Whether it's Thanksgiving, the Holiday Season, New Years or any other get-together, one common factor rises to the surface of each social event -- a well-prepared and presented drink. From Nutcracker Sweets to Slippery Santa Shots and everything in between, ‘tis always the season to serve up some joy, merriment and warmth. And what better way to serve ‘em up than with beautifully crafted crystal stemware, prepared with luxurious platinum and sterling silver barware accessories?

There’s more to a well-mixed drink than the alcoholic contents -- I know, hard to believe. But, owning just the right barware items and accessories will not only make your bartending tasks silky smooth, your cocktail creations will come to life in gorgeous glassware and contemporary accessories. Your guests will not only appreciate your effort, they’ll enjoy their holiday indulgence that much more.

Below are a mix of barware and accessories from some of the finest designers that will appeal to your drink-making skills and to your senses. Make your holiday get-together the one they’ll really remember -- or at least they won’t forget the Nambe twist cocktail shaker you used to create that killer Cherry Mint Martini.

Note: All amounts are in U.S. dollars.

Molo Design float liqueur glasses
Serve your guests works of art. With Molo Design float liqueur glasses (between $69.99 and $179.99) you can display your alcohol like never before. It features a suspended bowl encased in a cylindrical tube of glass; this ultra-modern collection of glassware will give the illusion of light within the glass as beads of condensation gather at the belly of the bowl. These original pieces can be used to serve both hot and cold drinks in pure style.

Michael C. Fina champagne bucket
It’s true: Italians do it better. Show off your bottle of choice with a prestigious Michael C. Fina silver-plated champagne bucket ($350). Classically regal, this bucket is more than functional -- it’s a statement. A company rooted in family history and still run by the Fina family, Michael C. Fina’s barware is the ideal accessory to the holiday season. From the subtle, ribbed detail along the rim to the smooth, slopping handles, this bucket is truly a work of art. Forget chilling the bottle in the fridge; show it off a little with an elegant and sophisticated champagne bucket.

Gucci ice trays
Forget fruit-shaped, rainbow-colored, plastic ice-cube trays. It’s time to show them how stylish ice cubes really can be with the Gucci ice tray. Made of pliable rubber, this fashion-forward ice tray ($90) features 10 signature Gucci “G”s to add to your favorite cocktail. Make ice the ultimate accessory at your get-togethers and holiday celebrations. Trays are available in black or white and ejecting the molded ice cubes is a breeze. Don’t deny your guests the Gucci influence and make sure to add a little runway to their Chocolate Mint Baileys.

Macho decanters by Kosta Boda
It is said you should never judge a book by its cover. Well, the rules are about to change. With Kosta Boda’s line of Macho decanters, you’ll want to judge the drink by the decanter. Like the three wise men, each bottle from this line of decanters may stand alone or fit perfectly together as a set. Both aesthetically pleasing and artistically designed, the shape and colors are unique. Cut crystal and traditional decanter designs are a thing of the past with Kosta Boda’s forward-thinking, fun-loving designs. While stunning as a set, the Macho decanters are purchased separately (approximately $235).

Nambe twist cocktail shaker
Shake things up a bit next time you invite the gang over for a drink; introduce them to the smooth, modern lines of the Nambe twist cocktail shaker ($145). Elegantly designed, this teardrop-shaped shaker is more than a work of art; it’s a well-engineered martini shaker crafted from thermal-retentive Nambe metal. You’ll not only be the host with the most while using this contemporary shaker, you’ll be named master barman as the pre-chilled Nambe metal will help cool the cocktail concoction as you mix.

Metro coasters by Neil Cohen
Coasters are a definite must-have during the holiday season. Guests always manage to leave something behind after a visit; don’t let that something be a horrendous ring on your mahogany coffee table. Make a statement with your coasters and indulge in Neil Cohen’s Nambe Metro coasters ($75 for a set of four). Chic and contemporary, these table-savers are made of both Nambe metal and Acacia wood. It really is possible to be stylishly sensible. You won’t be hounding your guests to use the coasters; just make sure you have enough for everyone as they’re sure to impress.