Newsday, October 7, 2007

SHOPPING FOR... Crystal Barware
As told to Laurie Squire

The expert: Bryan Batt, veteran Broadway and TV actor (currently seen on AMC's hot series "Mad Men," Thursdays at 10 p.m.). Batt and his partner own New Orleans home furnishings boutique Hazelnut. "I'm a native of New Orleans, the city that gave the world jazz, Creole cuisine and, most importantly, the cocktail!"

The product: crystal barware

What I want: Elegantly masculine tumblers and double old-fashioned, or rocks, glasses are quintessential. If you can imagine it in Gregory Peck or Cary Grant's grasp, you're on the right track.

I must have: Classic Baccarat leaded French crystal tumblers, like the Harmonie pattern, which has a good weight and simple vertical cuts -- one may feel like Dionysus holding the base of a column! Velum's Byzantine -- fine Italian crystal featuring a perfectly shaped decanter, double old-fashioned and traditional highball glasses -- the epitome of neo-classical elegance. Each piece is crowned with a 24k gold Greek-key border.

What I hate: More than cheap plastic at a serious cocktail party? I loathe anything of beauty being kept in a closet or cabinet. Take it out, use it, enjoy it -- that's what it was designed and created for! If it breaks, so what -- it's just a thing.

Savvy shopper: Just that when you get your fine crystal, be sure to hand wash it the morning after.

My pick: Union Street Glass makes some beautiful cocktail vessels (the Savannah pattern includes highball glasses, $60, and double old-fashioneds, $55, Adrien Linford, Manhattan).

Next best thing: If your eyes and your mind are open, you may find your next favorite barware at Target (classic cobalt-blue martini glasses, six for $29.99). A chic bar is essential. If it feels right, it is right. If it looks right, it is right. And acquiring a tasteful as well as unique collection is the best part. Cheers!