Raise a Glass...

A little inspiration for cocktail hour.

Set out the good glasses.

Cocktail hour deserves a bit of ceremony, even when the guest list consists of a few friends gathered around the kitchen island. We've recently fallen for a set of six champagne glasses with jewel-colored bases—each one a different color, so nobody has to remember where they left their drink.

They're wonderful for Champagne and Prosecco, of course, but we'd happily put a French 75, Bellini or any sufficiently celebratory cocktail in one.

Which brings us to the books.

Our shelves currently offer a rather appealing way to drink your way around the world without leaving home. Chicago Cocktails, Paris Cocktails and London Cocktails each collect more than 100 recipes inspired by their respective destinations, along with the stories and drinking traditions that give each place its particular flavor.

Start in Chicago. Spend the next evening in Paris. Then head for London.

We can't promise the jet lag will be quite as convincing.

The books are especially good gifts for hosts, newlyweds, new homeowners and anyone who takes cocktail hour seriously—or would like to start.

Pair one with our set of six colored champagne glasses and you've essentially assembled a party in a gift bag.

All that's missing is the toast.

Cheers!

Find the cocktail books and colored champagne glasses at Clever Girl.