Cocktail parties can be a dazzling affair, but they don't always require an elaborate setup. To designer Bryan Graybill, cocktail hour offers a precious opportunity to unwind and indulge, particularly during the holiday season. In his view, 'good glassware, real linen, and a decent spirit' is all you need to perfect your home bar – and it all starts with a classic set of Nick and Nora glasses.
The style is named after the suave detective couple in The Thin Man, a 1933 novel by Samuel Dashiell Hammett. The silhouette, however, is instantly recognisable: gently curved like a wine glass, but slightly taller. You can find brilliantly affordable options like the 8oz Nick and Nora glasses at Crate & Barrel, which are just $10 each, or Williams Sonoma's vintage etched Nick and Nora glasses – a subtly-embellished alternative.
I'll admit that I'm usually swayed by more whimsical designs (like the floral-stemmed Ichendorf Botanica wine glasses or the iridescent Jupiter martini glasses), but although sculptural glassware makes for a visually impressive home bar idea, it isn't always practical. To Graybill, a design like the Nick and Nora glass is 'the perfect martini vessel' since it strikes the balance between elegance and practicality – which is crucial when you're entertaining a crowd.
Yet the beauty of a luxe cocktail essential like this one really comes down to simplicity. Nick and Nora glasses are elevated enough for a more formal gathering, but they're also an ideal choice for a quick sundowner or an everyday tipple. As Graybill notes, 'it’s not about staging perfection; it’s about staging comfort.'
Below, you'll find a selection of Nick and Nora glasses – whether you're after the classic look or you feel like leaning into something more unexpected.
Shop Nick and Nora Glasses
Simple and traditional, this set of Nick and Nora glasses is the perfect way to refresh your home bar – and serve a winning martini. Graybill prefers his ice-cold, with 'a thin lemon twist like a ribbon'.
Add a pop of color to your bar cart with these vibrant Nick and Nora glasses. Etched and painted by hand, they're a real statement piece – and they're ideal for the festive season, too.
Sleek and textured, these glasses are a more unique alternative to the classic Nick and Nora design. Complete your setup with a crystal mixing glass like this one from Viski.
Bring some retro charm to your bar cart with these etched Nick and Nora glasses. The geometric pattern is eye-catching and yet satisfyingly minimalist.
This Nick and Nora glass might be an investment piece, but it's certainly one-of-a-kind. Sculptural but sturdy, it's utterly unique – and the aquamarine shade is gorgeous.
For a contemporary take on Nick and Nora glassware, try this option from Zara Home, which is cheerfully adorned with a tiny green octopus. It's sure to be a talking point among your guests.
Looking for more tips on how to host a cocktail party? Bryan Graybill isn't just an expert on glassware, but canapes, too: his charcuterie formula is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
