Vintage Cocktail Caddies make outdoor drinks portable and chic
Monday, May 9, 2011 at 7:00AM | Christine Sisson - Interiors 
As we approach Memorial Day - the official gateway to summer - evenings spent on porches, patios and rooftop decks are beacons in the not-too-distant horizon. What is it about a warm night and some fireflies that make sangria, margaritas and Pimm’s Cups taste that much better?
When I think outdoor glassware, the thick-walled, colorful acrylic variety comes to mind. And not that the pool-side standby doesn’t work, but why not bring the indoors out? Stylish vintage tumblers, highballs and rocks glasses in caddies are the chic answer to portability. Popular in the 50s and 60s, these often funky glassware sets have atomic-age graphics, geometric shapes, Tiki details, and metallic, frosted or etched details. The caddies themselves, typically made of wire, make transporting cold drinks—or even just a few beer bottles—a breeze. (And when summer is over, the glass-and-caddy sets can tote pens and paintbrushes or any number of things.) Some even include space for an ice bucket or carafe.
I have a glorious green set at home that was a wedding gift, procured at a flea market by friends who obviously know my taste. But what I’ve found interesting is how these sets are rarely produced today. Modern-day retailers, quick to pick-up on Mad Men-spawned trends, have not started turning out glass sets with carriers. So get thee to flea markets, Etsy, Ruby Lane and specialty vintage barware stores like Bar Keepers (why don't I live in Silverlake?) and start dreaming up Tom Collins-inspired concoctions. Below are some styles to get you inspired. Cheers!
Southern Belle glasses - $48 on Etsy
Floral tumblers and wire rack - $24 on Ruby Lane
Gilded Grecian Highball Glasses - from V and M
Striped glass set - $62 on Etsy
Siesta Ware glass set - $30 on Ruby Lane
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Interior Decorating and Design by Christine Sisson |
2 Comments | in products 
Reader Comments (2)
A tumbler caddy is such a great idea for outdoor entertaining and I agree you always see the plastic ones every where but these pictured are some real beauties. I expecially love the Ruby Lane ones. Gorgeous!
I've got a 90th birthday theme party that these would be perfect for. Each decade is represented: The 1920s: The Booze; The 1930s and 1940s: The Music; The 1950s: The Soda Fountain; The 1960s: The Food; The 1970s and 1980s: The Lighting; The 1990s: The Dessert; The 2000s: The Party Favor. You can see how perfect the caddy would be for the party.