The Ultimate Cocktail Hour

Replacements, Ltd is turning 40, and we’re putting on a celebration worthy of the company’s trove of pretty silver, crystal, and china, starting with essentials for the Ultimate Cocktail Hour
outdoor bar, cocktail hour

Gardenia topiaries, tropical leaves, and fruit decorate an outdoor bar well-outfitted for cocktail hour. Event design by Elaine Griffin, photography by Julia Lynn from Living Floral  by Margot Shaw (Rizzoli, 2019).

In 1981, Bob Page decided to turn his love for scouting flea markets into a business. The filing system? A recipe box filled with customers’ wish list items on 3×5 index cards. From those modest beginnings, the company, Replacements, Ltd, has become the go-to source for everything from vintage silver and crystal patterns to that missing piece in the heirloom china inherited from your grandmother. And now that it’s turning the big 4-0, we’re celebrating in kind.

In honor of the 40th anniversary, Flower has partnered with Replacements to host a four-week virtual party, and all lovers of china, silver, and crystal are invited to join. Each week, we will focus on 10 essentials for a different occasion, all handpicked by our style editor Amanda Smith Fowler. Welcome to Week 1, the Ultimate Cocktail Hour, and come back soon for our next installment.

The Ultimate Cocktail Hour Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Replacements, Ltd

Click the arrows to see what Amanda chose. Shop these selections and more at replacements.com

Replacements Ltd 40th Anniversary – silver and crystal barware for the Ultimate Cocktail Hour; trio of antique silver water pitchers

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.

Silver Punch Bowl & Cups

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

Replacements Ltd 40th Anniversary – barware for the Ultimate Cocktail Hour; assorted bar glasses from Replacements

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.
See Flower's recipe collection of refreshing beverages for signature drink ideas.
crystal martini glass and silver shaker

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."

crystal ice bucket and silver ice serving tongs

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.

Replacements Ltd 40th Anniversary – barware for the Ultimate Cocktail Hour; Silver bottle opener and corkscrew

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.

silver centerpiece

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.

crystal champagne bucket

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."

Replacements Ltd 40th Anniversary – barware for the Ultimate Cocktail Hour; silver tray trimmed in a Greek Key pattern from Replacements Ltd

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.

a trio of crystal decanters from Replacements

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.

Produced by Amanda Smith Fowler and Terri Robertson

Sponsored by Replacements, Ltd.

Replacements Ltd 40th Anniversary logo