Picnics And Cocktails At Alfies

With spring in the air and summer on its way; it's time to dust off the picnic baskets and bring out the cocktail sets.

Late 19th century, houses on landscape. Oil on canvas. Offered by Robert McKoy Fine Arts

The first record of an alcoholic cocktail dates back to 1806, appearing in the May 13th edition of 'The Balance And Columbian Repository', published in Hudson, New York. The question had been asked: "What is a cocktail?" to which the editor Harry Croswell replied:

"Cock-tail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters. It is vulgarly called bittered sling, and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, in as much as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that if fuddles the head. It is said, also to be of great use to a democratic candidate: because a person, having swallowed a glass of it, is ready to swallow anything else."

At Alfies we offer a wide selection of vintage collectables to make for a very special picnic and cocktail hour. Why not make this bank holiday weekend a cocktail weekend?

1930s Dunhill travelling cocktail set. Offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Victorian to Art Deco champagne coupe cocktail glasses. Offered by Robinson Antiques

Landers Frary & Clara silver plated 1920s cocktail shaker, made in the USA. Offered by W & L Antiques

Adolph Scott silver cocktail sticks, Birmingham 1927. Offered by Goldsmith & Perris

Selection of Art Deco cocktail accessories and silverware. Offered by Robinson Antiques

Art deco Piper Heidsieck silver plated Champagne bucket dated 1969. Offered by Travers Antiques

Duck ice bucket by Mauro Manetti 1970s. Offered by Louise Verber Antiques

 Complete 1950s picnic set. Offered by Eclectic Antiques & Contemporary

A selection of vintage cocktail stirrers. Offered by Renato

 

Flower Power

We love this time of year when the flowers are in full bloom and the delightful pops of colour puts a smile on our faces. In the urban landscape of London, gardens can be hard to come by, however every May we can look forward to the Chelsea Flower Show which kicks off from 9 until 23 May. This event has been held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London every year since 1913 (apart from the war years) and is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society which was founded in 1804.

In the lead up to the Chelsea Flower show, why not get inspired at Alfies, we have lots of pretty floral pieces and antique garden tools......

A selection of  early 20th century garden tools, offered by Paola & Iaia - The Originals

15ct gold, turquoise and pearl Edwardian necklace, offered by Gareth Brooks

Floral micro mosaic Italian frame, offered by Hayman & Hayman

1930s Newhall floral plate, offered by Beth

1930s Celluloid Floral Bangle, offered by Carole Collier

Davenport vase, floral pattern. c1890, offered by Janes Antiques