With lockdown going into week 2,345 and the spring weather beckoning, most of us have been doing a lot more porch and patio sitting and taking and long walks in the neighborhood. The latter also means blowing through that stash of Mardi Gras throw cups in the kitchen cabinet. There are times when an Iris or even a red Solo cup does the trick, but other times, I personally want something cute or, dare I say it, a tad more fashionable for that crisp Pinot Grigio (“garnished” with a couple of ice cubes, but that can be our secret).
Posh Pick: I first spied Sym Glass stemware at White’s Mercantile on Magazine Street. It’s one of the newest locations throughout the South of the charming retail shops by Holly Williams (daughter of Hank Williams, Jr.). This glass-free, BPA-free, polymer stemware is shatter-proof, reduces condensation and keeps the temperature of your beverage (hot or cold) while you sip it. Microwave and dishwasher safe, the durable polymer ensures that whether poolside or to-go, the last thing you have to worry about is careful handling of your new go-to go-cup. You might as well grab a set of the pint glasses while you’re at it, because you have to have something to put those gin and tonics in for happy hour cocktails on the porch.
Form and Function: On the lower end of the pricing scale, we have an adorable New Orleans-themed set of acrylic wine glasses gifted by my husband a few years ago. He got them at Phina on Magazine Street, which no longer carries this particular style, but this colorful float set is fun. These Martini Freeze cooling cups also caught my eye.
Traditional Charm: The Basketry in Luling is a go-to of mine for New Orleans-themed gifts. I’ll often toss in a set of the simple fleur de lis acrylic stemless wine glasses to complete a basket, but you can buy them without a basket, too.
(Note: A version of this piece originally published in New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles magazine.)
