ice bucket

Giving everyone their own bottle of champagne at a New Year's party, or any party, is a cute idea, but not necessarily a classy one if you're aiming for an elegant evening. A stylish substitute is to give everyone his or her own champagne bottle candle, perhaps tucked into a miniature ice bucket. These little bottles are $10 each and stand 7.75" high. Until you notice the small gold wick extending from the top, they look just like real, albeit small, bottles of bubbly. The WSS Champagne Bucket is $60. It stands 4" high and perfect for holding one of these champagne candles, although it could be used for other decorative displays or even for serving snacks at a party.

This set of frosted glasses (4) and matching ice bucket looks to have been carved from ice, and although they were not, that is the only way that they could be more environmentally friendly than they are. The glass is recycled and is processed with an electric furnace powered with wind energy. Designed by Andi Kovel, the pieces are all handmade in Portland. Price: $987

If you're interested in glassware that will really make a statement, the Black Cut Crystal Glassware collection from Williams-Sonoma Home might be the perfect thing. To make the pattern, black crystal is layered over clear crystal, then gently cut away to create the unique, oval-banded pattern. It makes a stunning presentation of liquors, though red wines and red cocktails look particularly elegant against the black. Each piece in the set is sold separately, but the collection includes white and red wineglasses, champagne flutes, martini glasses, aperitif glasses, highballs and double old-fashioneds. Prices: $30-$38 for glasses; $150 for decanter, ice bucket.