Vintage Chrome Mesh Ice Bucket in Red with Silver Bow

A proper party piece for the drinks trolley. This mid century ice bucket pairs a chrome lattice frame with a bright red liner, finished with a silver bow on the front and a cherry red knob on the lid, so it looks dressed for the occasion before a single cube goes in. The red glows through the mesh in a soft rosy shade, while the pierced bands at the top and base catch the light.

Ice buckets like this were a fixture of the British home bar in the 1950s and 60s, when entertaining meant cocktails on a tray and something cheerful in the middle of it. The lid is engraved with swirling roses and scrolls, the wire swing handle folds down neatly at the side, and the whole piece stands on three little curved feet. It measures 17 cm high by 13 cm in diameter and weighs 380 g, a handy size for drinks for four or a well stocked bar cart.

The red plastic liner lifts out for washing, which makes it easy to keep fresh. The chrome shows the gentle wear of plenty of parties, with some light spotting and softening to the shine on the lid, all shown in the photographs, and the overall look is bright and charming.

Use it as intended with a bottle of something fizzy close by, or give it a second life holding wrapped sweets at Christmas, cotton wool on a dressing table or pegs in a utility room. It looks brilliant beside striped paper straws, cut glass tumblers and a stack of cocktail napkins, and makes a fun present for anyone who loves to host. We think it would pair beautifully with retro glassware for a drinks trolley that feels like the start of a good evening.