Whether you're planning a lavish soirée or an intimate gathering, every successful event is more than the sum of its parts. In my view, however, you simply can't host a cocktail party without punch – and if you're worried that it feels a little kitsch, allow me to introduce you to Instagram's viral punch bowl ice wreaths.
I've been eagerly trying out recipes like these to help me nail holiday hosting this year, and I have to say that elevated ice cubes really are the key to show-stopping drinks. Just like my favorite Christmas morning mimosa hack, which involves freezing orange slices in gorgeous rose petal shapes, the punch bowl trick produces a spectacular wreath-shaped ice 'cube' that you can add directly to your punch. The secret is in something you might already have in your baking stash – a bundt tin. I love using a particularly elaborate option like the Nordic Ware kaleidoscope bundt pan, and placing the ice wreath straight into my Hatch punch bowl from Crate & Barrel.
The beauty of this hack is that it's totally customizable – and since it only requires a bundt pan, you can easily try it out, even if your home bar setup isn't stocked with luxe cocktail essentials.
I love that you can use a variety of bundt pans to create different wreath shapes (though you can also pick up specially-designed ice trays like Williams Sonoma's snowflake punch bowl molds), and you can add a range of finishing touches, too. Just make sure your bundt pan isn't filled to the brim with water, and top off with decorative additions. I'd use thinly sliced oranges alongside rosemary sprigs and a handful of cranberries or pomegranate arils, to create a colorful, festive look.
The wreath is best left to freeze overnight. Once it sets, you can display it in your favorite bowl before pouring in your punch (or batch-mixed cocktail) of choice. A cut glass bowl will complete the look; lately, I'm loving vintage-inspired options like Pottery Barn's antique cut punch bowl and the Juliska Graham footed bowl (Bloomingdale's). Any large bowl will work, however – you can even go for a statement look with pieces like Anthropologie's etched glass serve bowl.
No matter which pan and bowl you choose, the ice wreath hack guarantees a show-stopping addition to your holiday drinks. I'd even give it a spot on my Christmas day menu, with a batch-prepped sloe gin and pomegranate cocktail.
Shop Everything You Need to Make an Ice Wreath Punch Bowl
The metallic accents and star motifs on this serve bowl make it particularly perfect for a Christmas or New Year's Eve party. I think the gold pedestal base is so elegant.
Nordic Ware is one of our favorite affordable cookware brands here at Homes & Gardens, and I think this bundt pan is a real gem. The angular star pattern will produce a show-stopping ice wreath.
Channel the amber glassware trend with these gorgeous tumblers. Think country grandmother-inspired tableware with a dash of old-world elegance.
Bring some timeless charm to your setup with this antique-inspired ladle. I love the intricate moldings and classic gold finish.
If you prefer an understated piece to a colorful or patterned alternative, I'd go for this punch bowl. It's simple, sleek and utterly timeless – and you can even use it year-round as a fruit bowl.
If you're looking for a simple and budget-friendly bundt pan, I'd say this one is a brilliant choice. It boasts a classic silhouette that will create the perfect ice wreath.
Want to perfect your parties this holiday season? Check out our ultimate Christmas hosting guide for more tips and tricks.
