Shaken and styled...

I firmly believe that one of the worst things to happen to modern society was the disappearance of cocktail hour. I cannot imagine anything more civilised than coming home for work and having a dedicated hour to sip a cocktail and chat with the Boyfriend. Being a traditionalist, I've always preferred a tin-and-cup shaker but this Alessi Chiringuito cocktail shaker (£88) is unbelievably elegant. The person that owns this shaker probably speaks at least three languages (one of them Russian) and can bake a perfect souffle as well as having point-perfect aim when they practice firing their antique pistols. It'd make a wonderful present for a bartender.