used for almost any cocktail or fine liquor you can think of and are an absolute must for the at-home bartender.

Stemware is, of course, another must for wine enthusiasts and those who love to entertain.

A good bartender is never without the proper tools.

Beautiful pitchers and decanters are a great way to add elegance to your bar.

Don’t forget other important basics that can complete your barware collection.

For endless inspiration in your mixology ventures, American Bar from Graphic Image is a comprehensive guide to the perfect bar.

Finally, once you’ve assembled the perfect bar, show it off in style on a classic bar cart.

Discover more barware and entertaining must-haves at GraciousStyle.com.

The L’Objet Pour Fortuny collection of dinnerware and accessories is a beautiful line inspired by the creative minds behind Fortuny.

Known around the world for their richly colored and patterned fabrics, the Italian company is the work of designer Mariano Fortuny.

First a painter, then an etcher, a sculptor, a photographer, an architect and inventor, today’s narrow definition of artist cannot adequately describe Mariano Fortuny. He was truly a Renaissance man who made his own photographic paper, bound his own books, and designed his own lamps and furniture. – Fortuny.com

In the spring of 2011, L’Objet designer Elad Yifrach spent ten days in Venice visiting the Fortuny archives and library.

The resulting collection, L’Objet pour Fortuny, is a unique and colorful blend of time-honored artistry and modern craftsmanship.

View the Fortuny Dinnerware collection here.

Of all the British customs, afternoon tea is one of our favorites.  It’s a perfect time to unwind: not as rushed as lunch, and never as serious as dinner.  Plus, you get to have sweets, savories, and drinks, all in miniature portions, so you can really have one of each.  Enjoy!

[prw username=”graciousstyle” boardname=”afternoon-tea” maxfeeds=”30″ divname=”myList” printtext=”0″ target=”newwindow” useenclosures=”yes” thumbwidth=”200″ thumbheight=”200″ showfollow=”medium”]

For more inspiration, follow our Afternoon Tea board on Pinterest.

Started in 1995 by Rhode Island School of Design graduate David Reiss, Match creates high-quality modern pewter wares using centuries-old methods in Northern Italy.  Match places value on true craft and artisanship, so their fine pewter pieces look equally at home in a Golden Age Dutch still life as on a contemporary wood dining table.

Match Convivio dinnerware has a rustic pewter edge with a clean, bright porcelain center that stands out from the rest of the dinnerware crowd.

Their lavish pewter frames, like those in the Lombardia collection, remind us of old Hollywood, but with a touch of modern simplicity.

Wine glasses from Match are perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a feast for one hundred. They can be easily dressed up or down for any tablescape. The Crystal wine glass is refined, yet not ostentatious.

Match also makes beautiful flatware and napkin rings to accessorize the dining table. Gabriella Flatware is stunning and Round Napkin Rings complement it well.

Find more from Match on our website.

Has this ever happened to you? You set a beautiful table for your dinner party. Your table linens are stunning, your dinnerware is bright and colorful, even your stemware and silverware sparkle. But when it’s time to serve the meal, you’re forced to choose between setting out plain, boring baking dishes or spending time transferring your entrees to fancy serving bowls. Then you have to wash BOTH.

That doesn’t sound like our idea of a fun evening, so we were thrilled to discover Skyros Designs. They create beautiful, functional bakeware pieces that are full of color and style.

With deep, rich colors and elegant details, this bakeware let you create, freeze, bake and serve, all in one dish. The matching dinnerware pieces are also microwave and dishwasher safe. These dishes are sturdy enough to withstand daily use, and beautiful enough to be on display in your kitchen.

Fewer dishes used means fewer dishes to wash. And that means more time for you to spend relaxing and enjoying the company of your guests.

See all of the latest patterns from Skyros Designs here.

Anna Weatherley is introducing three new dinnerware patterns for 2013. Featuring her signature, nature-inspired themes of flowers and butterflies, these lovely patterns are just perfect for spring and summer entertaining.

Butterfly Blue features a scattering of whimsical butterflies and other bugs with a blue border.

Butterfly Green features a green border.

Butterfly Floral features butterflies fluttering around Anna Weatherley’s signature florals.

Anna Weatherley’s designs are based on botanical sketches from the 18th century as well as Dutch still-life paintings. At home, we find her pieces look just as good on our tables as they do on our walls. View all of our Anna Weatherley dinnerware.

This golden table setting is perfect for the holidays, including New Year’s Eve! It would also be just gorgeous for an awards dinner or an Oscar party.

Here’s how to get the look:

J.L. Coquet’s Hemisphere Gold dinnerware provides a sparkling dinner plate and bread & butter plate.

Raynaud’s Tresor dinnerware in brown is a lovely accent with the charger and coffee cup & saucer.

An amber wine goblet from Varga’s Imperial collection is a stunning complement.

We think this gold handled flatware from Herdmar would look great on this table!

Skyros Designs loves combining form with function which is clearly evident in the Legado dinnerware collection. Molded in a fine, thin, durable stoneware, this engraved monogrammed dinnerware will become a family heirloom – it’s a wonderful gift for brides.

The salad plate, mug, and oval platter are available with or without an engraved initial. All letters are available except for Q, X and Z. The monogrammed pieces are all kept in stock, so you don’t have to wait weeks for them to be customized.

As functional as it is lovely, Legado pieces are freezer, oven (to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), microwave & dishwasher safe.

It may not be spring yet, but we wouldn’t know it from this lush table setting. The rich colors and butterfly accents are a great antidote for January blahs.

Here’s how to get the look:

Sleek, elegant, and not a floral pattern in sight – this stunning table setting is perfect for a modern home or event.

Here’s how to get the look: