Gear: Punch Bowls

Equal parts centerpiece and gathering point, a beautiful—and amply filled—punch bowl is a beacon of hospitality, encouraging guests to fill their cups and drop their cares. In our November/December Holiday Issue, we celebrate the season with punch recipes both modern and historic. But you’ll need a serving vessel, and with as many styles as possible recipes, a proper punch bowl can exemplify the mood of a celebration, from chic and sophisticated to warm and welcoming. Here are a few of our favorites.

Cocktail Kingdom x David Wondrich Punch Bowl

A collaboration between Cocktail Kingdom and the foremost authority on punch, David Wondrich, this 2-gallon stoneware bowl highlights punch’s historic roots with an interior decal of Thomas Rowlandson’s 1795 tinted etching “The Pretty Barr Maid” and a playful invocation from an 18th-century song lining the interior rim: “You may talk of brisk claret, sing praises of sherry … But you must drink punch if you mean to be merry.” $74.99, cocktailkingdom.com

Échasse Bowl

From Copenhagen-based designer Theresa Rand, the Échasse Bowl stands as a chic centerpiece atop its dainty brass legs (échasse means “stilts” in French). The smoked glass bowl measures 11.6 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches high, and when not proffering punch, it still makes for an elegant objet d’art. $390, menudesignshop.com

Falcon Enamelware Bowl

Made from porcelain fused onto heavy gauge steel, the enamelware from historical makers Falcon is both attractive and extra durable. Their colorful, multi-use bowls measure 12 inches in diameter and 5 inches deep, elevated on a 6-inch wide pedestal. As a bonus, the enamelware is oven-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe for ultimate ease of use. $98, us.falconenamelware.com

Farmhouse Pottery Large Trunk Bowl

Inspired by the rings and natural shape of a tree trunk, the Trunk Bowl is thrown by hand on a potter’s wheel at Vermont-based Farmhouse Pottery. Holding up to 4 quarts of liquid, the durable glazed stoneware bowl is oven-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe. $225, augustgeorges.com

Hawkins New York Essential Serving Bowl

From home goods design brand Hawkins New York, their Essential Serving Bowl makes the perfect multi-purpose, punch-and-snacks receptacle. Measuring just over 10 inches by 5 inches, the durable stoneware bowls are crafted in eight gorgeous earth tones, all at a price that makes it easy to purchase several for all your party needs. $54, hawkinsnewyork.com

Kartell Jellies Bowl

Inspired by the molds once used to make decorative jellies, this bowl from Italian design company Kartell is made from food-safe thermoplastic polymer, making for an unbreakable option with the aesthetic appeal of crystal. Available in three colors or clear, the festive bowl measures 12.6 by 5.5 inches. $185, 2modern.com

MATCH Pewter Punch Bowl

The northern Italian pewter artisans at MATCH not only create their designs based on classic European forms, but often use original antiques to make their cast molds. As a result, pieces like this 3-gallon pewter punch bowl look as if they could have been lifted directly from the table of a medieval feast complete with a roast boar and drinks consumed from goblets. $1,206, westontable.com

Viski Raye Heavy Base Punch Bowl

With a modern shape, sturdy construction, and clean, minimal design, this 2 1/2-gallon footed punch bowl from Seattle-based glass and barware company Viski is as chic as it is economical. Pull it out for any occasion and save your money for the booze. $84.99, viski.com

Waterford Lismore Diamond Footed Centerpiece Bowl

Reflecting the mastery of 200-plus years of crystal making, the Lismore Diamond Footed Centerpiece Bowl from House of Waterford is the embodiment of opulence. Handmade by the company’s master artisans in Waterford, Ireland, the 12-inch cut crystal bowl shimmers with an intricate diamond pattern, elevating it to family heirloom status. $1,500, waterford.com